Page 29 of Christmas in Quincy (The Edens 0.50)

I laughed. “It is very tiny.”

My flight here had required three stops. One from California to Salt Lake, then Salt Lake to Missoula. The last leg to Quincy had been on a propeller plane and I’d gripped my armrest the entire time. Thirty minutes had felt like three hours.

I waved a hand toward The Eloise. “I like that the tallest building downtown is the hotel.”

It stood proud as the focal point on the street, yet it was a pebble compared to the snow-covered mountains in the distance. On the wall that faced our way, a large wreath decorated the brick façade.

Garlands draped over Main Street, glittering in the bright light. Each of the stores we’d passed had a festive window display. Even the offices that were closed seemed full of the holiday spirit.

“This is how Christmas is supposed to be,” I said

. “Festive but peaceful.”

“Agreed.” Austin nodded.

“That might be the first thing we’ve ever agreed on. And this is definitely the longest conversation we’ve ever had.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.”

“What about all the days I was at the bakery getting the security up to snuff?”

“Talking about cameras and exit protocol is not a conversation.” I held up a hand before he could argue. “It’s okay. I know you don’t like me. I just hope that we can get along while we’re here.”

“It’s not that I don’t like you, Cleo.”

“Sure it is.” I shrugged, pretending like the truth didn’t hurt. “But I appreciate your dedication to my father and our family. Especially when that means you have to put up with me.”

“That’s not—” Austin raked a hand through his hair and hesitated. Maybe he wanted to lie, to tell me that I wasn’t a huge pain in his ass. But we both knew it would be a lie, so in predictable Austin form, he simply stayed quiet.

“I think I’m going to head inside.” I pointed to the hotel. Despite my coat and the sunshine, the warmth from my cider had worn off and the cold had seeped into my bones.

“I’m going to head to the gas station down the block. Buy a few toiletries. Are you going to be in the room?”

“Actually, I’m going to hang out in the lobby. Maybe read on my phone by the fire.”

“Please don’t run off. Text me if you change plans.”

“I will,” I promised.

“Then I’ll see you in a bit.” With a nod, he turned and strode down the street.

Austin’s long legs ate up the sidewalk, and with his hands in his coat pockets, his shoulders looked broader than ever.

Don’t look at his ass. I looked. How was I supposed to resist a quick peek? Ogling Austin’s perfectly sculpted behind was my Christmas Eve present to myself.

Luckily, he didn’t notice. He was too busy putting half the town of Quincy between us.

Ugh. This stupid crush. The sad part was, no matter how much he insulted me or how many times I was forced to throw something at his head, I didn’t want the crush to end. I hadn’t met a man worth taking Austin’s place in my fantasies. Even if he was sometimes a jerk and always a grouch, he was still the dream.

With a sigh, I trudged inside. The hotel lobby was warm and inviting, but with every step, I felt more and more like I was in the wrong place. The right thing to do for Austin would be to pack my things and get him home for Christmas Eve.

I walked to one of the couches, plopping down in front of the fireplace, and took the phone from my purse to search for flights. There was one. The last flight from Quincy to Los Angeles was scheduled to leave in ten minutes. We’d never make it.

But what if we drove to a bigger town? I checked flight options from Missoula. The last left at eight this evening. It was a two-hour drive and the flight would get us home after midnight, but he’d be home for Christmas Day. If we left within the next hour, we could make it.

I surged off the couch and gathered my things, jogging toward the elevator. It took forever for the car to return to the lobby. Hurry up. Hurry up. Finally, it chimed and I stepped inside, hitting the button for floor four. The doors had never closed slower. The ride up was agonizing.