by Cindy Kirk
Graham lifted his cup to his lips, but didn’t drink. “If I deliver?”
“I’ll be grateful.” Dustin waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about your ad campaign. If it’s not exactly right, I’ll let your boss know you’re the man we want. We’ll work together on it until it’s something we can both live with.”
“If I deliver Faith,” Graham’s tone was flat, “you’ll approve my ad campaign.”
Dustin shifted in his seat. “I don’t know if I’d put it so bluntly.”
“We’re talking bottom line.”
“Then, yes, that’s the bottom line.”
Graham inclined his head. “If I refuse?”
“Then I’ll be disappointed.”
If Graham expected Dustin to expand, he didn’t.
“You say Krista considers Faith a close friend.” Graham kept his tone even. “She’s okay with all this?”
“Like me, she’d love to have Faith close.” Dustin sat back again, his expression unreadable.
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” Norma stood at the edge of the table. For a big woman, her steps had been as light as a cat’s. “I wanted to let you know that we’ll be closing in ten minutes. The storm isn’t letting up.”
Dustin glanced out the window at the same time as Graham. There wasn’t much to see, as snow splatter now covered the glass.
Norma settled her gaze on Dustin. “I know you’re probably eager to get home to Krista and the boys, but I worry about you heading up the mountain in this weather.”
“Krista and the twins went to St. Johnsbury to visit a friend. With the storm moving in, she decided they’d spend the night.” When a gust of wind rattled the glass, Dustin’s dark brows pulled together.
“I’ve got a room upstairs you can use.” Norma placed a hand on his shoulder. “Please stay. I’ll worry myself sick, thinking of you on that road.”
After slanting another glance at the window, Dustin didn’t hesitate. “Thank you, Norma. I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Good.” She smiled at Graham. “You don’t have far to go, and with the storm there won’t be much traffic on the road, but I want you to drive carefully.”
“No figure eights, I promise.” Graham lifted a hand, his fingers forming the Boy Scout salute.
Her chuckle was followed by a laugh that came straight from the belly. “I’ll hold you to it.”
“We’re just finishing up here,” Graham told her.
Norma gave a nod, glanced at Dustin. “I’ll ready your room.”
“I didn’t even hear her come up.” Graham spoke in a low tone, his eyes on her retreating back. “Do you think she overheard?”
“Chill. We’re not plotting a government overthrow.”
Maybe not an overthrow, but plotting was still the right word. “Is your wife in favor of me pressuring Faith?”
“Krista wants Faith on our team.” Dustin’s voice held a hard edge. “But she doesn’t know I’m speaking with you about this. There’s no need for her to know. If you understand what I’m saying.”
“I understand.” Graham inclined his head. “What I don’t understand is why me? There are lots more people in this town with more influence over Faith than me.”
“You understand business.” Dustin pushed back his chair and stood. “In business, like sports, when you want something, you go after it. I want Faith. Convincing her to accept the offer will be best for us, for her and for you.”
* * *
Graham didn’t see another car on the road during the short drive home. That was a good thing, considering the snow-covered roads and the fact that his mind was everywhere but on his driving.
Though he agreed with Dustin that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Faith, the thought of pressing her to accept the offer made him uneasy. Still, would she regret turning her back on such a deal?
He recalled a time that Steph had turned down a position. A month later, when things had fallen apart at her firm, she’d been kicking herself for not fully assessing the offer and seizing the opportunity.
The fact that encouraging Faith to accept Dustin and Krista’s offer would ensure he was awarded the ad campaign was something he preferred to not think about. Graham told himself that if he did encourage Faith to give the offer due consideration, it would be only because he didn’t want her to end up with regrets.
As Graham turned into the freshly bladed driveway, he thought of Dustin’s determination to have Faith on what he considered “his team.” While Graham agreed Faith would be an asset, he suspected part of the reason Dustin was pushing so hard was because he didn’t like being turned down.
It had to be the athlete in him, the part that said, You tell me no, and I’ll show you yes.
Graham’s chuckle had a hollow sound. He truly wanted what was best for Faith. He only wished that place was with him in New York.
The thought of returning to the city without her brought a fresh wave of sadness. While Vermont wasn’t across the country, it was too far for quick weekend trips. If she chose Gatlinburg, she’d be even farther away.
Still, Graham believed the pace of Gatlinburg would be more Faith’s speed. He could see her falling in love with life in Tennessee.
The words falling in love circled round and round in his head as he walked toward the house. By the time he reached the porch, he was forced to admit, if only to himself, that he’d fallen in love with Faith Pierson.
Graham wasn’t an impulsive guy. He didn’t fall in love in a couple of weeks. Especially not with a woman who wanted nothing to do with life in New York City.
He needed to face facts. He and Faith were like oil and water…
No. Graham shook his head. That was too simplistic. While it might describe their living preferences, he and Faith meshed on all other levels.
He thought about all Dustin was offering Faith. If anyone in his New York circle of friends had been presented with such an opportunity, they would have done a dance and immediately started packing.
