He burst out laughing and helped me into his truck. “You won’t have to twist her arm for that. Half of her closet is nothing but your designs.”
“I know,” I said with a giggle. “She said it’s all she wears when she’s away at college.” I hopped in the truck, and he shut the door. My palms were sweaty, and my heart raced. It’d been so long since I’d gone out with someone who didn’t want anything from me, but yet, deep down, I wanted something from him, something real.
It was so magical driving down Snowflake Lane and looking at all the twinkling lights. I felt like a kid at Christmas, mesmerized by the beauty of it. “I bet every Christmas was amazing for you as a kid, wasn’t it?” I asked.
Colin glanced out his truck windows and then over at me. “For the most part. It takes a lot of work to keep all those Christmas lights going. When I was young, my grandparents would make me replace all the burned-out bulbs.”
“I wish my parents would’ve decorated the outside of our house. I used to be so jealous of our neighbors. They always had such cute Christmas displays.”
We turned off of Snowflake Lane and onto the darkened street. I wasn’t used to seeing everything around me pitch-black. Living in a big city, pretty much everywhere you went was lit up with some kind of streetlight. If your headlights didn’t work here, you’d be in some serious trouble.
“Why didn’t your parents ever decorate?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Probably because we were never home. They love to travel. Guess they thought taking me places all the time was what I wanted.”
“What did you want?”
Sighing, I looked out the window, and more decorated homes came into view. “I wanted to be a normal kid and wake up in my own bed Christmas morning. To smell our freshly cut Christmas tree that I helped decorate while I opened up my presents.” I looked over at him. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful. I know you probably think I have nothing to complain about since I got to see the world.”
He shook his head. “That’s not what I’m thinking at all. Traveling the world wouldn’t have made me happy. Being here and having my family traditions was what I enjoyed most.”
“And that’s exactly what I wanted,” I murmured. I’d seen so many Christmas movies and how amazing they made the holidays seem. I would never forget the memories and adventures I had with my parents over the holidays, but it wasn’t what I wanted to pass down to my family if I ever had one of my own. I wanted normal Christmas traditions with Santa Claus and a gazillion presents underneath the tree my kids helped me decorate.
We slowly approached downtown Friendship, and it looked like a winter wonderland. Wrought iron light poles lined the street, all wrapped in garland and white lights with red ribbons. A group of men and women—dressed in old-fashioned clothes—strolled up and down the street, caroling. I rolled my window down so I could hear them.
“We’re almost there,” Colin said. He pointed down one of the side streets. “There’s also a pond down that way where everyone goes to ice-skate. If you want, I can take you there. It’ll give you a chance to meet new people.”
I gasped. “Definitely not. I haven’t ice-skated in years. The last thing I want to do is make a fool of myself.”
He burst out laughing. “No worries. If you don’t want anyone watching you, you can ice-skate on the pond at the inn. Some of our guests enjoy the privacy of it.”
That sounded like a better idea. I didn’t want pictures of me falling on my butt all over the internet. “The only way I’m going out there is if I have someone to help me. Maybe Brianna will do it with me. I’d love to try it again.” I glanced at him quickly and then turned my attention to the road, silently hoping.
“If she can’t skate with you, I’ll be happy to do it. I don’t want you breaking any bones.”
Mission accomplished. Grinning wide, I turned to him. “Perfect.” We arrived at the center of downtown, which was a park with a large fountain in the middle. There were people everywhere, surrounding a very large Christmas tree.
Colin parked, and I slowly opened the door, trying not to stare at everyone else gawking at us curiously. Colin shut my door, and I cleared my throat. “I’m not going to be making any of these women mad, am I?”
Colin glanced around and smiled. “You’re good. My last girlfriend left town to pursue bigger things. She didn’t want a small-town life.” He said it so flippantly, but I could see from his face that it hurt deeper than he wanted to admit.
“I’m sorry, Colin. Believe it or not, I know what it feels like to be dumped.”
He nodded. “I know. I remember Brianna talking about your breakup after she read it in the tabloids.” Groaning, I closed my eyes and he squeezed my wrist. “Hey, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Your ex was an idiot. To this day, I haven’t watched any of the movies he’s been in.”
Opening my eyes, I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. That actually makes me feel better.”
He nodded toward one of the booths. “Good. Now how about we get some hot chocolate?”
He held out his arm, and I linked it with mine, loving how comfortable I felt with him. It was like we’d known each other for years. “Sounds yummy.”
We walked over to the booth, and an older lady with short, white hair beamed. “There you are, young man. I’ve been wondering when I was going to see your sweet face here.” She hurried around the counter and hugged him.
Chuckling, Colin hugged her back and kept his arm around her shoulders. “Mrs. Mable, I’d like you to meet Layla. She just moved into town. I’m showing her around.”
Mrs. Mable held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I shook her hand. “Likewise.”
She patted Colin’s arm. “I used to teach this one at the elementary school. One of my favorite students.”
Colin squeezed her and let go. “And she used to be my favorite teacher.”
