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“I hadn’t thought of that, but maybe.” I had an entirely different reason for wanting to go to the marina, and since we weren’t going to Orlando today, it would work out perfectly.
I went downstairs to make us coffee and called Alfred. “I know I said we wouldn’t be around today—”
“Everything is ready. We were able to appease Poseidon with your champagne last night. The lads have been busy as Santa’s elves this morning, preparing the rest.”
“Thank you, Alfred. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“I chided you enough for waiting. Now, I know why you did.”
I ended the call seconds before Calla joined me in the kitchen.
“Alfred said she’s ready.”
“Great. Did you ask him if he needed help?”
“He would’ve said no even if he did. Better to show up and volunteer.”
“What time is dinner served?” she asked.
“I think it’s an all-day kind of thing.”
Calla put her arms around my waist. “You were fibbing about your kitchen. I think it’s nicer than mine.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s definitely bigger. I’m thinking I’d like to give it a whirl. See if it lives up to my expectations.”
“If you’re suggesting breakfast—especially if pancakes are involved—I’m all in. Wait. I don’t have buttermilk.”
“Do you have butter?”
I nodded.
“Cream?”
I opened the fridge. “Will regular milk work?”
She came up behind me and put her arms around my waist. “Do you have any idea how many times I wanted to do this when we were in the Adirondacks?”
I turned in her arms. “Make breakfast?”
“This.” Calla put her hands on my bare chest. “And this.” She kissed the hollow of my neck, then up the side of it and across my cheek to my lips.
I lifted her in my arms and moved her far enough away that I could close the refrigerator door, then put my hands on either side of her face.
“You wanted to kiss me?” I asked.
She smiled and nodded. “Especially when I walked into the kitchen and found you shirtless.”
“Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to, uh, hide my attraction to you?”
She chuckled. “I’d say I know exactly howhardit was.”
“I don’t know whether to be mortified or flattered. I also don’t understand why you never said anything.”
“Be flattered, and the timing wasn’t right. Now, it is.”
We didn’t arriveat the marina until mid-afternoon. By then, the restaurant and bar were both packed. Alfred, dressed in a Santa suit, came around to greet us. “Happy Christmas!” he shouted over the din of the crowd.