But Faith, well, she wanted a balanced life, surrounded by family and friends. Could she have that life in Gatlinburg?
Graham had been to the town in the Smokies where Dustin and Krista planned to open their store and base their factory. Not only did Tennessee offer many business incentives, but the year-round influx of tourists made Gatlinburg a perfect location for the couple’s new enterprise.
Had Faith ever been there? He could see them strolling down the quaint streets, listening to live music at the restaurants and doing a little moonshine-tasting.
The twins would enjoy hiking in the mountains and visiting Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
He saw it all so clearly.
Though he wished he could believe the trip would happen, he knew it wouldn’t. Once he returned to the city, the twins would head back to their pre-K classes, and he’d dive into a mountain of work. Hopefully, he’d soon be celebrating the acceptance of his new-and-improved ad campaign…and his promotion to partner.
Despite the despicable weather, the thought made him smile. Though Graham wore gloves, he shoved his hands into his pockets and hunched his shoulders against the wind as he covered the last few feet to the door.
The second he stepped inside, the enticing aroma of chili wrapped around him. Like a hunting dog on high alert, he sniffed. In addition to the chili, were those cinnamon rolls he smelled?
Lunch suddenly seemed a distant memory. He slanted a glance into the front parlor, but found it empty. He saw remnants of a wrapping party that he hadn’t realized had been on tap for this evening. Then again, it was difficult to keep all the activities straight.
He followed his nose to the kitchen. Graham hoped Faith wasn’t still at the shop. Perhaps he should have swung by there on his way home from the Busy Bean just to be sure.
His worry fell away when he spotted her at the stove, stirring a large pot of chili. If his nose was accurate, it was spicy hot, the way he liked it.
Cooling on racks o
n one counter were cinnamon rolls, the gooey caramelly kind, another personal favorite.
Instead of her normal holiday attire, which he’d grown increasingly fond of, Faith wore flannel pajamas covered in Christmas trees, with green edging at the ankles and wrists.
Thick woolen socks covered her feet. She hummed as she stirred. When his arms slid around her waist, she jumped.
Impulsively, he kissed her neck. “It’s just me.”
She relaxed back against him for a second. When she turned, she was smiling. “You could have ended up with chili all over you.”
“A risk I was willing to take.” He leaned over and, this time, kissed her slow and sweet on the lips. Graham knew he had to let her go, but brushed one more kiss across her lips before he released her. “Where’s Mary?”
“She went to her room to do some cross-stitching and then to bed.”
Graham frowned. “This early? Is she feeling okay?”
“She’s good. In fact, I’ve never seen her better.” Faith expelled a happy sigh. “The wrapping party shut down early because of the storm, but you should have seen her flitting from one table to the other, talking and laughing.”
Graham wound a strand of Faith’s silky hair around his finger and offered an encouraging smile, sensing she had more to say.
“She was the old Mary. The one I wondered if I’d ever see again.” Tears sprang to Faith’s eyes, and she sniffled. “Seeing her so energetic and happy is a dream come true.”
“When you’re happy, I’m happy.” A rush of emotion had his voice turning husky.
He’d spoken the truth. Which was why he would not attempt to sell Faith on a life anywhere she didn’t want to be. What made her happy would have to be at the heart of whatever advice he offered.
* * *
Faith set out huge bowls of chili and plates of large, gooey rolls. Conversation flowed inside as outside the snow continued to fall. Once they finished eating, Graham helped her clean up the kitchen. They took their after-dinner drinks of peppermint hot chocolate to the parlor.
Though she knew Mary would scold her, Faith put her stocking feet on top of the coffee table as she sipped the cocoa. “I’m glad the girls are spending the night at Ginny’s.”
“She loves having them all to herself.” Graham relaxed against the back of the sofa. “The twins are crazy about those air mattresses.”
Faith smiled. She liked knowing Graham valued family connections. She slowly stirred her cocoa with a peppermint stick. “How’s the ad campaign coming?”
“Fine.” Graham took her hand. “Great.”
Well, that answered that question. Graham obviously didn’t want to talk about his project. Which meant it was either going fine and great, as he’d said, or he was stuck. Faith made a mental note to bring up the topic again later.
Though she was no marketing or advertising guru, she might be able to offer a suggestion that would help him get unstuck, if that’s indeed what was going on.
And, she considered, he might be able to help her get unstuck. Because that’s where she was in terms of Dustin and Krista’s offer—good and stuck. The pros and cons swimming around in her head reminded her of a kid treading water but going nowhere.
She knew Dustin and Krista wanted an answer. Faith also wanted to make a decision so she could move forward.
“I was wondering if you could do something for me.” Perhaps it was her leaning close that had him jumping to the wrong conclusion. Or maybe it was when she set down her cup and took his from his fingers to set it down. If she had to venture a guess, she’d say it was when she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around his neck.
His fingers settled on her hips. The simple touch, even over soft flannel, had need erupting.
If the flash of heat in his green eyes was any indication, that need went both ways.
