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"I wouldn't dream of interrupting you or your company," Holly said stiffly. The last thing she needed was to be a third wheel at an intimate table for two, no matter how cold and hungry she was. Maybe she could get her meal 'to go'.
"Oh no, I'm not expecting anyone," he corrected. "Look, it's a table for two and there's a spare seat."
Holly hesitated, still unsure, but the waiter chose that moment to appear with her meal, and her stomach gurgled embarrassingly loudly in response.
"Please, stay and enjoy your meal." The man gestured to the empty seat, and Holly relented. It had been a long day and she'd been looking forward to a hot meal; plus, it was here now, and she didn't want to waste it. Sitting back down, she tried to ignore the prickling of nerves in her stomach at being so close to the stranger who had been so unfriendly to her moments before.
"Thank you," she said, her voice a little unsteady. "I'll make sure to be out of your hair as soon as I'm done."
The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and it transformed his stern features. He wasn't traditionally handsome like Jaxon, but there was a ruggedness to him that was appealing. "I assure you, it’s not a problem,” he told her, but she suspected he was just being polite.
His own meal was delivered to the table, though she’d never seen him order, and as they began to eat, Holly found herself relaxing a little. The food was delicious, steam rising from the plate and filling her nose with the scent of roasted vegetables and rich gravy. She savored each bite, closing her eyes in pleasure.
The man across from her was quiet, but she could feel his eyes on her. It was a little unnerving, but Holly didn't let it bother her. The warmth from the food was spreading through her body, and for the first time all day, some of her tension left her.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For sharing your table with me. And please don't blame Jaxon. I'm sure he acted in good faith."
The man, who still hadn't introduced himself, and didn't appear as if he was going to, cocked an eyebrow and gave her a look she couldn't quite decipher.
But all he said was, "It’s likely he wasn't expecting me to turn up tonight. I had an important event out of town, which was supposed to continue into the evening."
Holly bit her lip. "I just don't want him to get into trouble."
There was an odd smirk on the man’s face like she'd said something funny, but he just nodded and didn't say anything, instead choosing to continue eating in silence. Holly appreciated that he wasn't trying to fill the space with small talk. In fact, she found that being in his company was surprisingly comforting. She didn't have to feel awkward eating alone, but neither did she feel any pressure to make conversation.
As they ate, Holly couldn't help but notice the expensive quality of his clothing. He wore a fitted suit, tailored to perfection, and a pale gray tie that matched the color of his eyes. It seemed kind of out of place for the Christmas village, and it made her wonder what he did for a living, but she didn't pry. He was throwing off enough ‘don’t bug me’ vibes that she knew he wouldn’t appreciate it.
"Dessert?" he asked after both of their plates had been cleared away.
Holly checked her watch and sighed. “As much as I’d like that, I still have to find some accommodation for tonight.”
“You don’t have anywhere booked?” he asked, eying her with open concern.
Holly dragged her fingers through her hair. “I thought I did,” she told him honestly, too tired to try and find excuses. “I’d pre-paid for two full weeks at the Winter Lodge, but it turns out my ex canceled it without telling me… way back in September, before we even split up.” She shook her head and rose from her seat. “Sorry, I’m venting. I guess I’m still rather angry, and now it’s getting late.”
That was an understatement.
He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again, shook his head, and gave her a tight smile. “Well, good luck with that. I need to make a move myself.”
With that, he got up, gave her a polite nod, and left.
Holly looked after him, slightly nonplussed, then waved over the waiter and asked him for the bill.
“That’s already been taken care of, ma’am,” he said, much to her surprise.
Who had paid for her meal? The man she’d dined with? That seemed unlikely. Maybe Jaxon had comped her.
“I see. Thank you. And perhaps you could extend my thanks to Jaxon for his hospitality. I appreciate it.”
She made her way toward the door but had barely taken a few steps down the street before there was a flurry of footsteps behind her.
“Holly…” She turned at the call of her name to find Jaxon hurrying towards her.
CHAPTER FOUR
"I'm glad I caught you. I just wanted to apologize. I didn't realize Kris was going to be in tonight. I hope he didn't make you uncomfortable." Jaxon rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. "He's not always the most indulgent of people."
Holly gave him a small smile. "It's alright. It was actually nice to have someone to share a meal with, even if he wasn't the friendliest person at first."
