Christmas at Evergreen Inn

by Donna Alward

  “And you’re comfortable with me?”

  He gave her a piercing look. “More than I’m comfortable with.”

  Something stirred within her. She got the feeling that last night she’d seen the real Todd, at least for a few minutes. His guard had been let down in those moments before she’d dashed off to bed, abashed at what had happened at the same time as she’d been beautifully relaxed and sated. And he was being real now. He had to be, to admit such a thing.

  “So, Miss Price, if I were to ask you out on an actual date, would you go?”

  The invitation surprised her. And flustered her, too. Last night had been one thing. An accident. A special circumstance. But if they made plans, had a real date, it would be acknowledging that there was really something going on that went beyond being in the right place at the right time. Lainey really wasn’t sure she was ready for that. The very idea scared her, because of where it might lead. One date could lead to two, or three, and before long feelings were involved and she wasn’t at all interested in getting those trampled on again.

  It felt like it was too soon. Rationally she told herself it had been a year, so how long was she going to wait, anyway?

  “It’s pretty hard for me to get away right now,” she replied. “I’ve got guests booked in until the twenty-third. I’m closed the twenty-fourth through the twenty-sixth, but that’s Christmas.”

  He stood back up. “I see,” he said, standing back. “I’m on the schedule over Christmas, too. I work the holiday so the guys with family can be home with their kids and stuff.”

  Why didn’t she want to date him again? Because right now he seemed quite perfect.

  Maybe that was it. He was too perfect. And she knew very well that too perfect didn’t actually exist.

  “Well, I’d better get going. I’ll stop in later with a road update, okay? Thanks for putting me up last night.”

  His voice was merely friendly now, lacking the soft warmth she’d heard in it before, and she felt a sliver of regret knowing it was because she’d refused his invitation.

  “You’re welcome. You more than earned your room and board with the shoveling and stuff. Take care out there today.”

  “I will.”

  She stayed in the dining room and listened for the moment he went out the back door. Then she let out a deep breath, wondering if she’d done the right thing.

  Then she remembered all the events where she’d seen Todd, a new girl on his arm, that lopsided smile and sparkle in his eyes just for her, and knew she wasn’t equipped to deal with a man so potently sexy.

  Chapter Four

  By five o’clock Lainey felt run off her feet.

  She’d cleaned up the breakfast mess and then started the batch of soup she was planning on feeding the group for lunch, knowing it needed to simmer for a couple of hours. Once the kitchen was spotless, she went through the house and tidied as much as she could, replacing towels and bedding and cleaning bathrooms. She answered questions about the town, made phone calls to determine what was open and what wasn’t, updated guests on road conditions, fed them again, made more phone calls since the only two guests to leave were the father and son, who’d decided to try their luck on the highway south. That still left her with all rooms full for the night and a sofa open for Mr. Sewell if he chose it.

  It also meant feeding everyone dinner, which usually wasn’t part of the inn’s service. The Rusty Fern was open but the grill was closed, Breezes Café informed her that they were run off their feet and short-staffed, and that only really left Gino’s Italian. Gino, bless him, said that he could supply her with baked ziti, garlic bread, and salad for fifteen. The only problem was getting it to her. The walkway from the road to the inn was shoveled, but the roads above Main hadn’t been touched by a plow. When Lainey went out at three o’clock, she could still see where Todd’s SUV had left deep tracks in the snow. These, along with the ones from the men who’d left an hour earlier, were the only sets of tire tracks on the street. Everyone else was staying put.

  She ordered the food anyway, saying she’d figure out something for delivery.

  At five there was a knock on the front door. When she answered, Todd was there with a truck that wasn’t his. “What are you doing here?” she asked, looking behind him at the monstrosity. It was a diesel, fitted out with a wedge blade on the front. “Don’t tell me you’re clearing snow.”

  He grinned. “And having a great time. It’s one of Tom Arseneault’s rigs. The road crews are so busy on main streets and highways that a bunch of us are helping clear some places in town. I wanted to see if you needed anything.”