“Thank you, dearie.” Mrs. Mable walked back around to the other side of the booth and handed us both a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows. “Seems like forever and a day ago. You kids grow up so fast.”
Colin held out his arm and I took it, my stomach fluttering the entire time.
“Take care of yourself, Mrs. Mable,” Colin said with a wave. “Tell that grandson of yours I said hello.”
She winked. “Will do.”
We walked away, and he leaned in close. “I grew up with her grandson. I haven’t seen him since he moved to Maine last year.”
I shivered just thinking about it. “Maine, yikes. I’m sure it’s colder there than here.”
“Just a little, but not much,” he replied, laughing. He nodded toward the stage that stood in front of the massive Christmas tree. “Come on, let’s see if we can get a good spot.”
Arm in arm, we strolled over to a vacant area by one of the wrought iron streetlamps. People stared at us in passing, but it was obvious they were trying to be discreet. I blew the steam off my cocoa and took a sip; it was heaven.
“What do you think?” Colin asked. When I looked up at him, he scanned the crowd. “About our town. Think you’ll be happy here?”
I took another sip of my cocoa. “Possibly. It does have its charms.” He was one of them. “I do love it here.” His gaze met mine, and I smiled. “Things seem to move a lot slower here. When I was traveling from place to place, it was hard to catch a breath.”
He looked at me as if he understood. “Are you going to continue designing, or are you giving it up for good?”
My heart ached just thinking about giving up. “I’m definitely not quitting. I just need to find some inspiration.”
“Or try something new,” he replied, finishing off his cocoa.
I did the same. “New … like what?”
With a shrug of his shoulders, he threw our cups away and gestured a hand at everything going on around us. “Breathe in the air and take a look around at everything going on. Listen to the sounds of laughter and watch the way th
e snow falls down from the sky. How does it make you feel?”
I glared at him like he’d lost his mind. “It’s cold. It makes me feel cold.”
He burst out laughing. “Think deeper than that. Do you know how many artists have found their passion for painting here?” I shook my head. “Lots,” he added. “I know you don’t paint, but it’s basically the same thing. You don’t need to see the inspiration. You just need to feel it. Find somewhere that inspires you. When you do, I have no doubt you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
Mouth gaping, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He smiled down at me again. “Why are you looking at me like you’re shocked?”
“I guess because I am. I wasn’t expecting you to say something like that.”
He smiled and shrugged it off. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Just like there’s a lot I don’t know about you, well, other than what the tabloids say.” I groaned, and he held up a hand. “Don’t worry. I don’t believe any of that mess they publish.”
“Good,” I replied, breathing a sigh of relief. “Recently, it’s been hard to deal with. My failure has been published for the world to see.” Colin nodded in understanding, but I knew he had no clue what it was really like, how suffocating being part of the media’s attention could actually be. Granted, I loved the spotlight and seeing my designs on celebrities, but there was a darker side of fame I could live without.
“What happened anyway?” he asked. “You were on top of the world, and then one day you weren’t.”
I stared into his emerald eyes and could feel myself getting lost in them. Why was it so easy to talk to him? With Colin, I could see and feel his sincerity.
“Greed can make people do despicable things.” Gaze narrowed, Colin waited for me to continue. I hadn’t spoken of what happened to anyone. “There’s another designer who I thought was my friend. We shared our ideas with each other. That was how much I trusted her. At least, I did until she stole my ideas.”
Colin growled low. “Seriously? What happened after that?”
I shrugged. “Her career took off, and I was left crushed with nowhere to turn. It was her word against mine, but she had made sure to get her collection on sale before I could. I had no way to prove that my designs were created first.”
“I’m sorry, Layla.”
Breathing in the cool, crisp air, I let it out slowly, watching the fog of my breath move in the wind. My eyes burned, so I turned away from him and focused on the crowd of people. They all seemed so happy with their carefree, genuine smiles. I wanted to be like that. “After that, I was heartbroken, and I tried coming up with a new line, but as you know, it didn’t do well. When I realized how vindictive the world really is, I had to take a step away for my own sanity.”
Colin stepped closer, and I could feel his warmth behind me. “That part of your world might be harsh and cruel, but it’s not like that here.” I wanted to believe that more than anything.
“Layla!” Brianna shouted.
Quickly, I wiped my eyes and turned toward the sound of her voice. She waved and rushed through the crowd with a woman behind her. I knew who she was just by looking at her face. Plus, I recognized her from the pictures in Colin’s cottage. Colin resembled his father while Brianna shared a lot of the same features with their mother: same build, curly brown hair, and smile.
She grabbed her mother’s arm and pulled her closer. “Mom, this is Layla. Layla this is our mother, Theresa.”
I held out my hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Colin and Brianna have been a tremendous help to me since I arrived in town.”
Theresa smiled radiantly at me. “It’s an honor to meet you too. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone famous before.” She winked over at Colin and Brianna. “My daughter’s done nothing but say good things about you.”
Brianna clutched my arm. “That’s because she’s awesome.”
Mrs. Mable called out Theresa’s name, grabbing her attention. Theresa let my hand go and sighed. “Sorry to cut this short. Make sure to come into the inn in the morning for breakfast. I can’t wait to learn more about you.”
