Chapter Thirty-Three
Clara was puttering in the kitchen, singing along toIt Came Upon a Midnight Clear, trying out new cookie recipes when Zane returned the next day. Tempted though she was to rush to him when he called to her from the front entry, she stayed where she was.
“In the kitchen, Zane.” She rolled her cookie dough thinner. She was cutting out gingerbread men for the guests to decorate that afternoon.
“Clara, hi.” Zane leaned against the counter where she worked, his face toward her. “I missed you.”
She turned her head away to hide a smile and to keep from kissing him. Slow and steady, don’t rush him. Make him do the work. “Nice to have you back.”
After her family left yesterday, she’d spent her time puttering around the inn, planning her strategy to see if Zane and her would work out. She had no idea why he’d gone to the city or why he was back, so she’d take it slow and see how things played out. See if he explained himself without too much prodding.
“How was your trip? Were the roads okay?” She cut a few cookies and transferred them to a baking sheet. Zane leaned in to steal a pinch of raw dough. Dang. He smelled better than fresh cookies.
“Roads were good, but the trip was boring. Nobody to talk to. I should have asked you to come along. Sorry I left so abruptly.”
“I couldn’t have gone with you. I have an inn to run. My life is here, in Coyote Creek. Did you get whatever you needed to do done?” The formality of the conversation was killing her. She was half tempted to abandon her plan and throw herself into his arms. Now that she’d decided she wanted a future with him, she couldn’t wait to get started.
“I suppose so. Who’s the best realtor in town? I’m looking for a place to rent for a few months.”
Her jaw dropped open and she snapped it shut. He was moving here. For a few months at least? When had that happened? What had he been doing in the city? “Realtor? I don’t know,” She responded. “All the inn’s paperwork went through a law office, no realtor needed. Maybe Riley can suggest someone, he’s lived here all his life.” She had to know what his plans were, so she asked, “Do you have an investigation in the area? Will you be working here?”
“Actually, no. I’ve resigned. I’ve grown tired of work being one disaster after another. I loved the puzzles, but not the cost to humanity the failures wrought. I’m ready for something more positive. I’ve given my notice, though I agreed to consult on occasion if they need it. I’m looking to start a new career. Here. I’ve given up my lease on my apartment and I’m having my stuff shipped out in the new year.”
“Congratulations on following your dream. I didn’t know you were disillusioned about work. It has to be tough to change your life path.” She kept her voice level to hide the giddiness racing through her veins.
He was moving to Coyote Creek. He’d be living here. Close to her. That was one worry taken off her list. Now she had to determine if he was as interested in her as she was in him. How in the world did she do that?
“The decision was easier than I expected.” Certainty rang in his voice.
“Oh?” The single word came out as a whisper as she turned to look him in the eye for the first time since he returned. “Why’s that?”
“Several reasons. I’ve decided I like the quiet here, and the slower pace. I like seeing familiar faces when I shop or go to the library to work. But mostly, I like knowing I’ll see your smile every morning when I come down the stairs.”
Heat suffused her face and she stared out the window, avoiding his gaze.How did he plan to do that if he moved out?
He cupped her chin and turned her face back toward him. “I don’t know what I said to frighten you the other night. Whatever it was, I am sorry. Sorrier than I can express. But I’m not sorry for this.” He swooped in and captured her mouth with his.
The soft, firm pressure of his lips stole her breath, and she gasped. His tongue snuck inside her mouth to meet hers. Someone whimpered. Her knees went weak and threatened to buckle. She clutched his shoulders for support and leaned into him, deepening their contact. The world around her disappeared as her eyes drifted shut. Her heart thundered in her chest.
This, right here, was where she belonged. In his arms. There was more than passion in his kiss, she almost swore she felt his love pouring through. She poured hers back at him, praying he’d hear the unspoken words. Eventually, he broke the kiss.
Panting, she rested her forehead against his chest. His lips brushed her hair. “I love you Clara Everett and I’m moving here for you. For us. Tell me there’s a chance you’ll date me. Please.”
She gazed up at him, caught by the storm of emotions in his eyes. “Yes, Zane Ryder, I will date you. Tonight, you may take me out to dinner, and then we’ll watch the Nutcracker. I have a video of the full ballet. Tomorrow night, we’re going caroling with my family. Those can be our first dates.”
“Caroling? Really? I’m a terrible singer. You know that, right?” He chuckled. “I could play my guitar. It’s in the truck. I’m not bad at strumming carols.”
“Singing or guitar, I don’t care. It’s a family event. If we’re going to date, you must get used to my family. All ten million of them.” She waggled a finger under his nose in warning.
He caught her finger in his mouth and nibbled the tip. “Yes, Miss Clara. I will get to know your family and I will sing with you. I do have a question.”
“Okay. I’m not sure I want to hear it but go ahead.”
“You are an only child, as am I, but your extended family is enormous. Where do you see your own family, once we, I mean you, get married?” He looked away.
“I see myself with a house full of kids. Six or seven. Like my aunt and uncle.”
Zane choked and she laughed. “Okay kidding. But more than one for sure. Maybe four. I’m planning on playing it by ear, taking life as it comes. No more sweating over the little things.”
He roared with laughter. “Only you would think seven kids are the little things. You’re going to be the death of me.”
“Deal with it, city boy. Life’s different in a small town.”