  Lainey looked at him, pondering. Why had he come back? She hadn’t really been overly kind this morning, and when she’d taken a few moments to breathe she’d felt guilty about that. She wasn’t usually cold or rude. She’d been afraid. Todd was so dynamic, almost larger than life. She could easily get swept up in fancy … and fantasy. Now here he was, asking if she needed a helping hand—again.

  “Todd, has anyone ever told you you’re too good to be true?”

  He laughed. “Nope. Never. Are you a little more relaxed now? You were wound pretty tight this morning.”

  She shook her head. “Sorry about that. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to act.”

  “You have a full house. I get it.”

  “No, not that. Well, not entirely that,” she amended. Determined not to blush, she looked up at him. “What happened between us … well, it was unexpected and I didn’t know how to handle the morning after. It wasn’t you, though, it was me.”

  He groaned, and she let out a sigh. “I know. Oldest line in the book. And you told me last night not to use it.”

  “It’s okay. Let’s not worry about it now. Seriously, is there anything you need?”

  He was so easygoing that she had to blink to switch gears. “I have an order for dinner at Gino’s. I was trying to get in touch with a cab to deliver it for me, but—”

  “But Hal’s only got two taxis and both are busy?”

  “I wish. He’s not running them at all.”

  “I think I could handle it in the truck. Anything else?”

  Just like that, her problem was solved. She thought for a moment. If they were going down to Main, she could use some things from the bakery for tomorrow. “Is the bakery open? That would help me a lot.”

  “It might be. Get your coat and shut the door. I’ll run you down.”

  “Give me one minute.”

  She dashed inside, popped her head into the parlor, and said she’d be back in thirty minutes. Normally the room was empty this time of day, and she could lock up and put a sign on the door stating the time she’d reopen. But desperate times …

  A minute later she had her purse and was bundled up to her neck in warm clothes. “Let’s go,” she said, stepping on the running board so she could hop up into the cab.

  “I never thought. You’re leaving the inn unattended.”

  “I know. Honestly, the bed-and-breakfast kind of guest is usually pretty honorable. That being said, I’m hoping this is a quick trip. It feels weird.”

  “If you want I can pick things up and you can stay.”

  It was a generous offer, but she had the business credit card to pay for things and it would just be easier this way. “It’s fine. Truly.” She shrugged. “Something about a storm and being stranded makes people band together. I had one couple who made their bed and offered to replenish towels for me today. The sisters who are staying asked if I needed help cleaning up from lunch.” She smiled. “Which is actually one of the things I love about running this sort of business.”

  He took her to the bakery first, clearing the end of the street with the plow as they went. The sign on the bakery storefront said OPEN but the place was empty of customers. Todd waited in the truck while she popped in, selected a variety of breads and sweets, and dashed back out again. Main Street had at least been cleared, so driving to Gino’s wasn’t difficult. Todd went in with he
r, and they left again with two boxes—one filled with foil-covered pans of ziti and another holding huge containers of salad and loaves of garlic bread.

  The interior of the truck smelled delectable, like garlic and tomatoes, fresh bread, and rich cheese. “Thank you so much for this, Todd.” He’d lowered the plow blade again as they made their way slowly up the hill toward Oceanview Drive, pushing snow to the side of the road. “I couldn’t have gotten through with my car.”

  “I had trouble with my four-wheel drive this morning,” he admitted, watching the road carefully as the snow furled away from the blade. “Tom’s truck is much better. Anyway, I’m glad I could help.”

  She knew spending more time with him might not be the wisest course. She’d thought of him all day, even during her busiest times. She’d thought about Jason, too, and how she’d opened her heart to him only to have him stamp on it. The truth was, Todd reminded her of Jason and that made her put up her guard automatically. He was good looking, popular, personable, naturally social, and—the kind of person who attracted others. She hadn’t been able to hold her own with Jason, and he’d found someone else who could. It wasn’t just the fact that Todd was the first man she’d kissed since her engagement ended; it was also that she was fairly certain that she wouldn’t be able to hold on to him, either, if they pursued anything.

