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But those were still the same couches, chairs, and tables that had been there when she was a teenager. The fireplace remained the same, too. How many nights had they all sat around, playing games on that very coffee table while the fire roared in front of them?
Her gaze finally landed on the French doors that led out to the deck. They were on the opposite end of the living room from where she stood. That had been a favorite place for the Snow family, as well. Christian and his younger brothers would hang out there sometimes, especially when they had dates.
Maybe Christian was out there now. She could at least track him down and ask if he knew where Landon was. Of course, she could pull her phone out of her pocket and text him, but what fun would that be? She was hoping to find Landon with Christian so she didn’t have to explain to Christian why she was looking for the set consultant.
The blinds were closed, as Christian liked them, so she couldn’t see what was out there until she actually pulled open the door and peeked through the crack. Sure enough, someone was sitting in the rocking chair just to the right of the door. And that someone was Landon.
Audrie pulled the door open a little more and looked around. He was out here alone. He held a coffee mug. This late in the day she assumed it was tea, but it could be coffee. Some people drank caffeine in the afternoon to stay awake a little later.
“Hi,” she whispered as she squeezed through the door and closed it quietly behind her. “They’re shooting in there, so I’ve been creeping around.”
“That’s why I’m out here,” he said. “The whole ‘quiet on the set’ thing gets old.”
She laughed and stepped forward a little, crossing her arms over her chest and looking out over the lake. “It’s beautiful out here. Always has been. This is my favorite part of the house.”
“Mine, too.” Landon hesitated a moment before speaking again. “I haven’t seen anything but the living room, kitchen, and this, though.”
“I could give you a tour once they’re finished shooting,” she said. “The Christmas stuff is a little…weird, but I don’t think they’ve gotten past the living room and out here with it yet.”
“Christian doesn’t want anyone in any of the other rooms without his permission.”
Audrie rolled her eyes and looked over at him. “Christian is a softy. You just have to ask nicely. He’ll do anything you want.”
“Anythingyouwant.” He chuckled. “I don’t quite have your charm.”
Was he saying she had charm? She liked the sound of that. It was a borderline compliment. She’d take it.
“So, I guess we’re supposed to go looking for Christmas cards?” she asked.
“Yes, is there a place in town?”
She shook her head. “Not in this town. But I know just the place. I already called to check. She’s holding some for us.”
That brought a smile to Landon’s face. “Now you have me intrigued.”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” She looked back over her shoulder. “We can’t go back through the house without disrupting the set, but there are steps.” She pointed over to the right.
He looked in that direction. “I forgot those were over there.” The words came back at her, but she couldn’t see his face because he was looking in that direction.
“I probably should put this inside.” Landon lifted the coffee mug.
She shook her head. “You can just set it on the railing. Somebody will grab it. You don’t want to go back in there right now.”
After a quick glance behind him at the door, he nodded. “You’re right. Too much stress, trying to be quiet.”
He stayed seated while she walked around him toward the steps. As she started down them, she heard him behind her, his boots creaking on the floorboards of the old deck. Once again, she found herself dealing with self-consciousness, knowing he was behind her. She had to be careful not to fall down these steps.
“Is this staircase checked out regularly?” Landon asked.
Audrie looked down, suddenly mistrusting the very steps she ran up and down throughout her childhood without question. “I’m sure he takes a look at them every now and then. Christian is pretty good that way.” But she slowed her steps and gripped the railing a little tighter, just in case.
Somehow, she made it all the way down and across the precarious terrain without making a fool of herself. It occurred to her just before she hit the flatter land next to the house that if she did fall, maybe he’d pick her up and carry her. She could put her arms around his neck and hold on.
Maybe falling wouldn’t have been such a bad thing.
“There’s a problem,” Landon said once they were on Christian’s front lawn.
Audrie slowed at those two words and turned to look at him, letting him catch up with her. They began walking side by side.
