She smiled, reaching over to cup his chin in her free hand. “You’re kind of dreamy, you know that?”
“I’d do anything to make you smile.”
He leaned close to kiss her, but couldn’t help but think about how untrue his words were. If he were a better man, he’d never walk away from this woman. He’d spend the rest of his life tryingto make her happy. Instead, he was cursed with ambition, which would not let him free, no matter how much he loved a woman.
And, yeah. He loved her.
5
MAUVE
After they left the Christmas market, Jason drove them to dinner at Mia’s restaurant, La Danza. They’d been there together last Christmas for the gala, where they’d had quite the dramatic evening. But all had ended well, and now Reese and Roan were happily married. That night, however, they’d all been scared to death when Roan didn’t show up on time. Turns out the poor man had been walking through a snowstorm to show up for the woman he loved. What would that feel like? To have someone love you so much they were willing to risk their life so they didn’t disappoint you? She might never know.
Jason held the door as they entered the main dining room of La Danza. Warmth enveloped her, as did scents of garlic and herbs. Mia’s traditional Italian menu was the finest Mauve had ever had, but she didn’t come in often, as it was pricey for just a weekly night out. However, Jason had suggested dinner at the nicest place in town, so who was she to argue? If Jason Hayes wanted to woo her for a month, she would let him. If only he didn’t have to leave. She pushed that thought aside, determined to stay in the moment. She would only have memories by the beginning of the year.
The hostess looked up from her stand to greet them.
“Mr. Hayes. Miss Callahan. Mia said to put you at six.”
Mauve smiled as they made their way to their table. Christmas was alive and well here at La Danza. Exposed beams overhead were wrapped in garland, and a large tree twinkled from one corner. Candlelight flickered off the cream linens. A string version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” drifted from the speakers, soft enough that the murmur of conversation didn’t have to compete with it.
Table six was tucked near the window, half-screened by a potted evergreen strung with white lights. Jason pulled out her chair.
Once they were settled with menus, Mauve looked across the table at Jason. He looked handsome in a black sweater and a pair of dark denim jeans. He always looked handsome, but tonight he looked especially good.
“This is nice,” Mauve said. “Thank you.”
“It is.” Jason reached across the table and took Mauve’s hand, turning it over in his, tracing the line across her palm with his thumb, making her heart thump harder.
A server brought them each a glass of prosecco and small mushroom tarts. Mauve lifted her glass. “To day two.”
“Day two.”
Mia came out of the kitchen in her chef’s coat with her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and headed toward their table. “Welcome,” Mia said, smiling. “I was excited to see your names on the guest list tonight.”
“We’re excited to be here,” Mauve said.
“This time of year is hectic, but Christmas is such fun in Sugarville,” Mia said.
“We went out to the Christmas fair at Max’s store,” Jason said. “And worked up an appetite.”
“You’re in the right place,” Mia said. “Will I see you at the ugly sweater party?”
“We haven’t talked about it yet,” Jason said. “But I’m hoping Mauve will be my date.”
Mauve knew about the ugly sweater party from Reese. It was a Hayes family tradition started by Max. Everyone tried to outdo one another for the worst sweater. She’d not been invited, obviously, as it was more of a family get together. But she would love to attend with Jason, should he ask her, that is.
“May I suggest our fixed menu tonight?” Mia asked.
“Absolutely,” Mauve said. “I love surprises.”
“Excellent. I hope you’ll enjoy it,” Mia said. “I’ll see you both next week.”
They thanked her, and she left them to greet guests at other tables.
Jason gestured toward the tarts. “Would you like to try one?”
“Absolutely.” She popped the bite size appetizer into her mouth. The flaky crust melted on her tongue as the nutty flavor of the mushrooms tickled her tastebuds. “Oh my goodness, that is good.”