“Anything,” he said, his voice raspy as she began scattering kisses up his neck. “I’ll do anything for you, Faith.”
When his mouth closed over hers and his hands slid up her sides to settle just under her breasts, she smiled. “Make love to me.”
Chapter Seventeen
Graham took her hand, and they stumbled up the stairs. Though she wasn’t sure why, Faith found herself laughing. Conscious of her grandmother sleeping downstairs, she tried to stifle her laughter, which only made her giggle.
After stopping to open the door at the top of the steps, Graham covered her mouth in a kiss that had laughter changing to a moan. Her breath came in short puffs as he pulled her inside his apartment, then caught when he scooped her into his arms.
Faith’s heart gave a solid thump, knowing they were finally alone and wouldn’t be disturbed.
One last giggle escaped her lips.
A smile quirked the corners of his lips. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”
His approval, as warm and comforting as a fire on a cold winter night, wrapped around her. She trailed a finger down his cheek. “I bet you say that to all the woman who giggle their way to your bed.”
“You, Faith Pierson, are a treasure and a delight.” His gaze searched hers. “I find myself in the strange position of wanting to laugh along with you. Yet, at the same time, I want to make passionate love to you.”
Faith couldn’t stop herself. She giggled like a love-struck teen. “I pick door number two.”
They tumbled onto his bed and, still laughing, fought to remove clothing with awkward hands. Kissing every five seconds didn’t aid the effort.
Faith wanted him in a way she’d never wanted any other man. Finally, blessedly, the clothes were shed, allowing mouths and hands to roam freely.
Despite the urgent need, they didn’t rush. The gentleness in his touch, the sweet words he whispered against her lips as he continued to kiss and caress, brought the love she felt for him flooding to the surface.
Faith climaxed, calling out his name, her nails digging into his back. Seconds later, Graham took his own release.
She cuddled against him, warm and sated, and her love for him filled her to busting.
Did he feel the same? It was easy to think he did when his hands stroked her skin with such care, and his warm breath caressed her neck.
Everything he did, everything he said made her feel cherished. Faith liked that, with him, it wasn’t about what she’d accomplished or her material success, but simply because she was herself.
She wished, oh, how she wished, she could be with him forever.
The pang in her heart was a vivid reminder that one didn’t always get what one wanted. Even in this most wonderful season of hopes and dreams fulfilled, there was still reality.
A strong gust of wind slapped the house and sent the windowpanes rattling.
Faith shivered, and Graham wrapped his arm even more tightly around her.
Snuggling against him, she chuckled. “At the moment, a warmer climate is sounding pretty good.”
The hand that had been lightly stroking her belly stilled for a second. “Are you seriously considering the Tennessee offer?”
Faith liked to see someone’s face when she spoke with them, but right now she was so warm and content, the thought of moving even a fraction of an inch held no appeal. “Does that surprise you?”
“A little.”
Faith felt her lips lift. “Mary has always teased that while I pretend to be laid-back, in truth I’m just as driven as the rest of my family.”
Graham brushed a kiss against her hair, and her heart swelled. “Is she right?”
“She’s exaggerating.” Faith expelled a contented sigh. “Though I admit I have worked hard to build a successful business.”
“Mary is your biggest cheerleader.” He tightened his hold on her. “Next to me, that is.”
“I mentioned how much I’d hated living in Manhattan—”
She stopped abruptly when the arm around her shoulders stiffened. “I’m sorry. I wouldn’t want anyone dogging Holly Pointe. You love the city. Lots of people do. There were parts
of my life there I enjoyed. All the people and noise just weren’t for me.”
“I understand.”
Faith wasn’t sure how she’d expected him to respond, but disappointment surged. Couldn’t he have at least asked her if she liked it well enough to come and visit sometimes?
He probably knew how difficult that would be for all of them. Going to his apartment, seeing him and the twins and then having to leave them would be brutal.
She thought of Charlotte and Hannah and how much she’d grown to love them. No, Graham had it right. No promises of more. A clean break after Christmas would be best for everyone.
“Have you ever been to Gatlinburg?” Graham asked.
“I’ve been to Nashville.”
“A great town,” Graham conceded, “but the two are quite different. Nashville is more of a city, while Gatlinburg reminds me of Holly Pointe. It’s bigger, of course, but retains a small-town feel.”
“Sounds more like my kind of place.”
“Maybe. Hard to know until you’ve seen it. If you’re seriously considering Dustin and Krista’s offer, you might want to fly there and check it out. Then you can make sure it’s a place where you could see yourself living. Or not.”
Faith found herself frowning, though why exactly she wasn’t certain. “I wouldn’t want to waste everyone’s time unless I was certain I wanted to live there.”
“No way to know for sure until you see it, walk the streets, check out the housing options.”
“Good points.” Faith rested her head against his arm. This was a strong man, one she could count on to have her back. “The problem is they want an answer by the end of the year. I can’t make a trip happen that quickly.”
“They can’t really expect you to make this decision without checking out the town, and they have to understand you can’t go between now and Christmas.”
“I suppose I could ask for more time…”