AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Always,” he says.
He turns to me and takes my hand, threading his fingers through mine. I look down the hall and don’t see anyone watching us, but I’m sure someone will be talking about this tomorrow.
“Last night was fun,” he says, grinning. “Hated to say goodnight though.”
He puts his hands on my waist and leans in for a kiss. Right as his lips touch mine, his phone rings. I step back and he tugs on my hand, trying to hold me in place.
“Do you need to get that?”
He looks at his phone and when it rings again, he sends me an apologetic look and answers it.
“Blake, hi. I’m good. How areyou—how’s it looking over there today?” His thumb traces over my knuckles, and even that slight touch makes my pulse quicken. “I’m glad to hear it—really glad you’re up and running again…oh, well, let me see if we can make that work. Can I call you right back? All right. You too. Thanks, Blake.”
He hangs up and pulls me close again, leaning his forehead on mine. “I shouldn’t have answered that. I just didn’t want you to think I ignore the good people of Landmark.”
I try to hold back my laugh, but I’m too happy to keep it in.
“Well, I’m glad to know you’re taking your job as the owner of Landmark Mountain Lodge so seriously…” My voice is playful as I’m saying it, but there’s something about the words being out there that makes it sink in, and I realize that I mean it.
I’m actually glad he’s here, glad he’s part of this place.
His eyes are hopeful, like he can tell what I’m thinking.
“Yeah?” he asks.
I nod. “You’re doing a good job, Jamison. Better than good, really.”
His hand brushes across my cheek and dives into my hair, his gaze never leaving mine.
“I had no idea how much I needed to hear you say that,” he says.
He kisses me then. A slow, sweet, take-my-breath-away kiss that’s over way too soon.
Someone calls his name and he pulls back, dazed.
“Why must I do such a good job again?” he asks, making me laugh.
He turns and Albert sticks his head out of his office.
“There you are,” Albert says. “Oh, hi, Scarlett.”
I can tell by the way his cheeks turn pink as he smiles at a point somewhere over my shoulder that Vera told him ALL the dirt.
“Hi, Albert.”
“Did Blake get in touch with you?” he asks Jamison.
“Yes.” Jamison points at him. “Thank you. I almost forgot.” He pivots to me. “Would you and Grinny like to try again with Tiptop…tonight? Your brothers are welcome to come. Blake says the heater issue is taken care of and he’s not opening the restaurant until tomorrow, but he’d still love to cook for us tonight while my family is still in town.”
“I’m not sure my brothers could all swing it on such short notice, but I’ll see who’s free.”
He steps in closer and my body hums. “And when my family has to go back, I’d like to take you on a date, just you and me.”
I get lost in his eyes, only interrupted by the sound of Albert gulping hard and then getting something stuck in his throat, coughing as he tries to sneak away.
“Thanks, Albert,” Jamison calls, his eyes laughing as he keeps watching me.
“Uh, sure, sure thing,” Albert says.
