“You know there’s nothing wrong with your shape, right? You’re fit and strong. You can work the whole day beside me.”
“I’m too…” She gestured vaguely, unable to believe she was having this discussion with a man, let alone the one she was attracted to. “I’m too curvy.” Would the earth just open up and swallow her whole already?
“I don’t know about other men, but I like curves. Stop fretting over nothing.”
She took him at his word and set aside her concern. She’d eat and enjoy it and she’d have dessert, too. She’d earned it, and even if she hadn’t, she wanted it.
“Can I ask you a question?” She rested her fork on the edge of her plate.
“Sure, anything.”
“I know about your family, but do you really hate Christmas? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.” He was silent for so long she knew she’d offended him. He stared out the window, watching a dog chasing a stick.
“I don’t hate it, exactly. I just don’t see what the fuss is all about. Everyone spends hordes of money they don’t have to buy gifts people don’t want, need, or even like. I don’t understand it.”
“But it’s not like that at all.” She swallowed her sadness at the pain in his voice. “It’s about love and caring. It’s an extra time to show the people you love how much you care.” She gestured wildly with her hands, eager to change his mind.
“Gifts aren’t meant to be random. If you love someone, you get to know what they like, or what they need and won’t buy themselves. There’s joy in searching for and finding the perfect gift.”
“But what about all this?” He waved at the Christmas tree in the corner and festive centerpieces on the tables. “It’s only the end of November and Christmas has exploded everywhere. Why?”
“People love the holidays; I adore the decorations. They’re bright and shiny. They make me smile. Why so early? For the early shopper, or the one who’s just setting up their first tree. For the people who have to mail gifts halfway around the world. And in here? Cassie’s hosts corporate Christmas parties in November. A lot of companies celebrate early, to take the pressure off families in December.”
He looked thoughtful, so she pressed on.
“Come on. Admit it. It’s pretty and cheerful.” She leaned in and smelled the rich pine and cedar scent of the greenery on the table. “It smells delicious. Go ahead, take a sniff.” The cedar reminded her of Jesse’s scent and brought a smile to her face.
He bent over and inhaled deeply. “It smells like the forest. I guess that’s not so bad.”
“And the sparkling decorations are pretty, right?” She was pushing her luck but she wanted to show him why she loved the season so much.
“Fine,” he said grudgingly. “They’re nice.”
She let the subject drop, satisfied because maybe, just maybe, she’d opened his heart a little. “So, how about dessert?”
“Are you going to be able to work after all that? After the huge drink, the meal and dessert?”
“You better believe it.” She patted her tummy. “I’m as fit as a fiddle and ready to play.” And more than just a little bit thrilled over her small victory. “Want to share the mile-high chocolate cake?”
“I think I’m good, but go ahead.”
She ordered the cake with two forks and passed one to him, insisting he try just one bite.
They lingered over dessert and coffee and a discussion of her plans for the store. She talked too much but didn’t care. She was bursting with enthusiasm and he was a great listener.
They argued over the bill and he gave in gracefully when she reminded him, she’d promised to feed him as he worked. She slipped her hand into his on the way back to the truck and smiled all the way to the shop.
Later, she laughed as they danced with their paint rollers to a classic rock station until they dropped, exhausted and breathless onto the floor.
It was the best day she’d had in years.
Chapter Eleven
Hailey was at loose ends. After their late night of painting, Jesse wasn’t coming in, he was home, working on the shelving they’d hang the next day. Serena had the day off and she was alone in the store. It was pathetic. She should be happy about being busy, but she wanted to be working on the expansion, not dealing with customers.
Business had picked up; people were curious about the renovations and the advertising campaign she’d started was kicking in. She wiggled her way between boxes of new stock in the storage room, in search of a case of register tape.
She hadn’t done more than take a quick peek at all the shipments. She paused to stare at the piles, her heart thrumming with anticipation. The reality of the expansion was pressing in and she was caught in the giddy place between panic and excitement. This grand opening better come off without a hitch.