  And yet he’d done her a favor yet again and out of the goodness of his heart. It would be rude to accept his help and then send him on his way. Besides, like this morning, they’d be surrounded by people. The least she could do was feed him dinner.

  “You’ll stay for dinner, won’t you?” She unbuckled her seat belt and turned toward him. “There’s plenty.”

  “I need to get the truck back to Tom, but thanks for the invitation.”

  “Are you sure? There’s lots.”

  He hesitated, then shook his head. “Honestly, it’s already nearly dark and I haven’t been home yet. I know the main road has been cleared, and I’d like to get home and get myself plowed out before it gets too late and cold.”

  Of course. She reached for her purse and hooked it over her shoulder, then opened the door to the cab. “I never thought of that. Of course you want to check on your own place.” She reached for the bags of goods from the bakery and hefted one of the restaurant boxes.

  He hopped out and came around the front of the truck, carrying the other box. “Thanks for the invite, though,” he said, following her up the walk. “Maybe I’ll take a rain check.”

  At the door she paused. Her keys were in her coat pocket and her hands were full. She put everything down carefully and reached for the key ring, surprised when his strong hand circled her wrist. “I’ll call you,” he said, giving her wrist a squeeze.

  “Okay.” The word came out breathless, like she’d been holding her breath and suddenly let it out. Her fingers fumbled with the keys but she finally got the right one in the lock and opened the door. Then she picked up the food and stepped inside, Todd following her in and shutting the door behind him. For a few minutes they were busy taking everything to the kitchen, and all too soon they were back at the front door and she was seeing him off.

  “Thanks again for the help today. I really appreciate it.”

  “It was no problem. I’d say we’re even.” When her cheeks heated, he smiled, popping a dimple in his cheek. “You make a mean breakfast, Lainey.”

  Lord, he was a tease. He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her cheek. “I’ll call you,” he repeated. Apparently he wasn’t giving up so easily.

  She nodded, unable to speak. The days’ worth of stubble on his face scraped her cheek, and his lips were soft and warm. She was tempted to turn her head, just a bit, and kiss his lips. But the door was open and guests were around and so she took a step back.

  “Drive carefully,” she cautioned.

  “I will.”

  He jogged down the steps and walkway to the truck, got in, and started the engine with a rumble. He lifted one hand in a wave and then he was gone.

  She shut the door and turned around to find one of the sisters—Christine, if Lainey remembered right—grinning at her.

  “Phew,” Christine said. “A man like that would make a girl want to commit a crime just so he could put her in handcuffs.”

  Lainey burst out laughing, horrified and amused all at once. There was no sense in denying anything, not with that farewell kiss in plain view. “He’s something, all right.” She fanned her hot face. “And he’s also a heartbreaker.”

  “A good man and a heartbreaker? That’s a lethal combination.”

  “Which is why I’ve stayed away.”

  “Until now.”

  She laughed. “Oh, nothing’s going to come of it. I’m sure of that.” Todd might have shown some interest in the last twenty-four hours, but he’d avoided her plenty in the decade or so they’d been of dating age. This was probably nothing more than a game to him. A flirtation, to use an old-fashioned term. “Now let’s get dinner on the table. Gino’s cooking is amazing.”

  The evening passed quickly, and by eleven Lainey retired to her quarters again. But this time it was different. Tonight she could see Todd there, sitting on her sofa, kissing her by the fire, the light of the flames flickering in the amber whiskey in his glass.

  She let out a sigh. The stupid thing was that one night was all it took for him to invade her thoughts and fantasies.

