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Christmas in Lakeview Harbor

Page 29

by Samantha Chase

Alesha huffed out a quiet laugh. “I wasn’t going anywhere.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

“That’s because I’m not opening my eyes to check.”

She smiled. “Smart man.”

His hand slid slightly along her arm, like he was making sure she was still there. “I’m learning.”

A comfortable silence settled between them, light and easy and exactly what she needed after the night before.

“So,” she said after a moment, keeping her tone deliberately casual, “what’s on the agenda today?”

“Nothing,” he replied immediately.

She blinked. “Nothing?”

“Absolutely nothing,” he confirmed. “We’re staying right here.”

“Tempting,” she said, glancing toward the window. “But I feel like at some point we should be productive members of society.”

He groaned softly. “Why would you say something like that this early in the morning?”

“Because some of us have responsibilities.”

“Not today, we don’t.”

She shifted onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. “That sounds suspiciously like avoidance.”

“Or,” he countered, finally cracking one eye open to look at her, “it sounds like a well-thought-out plan to enjoy a perfectly good Sunday.”

Alesha turned her head to meet his gaze, and there it was again—that serene smile, the one that made everything feel simple.

“Fine,” she said. “But if we’re doing nothing, we should at least have snacks.”

“Now you’re speaking my language.”

“I’m serious. I’m not committing to a full day of laziness without proper food.”

He propped himself up on one elbow, studying her. “You sound very passionate about this.”

“Snacks are important.”

“Noted.”

She smiled, and for a moment, she wished all decisions were this easy.

“So,” he said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, “what are we thinking? Pancakes? Waffles? Something equally unnecessary but delicious?”

“All of the above,” she said without hesitation.

He laughed softly. “Ambitious.”

“I have high expectations.”

“Good,” he said, his voice dipping just slightly as he looked at her. “I like that.”