Page 47 of Deck the Hauls

I picked up another candle. It smelled like Christmas, with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger and molasses—not unlike the gingerbread cookies we’d been nibbling on.

“She’ll adore this one.” I waved the candle under Dana’s nose.

“Christmassy,” Dana said, with the tone of someone who was not a candle person.

Another scent caught my eye. Christmas Tree Farm. Okay, I had to smell that one.

I brought it to my face and inhaled. The scent of fir, mixed with woody undertones, transported me amongst the Christmas trees with Dana. “This one smells incredible as well,” I exclaimed, handing it to Dana. “And it’s called Christmas Tree Farm. How could I resist?”

Dana nodded. “That actually does smell like a fir. I don’t mind that one.”

I suspected that was the highest praise a candle could get from Dana.

It would be a nice reminder of my time in Sapphire Springs. I glanced at the price list. They weren’t anywhere near as pricey as the snow globes. And they offered a discount if you bought two or more… Screw it.

“I’ll have these two, thanks.” I handed the candles to the woman with a smile.

“Thanks so much for the company,” I said as we walked toward the exit. “I just want to point out that you haven’t complained once about the Christmas music or decorations. Is this a sign you’re feeling a little more inclined to Christmas?”

I winced after the words were out of my mouth. Had that been insensitive, given there was clearly some trauma behind her dislike of Christmas?

“Just because I haven’t complained doesn’t mean I haven’t been suffering in silence,” Dana replied, the corner of her mouth twitching.

I laughed, exhaling.

“But really, I’m fine,” Dana said. “In fact, I’m having a surprisingly pleasant time. Must be the company.”

Dana’s gaze caught mine and my heart jumped. Was Dana flirting with me? My cheeks heated. Probably just being friendly.

I took a welcome breath of cool air as we stepped outside into the late-afternoon light and stopped at the spot just outside the barn door where I’d agreed to meet the photographer.

I looked at Dana and my heart squeezed. We had no plans to see each other again.

“Hey, do you ever visit New York? I’d love to stay friends.”

Dana swapped the bag with the cheeseboard to her other hand. “I don’t get down there often, but I’ll definitely reach out if I’m in town. Any chance you’ll be coming back to Sapphire Springs?”

“I’d love to return for a weekend to hang out with you all and also show Lucia at some point. I think she’ll adore Sapphire Springs.”

“Well, I’d be very happy to help show her around.” Dana’s cheeks were flushed. It was probably the cold air.

How soon was too soon to schedule the visit? I didn’t want to come on too strong. But the thought of not seeing Dana again…

“Hey,” I said, standing taller, “we’re having a party to celebrate the end of filming on Wednesday night. Given your role as Grumpy Waitress and your scriptwriting assistance, I think it’s only fair you should attend. That is, if you’d like to?”

Dana could be my purely platonic plus-one. I looked at Dana as my stomach fizzed. Purely platonic.

Dana bit her lip, not saying anything.

I rushed on. “I’ll see if we can get invites for everyone else. I mean, Roz and Olivia should definitely be there given it’s their farm and George and Hannah let us film at Novel Gossip. I’ll tell Charles that Blake provided important medical care when I hurt myself and I’m sure he’ll be happy for her and Jenny to attend too.”

Dana began to nod slowly. “Yeah... Yeah, that’d be nice.” And then she grinned.

We were standing so close to each other, I could see the golden-brown flecks in her eyes and her long dark lashes that framed them perfectly.

If I leaned forward and kissed her, would she kiss me back?

Adrenaline pumped through my veins at the thought. Don’t be ridiculous. We’re just friends.