He scratched the back of his head, and his eyes darted around the room, looking anywhere but at me.
“Yeah, I know I was jerk about the idea when you first brought it up. I was still salty you were here. It’s a great plan, and I want to help.”
“Well, if you’re sure, I’d love some help.” I smiled at him.
“I am,” he said, finally meeting my gaze. “When did you want to go?”
I glanced around the empty lobby. It was noon, so any guests checking out had already done so, and check-in wasn’t until three.
“Bev did say she could take over the front desk today.”
“Great. Text her.”
* * *
Slammingthe door to Giles's truck, I was instantly transported back to my first day here when he took me shopping.
He was so closed off and I was so desperate to be liked. Now he was giving me snowboarding lessons and letting me talk him into Karaoke. I bit back a smile at the memory.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, staring at me.
“Just your amazing singing voice.”
“Oh god.” He rolled his eyes and turned away from me. “Please never bring that up again.”
I laughed. “Why not? You were actually pretty good.”
“Just like you were actually pretty good at snowboarding?” He raised his eyebrows.
My mouth hung open. I tried to look offended, but I couldn’t keep the laughter out of my voice. “Hey, give me a break. It was my first time.”
He chuckled. “I’m just messing with you. I was impressed.”
“You better be.”
Leaning forward, I fiddled with the radio. After scrolling through a few stations playing commercials, I came across one of my favorite Christmas songs and turned it up to sing along.
Giles hit the power button and glared at me.
“It’s not even Thanksgiving yet. No Christmas music in my car.”
“But it’s snowy,” I whined. “I’ve never listened to Christmas music with an actual snowy backdrop.”
“I don’t care. It’s too early.”
“Please?” I pleaded and gave him my best puppy dog eyes.
He glanced at me and rolled his eyes.
“Fine. But just one song.”
“Yay,” I cheered and pushed the power button.
My one song turned into five.
Giles pretended to look pained, but the corner of his lip tugged up as he snuck glances at me, singing along. He still refused to join in despite my best efforts.
The mountains whizzed by on the scenic highway between towns. Giles exited and pulled into the parking lot for the hardware store.