“Sounds good.”
She hurried off toward Mrs. Mable’s booth, while Brianna backed away with a sly grin on her face. “You two have fun. I’ll catch you later.”
Colin and I glanced at each other. “She’s not very subtle, is she?”
Shaking my head, I focused on the stage, knowing my cheeks were burning. A group of what appeared to be a middle school band congregated around the stage. “Not at all.”
The mayor walked up onstage and welcomed everyone. He led the crowd in song, and I watched as the people sang a Christmas carol. After that, the band played “Silent Night,” and then the crowd counted down until the mayor flipped the switch that lit the tree. Suddenly, the park sparkled. Lights twinkled all around the tree, making the multicolored ornaments glitter in the night.
“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered. Something fell on my cheek, and I looked up at the sky to see giant snowflakes cascading down. The crowd cheered in delight, and I smiled. It was a perfect night, and I knew exactly what I was going to do the second I got back to Colin’s cottage.
Chapter Six
Colin
I’d installed the new heater at Layla’s house, and it worked like a champ. When I got back to the inn, I found her in the gazebo, completely transfixed by her sketchpad and bundled in my grandmother’s quilt. Her hands moved delicately over the pages, but I couldn’t see what she drew.
As I approached, she could hear my steps on the wood, and she looked up. As much as I wanted to deny it, she’d grown on me. “Hey,” she called out.
Joining her in the gazebo, I smiled and glanced down at her sketchpad. “Hey yourself. Looks like you’ve been working hard.”
Her eyes brightened. “Have I ever. Take a look.” She moved closer, and I could smell her raspberry-scented perfume as she flipped through the pages.
Women’s fashion didn’t interest me whatsoever, but to see her excitement and to actually feel it made me think otherwise. She handed me her drawings, and I slowly skimmed through them. It had to have taken her hours.
“What do you think?” she asked, sounding nervous.
Closing the sketchpad, I set it down between us. “I think they’re amazing. How long have you been out here?”
She yawned and leaned back against the bench. “All night. After you dropped me off, I came out here and couldn’t stop.” Her tired smile spread wider as she looked around the pond. “I don’t know what came over me. It was like everything came to me after the tree lighting ceremony. Being out here just inspired me even more.”
“Just know, you’re more than welcome to come here anytime you want.” I held up her house keys. “But your new heater has been installed. You can go home.”
Her eyes widened, and then a hint of disappointment flashed in them briefly. She reached for her keys, and our fingers touched. “Thank you. I know you’re probably ready for me to be out of your house.”
I shook my head. “I kind of like you being around. Makes things more interesting here.”
Grabbing her sketchpad, she clutched it to her chest. “I like being here too,” she replied. “And you promise I can come here anytime I want?”
“Anytime.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “So what do you say I show you around town this afternoon?”
Her cheeks reddened just a tiny bit. Hopefully, it was a good sign. “I think that sounds awesome,” she said, yawning again, “but I should probably get home and get a couple hours of sleep first. I didn’t realize how tired I was.”
She stood and swayed on her feet, but I caught her. “Whoa. I think you’re right. Do you want me to drive you home?”
Her eyes grew heavier by the second, and she yawned again. “Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Do you mind?”
I put my arm around her, steadying her. “Not at all. Let’s get your things, and I’ll take you.”
O
nce her belongings were packed up in her bag, I loaded up the truck and helped her in. Leaning her head against the window, she fell asleep the second we left Snowflake Lane.
Chapter Seven
Layla
The last thing I remembered was packing up my stuff and getting into Colin’s truck. After that, it was all a blur. I woke up in my bed, wrapped in Colin’s quilt and feeling toasty warm, with a note on my bedside table.
Call me when you wake up. We’ll head into town if you’re up for it.
~Colin
I was definitely up for it. Now I just hoped I didn’t snore while he was driving me home. Talk about embarrassing. After taking a quick shower and changing into a clean pair of jeans and one of Brianna’s sweaters, I called him.
“Hey,” he answered.
My heart skipped a beat. “Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say thank you earlier for bringing me home. Hopefully, you didn’t break your back carrying me to my room.” I folded up his quilt and carried it downstairs.
He burst out laughing. “Piece of cake. I’m assuming the heat is still working?”
I sat down on the couch, sighing with relief. “It is.” The quilt was so soft as I rubbed my hand over it. “When you’re ready, I’m free to go into town.”
“Give me about twenty minutes, and I’ll be right there.”
Silently, I sucked in a breath and grinned triumphantly. “Perfect. See you then.” We hung up, and my pulse raced while I waited for him to show up. He made me more nervous than one of my runway shows.
He arrived in twenty minutes on the dot, and I met him outside just as he got out of his truck. Like a gentleman, he opened the passenger side door for me. “Thank you,” I replied sweetly.
“Of course,” he answered back, giving me that dashing smile of his. It was freezing outside, but my palms were sweaty. The inside of his truck smelled like his cologne, and I breathed it in. Once he slid inside, we were on our way. “What do you want to do in town today?”
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