  He was right about one thing, though. All through dinner tonight she’d heard the guests talking about their holiday plans, and then they’d gathered in the parlor next to the Christmas tree and watched It’s a Wonderful Life on TV. She’d thought about her little house, naked of all Christmas decorations and cheer. It was lonely. But she still couldn’t get herself in the mood to celebrate. What was the point? She was alone anyway. And while Todd had said he’d call, he hadn’t reissued his invitation to dinner. He’d kissed her cheek, not her lips—and walked away.

  She’d be foolish to get her hopes up. She’d leave the decorations right where they were—in her storage closet. There was no sense setting herself up for another disappointment.

  Chapter Five

  Todd skirted around the inn and went to the back, his hands clutched tightly around the waxy paper covering the poinsettia he’d bought. After witnessing the lack of Christmas cheer in Lainey’s cottage the other day, he’d realized that what she needed was a good old injection of holiday spirit. Today was his last day off until after Christmas, and he’d decided to spend it with her.

  If she said yes, of course.

  It was cold out, and had been since the storm front had cleared. The wind off the sea was bitter and harsh, and Todd’s breath made big puffs in the air as he paused in front of her door. Swallowing hard, he lifted his hand and knocked, then took a step back. Maybe if he took a deep breath he’d find his confidence again. The last thing he wanted was for Lainey to know how nervous he was. He still couldn’t believe how honest he’d been with her over breakfast the other day. But that was Lainey. She was kind and nurturing and easy to be with, and before you knew it you were sharing things.

  She opened the door and his breath caught. She looked beautiful, in a simple pair of dark-wash jeans and a slouchy sweater that somehow made her seem feminine, comfortable, and still incredibly sexy.

  “Todd,” she said, her breath forming a cloud in the air. “This is a surprise.”

  “May I come in? I brought you something.” He held out his hands.

  “A poinsettia?” She reached for it and stood back, making room for him to enter the cottage.

  Right. Poinsettias. That’s what they were called. “Do you like it?”

  “Of course I do. Thank you.” She took it to her small table and began peeling off the florist paper. Bright red blooms appeared, and she placed the pot in the center of the table.

  “Are all your guests gone until after the holiday?” he asked. He hoped the answer was yes. She’d said that she was done with bookings on the twenty-t
hird. That was today. Nerves threatened again, and he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets.

  “The last one checked out about thirty minutes ago. A good thing, too. My pantry needs replenishing.” She folded the paper and fussed with it a bit, keeping her hands occupied. “Was there something you wanted?”

  You, he thought, but he smiled instead. “Well, seeing as it’s almost Christmas, and there’s not a lick of holiday cheer around here, I came to kidnap you for a day of merrymaking.”

  She frowned. Damn. Maybe that had been too much.

  “Todd, about Christmas…”

  Refusal tainted her voice, but he pushed forward. “Yeah, I know. What’s-his-name wrecked it for you. I’m here to help you get it back.”

  “What if I don’t want it back?” She stood back, put her hands on her hips. A little wrinkle formed between her brows. It was adorable.

  “Of course you want it back. No one really wants to feel grouchy and Scroogy. You just don’t know how to move past it.” He held out his hands. “That’s where I come in.”

  “You,” she said, and he heard the doubt in her voice.

  “Me,” he confirmed. “I’ll be like your Christmas angel. Or Santa. Or something.”

  “More like the Ghost of Christmas Annoying,” she muttered.

  He chuckled. “Oh my God. She cracked a Christmas joke.” And he was gratified when her lips twitched just the slightest bit. “Come on, Lainey. What else are you doing today? I’m off shift until tomorrow, and you don’t have any guests, and we can spend the day together.”

  She hesitated. That was a good sign.

  “I’m just going to be sitting home alone on my day off anyway,” he said, shrugging. “Why shouldn’t we enjoy the day?”

  “No strings?”

  He swallowed thickly. Raised his right hand. “No strings,” he affirmed. There wouldn’t be. He didn’t expect anything from her in return. That wasn’t how he operated. Then again, no strings simply meant he didn’t expect anything. If something were to happen, he’d be more than happy to go along with it. “We can call it spending the day with a friend,” he suggested.