AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He remembered her name. After two encounters, she guessed that was normal. One man she dated called her Helen. How hard was the name Heather? “Allen, our newest member in town.”
He laughed. “Perfect memory.”
She swallowed. “Are you always free with the compliments or do you have a thing for women who run into you?”
He lowered his gaze for a second but resumed eye contact. “You speak your mind I see.”
“I don’t know any other way to be. Life’s too short to hold everything inside.”
He nodded in apparent agreement. “In that case, no.”
“No what?”
“No, I’m not free with compliments.”
“So you’re a flirt?”
He chuckled. “You weren’t kidding. You’re bold.”
“You didn’t answer my question.” Heather fiddled with her necklace. There was no way a total stranger had her asking him personal questions. Yet, this Allen Richards had her undivided attention.
“I don’t know how to answer that. You definitely know how to catch a man off guard.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I think it’s a simple answer. You’re talking to me for some reason aren’t you?”
Allen cleared his throat. “With me still new in town, you’re the first familiar face I’ve seen since I got here. My cousin hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Sorry. I don’t mean to come across—”
“It’s okay. I like it.” His eyes widened slightly, and his lips parted. As if he realized what he just said, his mouth closed.
She grinned at his response. Did she make him nervous? “So… having fun so far? I mean besides me spilling your drink.”
His eyes roamed around the large living space. Christmas lights and garland decked the Sawyer’s living area, while their ten-foot tree stood as the focal point of the party. Heather loved the décor, only teasing others, saying it was too much.
Allen’s shrugged his shoulders. “I am, but this is a lot of Christmas decorations.”
“You like Christmas right? You have to since you’re here.”
“It’s okay.”
Heather’s jaw dropped. “Okay? This town goes all out for the holidays, especially Christmas.”
“I just don’t go overboard when it comes to decorating.”
“What do you do?”
“Call a few family members and say ‘Merry Christmas.’” His jaw slackened. “Not too many fond memories.”
“Heather!” Morgan Sawyer pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you came!” She rocked her back and forth before releasing her.
“Merry Christmas,” Heather said.
Morgan took her hand and faced Allen. Giving him a smile, she kissed his cheek. “I’m going to steal Heather away. Do you mind Allen?”
“Well, I—”
Morgan waved away his response. “You’ll see her again. It’s a small town remember.” She led Heather towards the kitchen area.
