She sighs, looking disappointed in me, but not surprised. “We have to paint a sleigh? I didn’t see that noted anywhere, and you haven’t mentioned it.”
“When I dropped it in the inn’s event barn to store it because the person whowasstoring it bought himself a project car and needed the space, I noticed it was looking a bit shabby, but I didn’t write it down.”
“Wouldn’t it make more sense to park your SUV outside and put the sleigh in here, since you’re always here?”
“It makes perfect sense until somebody calls 9-1-1 and it takes me ten minutes to scrape the snow and ice off my windows.”
“Good point.” She nods, conceding the point. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
She’s reverted back to that attitude of brisk efficiency that rubbed me the wrong way the day I met her, but it’s even worse now. Now I know she’s brisk and efficient, but she’s also funny and warm and kisses like she means it.
Once we’re on the road, I turn up the radio so the Christmas music can mask the awkward silence between us. I’m not sure how to break through it, and I’m considering whether she actuallywantsto talk about the kiss, but can’t bring herself to initiate the conversation when she bursts into laughter.
“Did you see those inflatables?” she asks me, turning in her seat in an effort to see them again through the back window.
“I did.”
“Be honest. The townhasto get complaints.”
“Oh, they do. Mostly from the homeowner. He’s a bit of a cantankerous sort and after he’s barked at the neighborhood kids for being too loud or cutting across his yard, he wakes up to find his inflatable reindeer in compromising positions.”
I love the way her laughter fills the vehicle, drowning out the radio. “Why doesn’t he get rid of the reindeer, then? He could find Christmas decorations that aren’t so easy to make into inflatable orgies.”
“I’m not sure anybody’s asked him that, but it’s a good question. He’s stubborn, maybe? He likes having a reason to complain?”
Laughing together seems to have dispelled the awkward cloud hovering over us, and we talk about fair business as we cruise Main Street. It takes us a few passes because we can only drive so slowly without annoying other drivers and the amount of slush makes walking an unappealing option.
“I think the spot where the candy cane maze is going is the only trouble spot,” I say once we’ve covered everything. “My dad and his buddies will take care of the sled runs. They do it every year, and we’re already talked about it twice this morning.”
“Oh look, there’s a parking spot right in front of the General Store, and my cup is empty.”
I have to brake a little suddenly to pull into the spot, but it’s worth it when Whitney gives me a smile that’ll keep me warm for the rest of the day. Of course, we can’t just grab two coffees and run. Beth’s in a mood to chat, and every time there’s a lull and I think I can lure Whitney away, somebody comes in and strikes up a conversation with me.
By the time I get her back in the SUV, she’s well-caffeinated, but already checking the time on her smartwatch. And when I make the right turn onto my street, she’s scowling at her phone screen. It looks like an email app at a quick glance.
“Everything okay?” I ask as I pull into my driveway.
“I think so. I’m expecting some documents from the office and I haven’t received them yet. Probably holiday-itis.” She looks up, her phone screen going dark with a click. “Whose house is this?”
“Mine.”
“Oh.” She leans forward, trying to get a better look through the windshield. “You said it was near the fire station, but you’re almost close enough to walk. It’s cute.”
Cute.It’s probably her way of saying it’s small, which it is. A small two-story Cape with a detached garage, both with light gray siding and white trim. It’s simple, as is the landscaping, but I’m surrounded by trees and it has a nice porch.
“I got a good deal on it, and it checked all the boxes. Quiet road, but still close to town and work. Not in need oftoomuch fixing up. And it got me out from under my parents’ roof.”
She looks at me thoughtfully, her head tilted. “I guess this is where I ask nosy, personal questions.”
The way she wrinkles her nose makes me smile. “I thought I was in a serious relationship when I bought it. I probably should have guessed by her lack of interest in the process thatshedidn’tthink our relationship was that serious. And I guess I haven’t gotten that far in a relationship since. How about you? Have you lived with anybody?”
“Nope. Where’s the paint?”
I let her get away with the abrupt subject change because sitting in my vehicle, talking about past partners, is not how I want to spend my time with Whitney. “It’s in the garage, but I’ll unlock the house if you want, since you’re on your second coffee.”
She laughs. “Second coffee since I left the inn, so that would be great, actually.”
I unlock the front door and let her know there’s a half-bath and laundry room by the back door. I’m not worried about her wandering around the house. It’s neat and a little on the spartan side, and I don’t have anything stashed away that I wouldn’t want her to find if she goes snooping.
