by LuAnn McLane
Susan’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? You don’t like Christmas?” She looked at him like he’d said he hated puppies.
“I don’t know.” How could he tell her that Christmas made him feel left out without sounding like a whiner? “I mean, I don’t dislike it.”
“Would you be annoyed if I try to change your opinion?”
“Does it mean I get to spend more time with you?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m all in.”
“Yes!” Susan did a fist pump. “Before you know it you’ll love Christmas as much as Buddy in Elf.”
“Oh wow.” Danny laughed. “I draw the line at the elf suit,” he said. If anyone could get him in the Christmas spirit, it would be Susan Quincy.
Danny took her hand and they started strolling again, stopping here and there to admire the window displays. Grammar’s Bakery had a huge gingerbread house covered in intricate icing and gumdrops surrounded by a candy cane fence.
“Oh, that had to take forever to make,” Susan said, stopping to get a better look. “I just love the scent of gingerbread, don’t you?”
“Yes, I sure do. My mom makes gingerbread cake with sorghum and serves it warm with a huge dollop of whipped cream.”
“Sorghum has such a deep, rich flavor. I love dripping it on homemade cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet.”
“Mm. Good thing we’re headed to dinner because you’re making me hungry. So I guess you’re a good cook?”
Susan tilted her head. “Comfort food, nothing fancy.”
“My kind of girl.”
Susan gave him a shy smile and then stopped again in front of A Touch of Whimsy, a toy store that only carried handmade toys. “Oh check out the doll house! Isn’t it just adorable?” She got closer to the window. “Would you just look at the detail?” She sighed. “I always wanted one when I was little but we couldn’t afford anything like this.”
Danny nodded, adding another woodworking craft to his list. “Perhaps you should ask Santa? Or are you on the naughty list?”
“I think I’ve been a pretty good girl.” Susan laughed. “This is so much fun. I’ve been too busy to take the time to get out on Main Street and walk around. When Betsy’s daughter comes home from college I’m going to hire her for the holiday season so I have more free time to enjoy the holidays.”
“Good, you can save some of that free time for me.” Danny would have walked right by all of the decorations without so much as a second glance. “Remember, you have a Christmas spirit challenge on your hands. Are you up for it?”
“Oh no doubt. I think it’s already working just a little bit. Am I right?”
Danny nodded. “Your delight in the decorations is impossible to resist.” Christmas music drifted out of speakers and a light dusting of snow still covered the grassy areas. Seeing Main Street through Susan’s eyes brought back a little bit of the holiday sparkle.
Within a few minutes they arrived at Wine and Diner. “After you.” Danny held the door open and followed Susan inside his favorite restaurant. “I’d like to go over to the wine bar side if you don’t mind.” The diner part of the restaurant was lively with families but Danny wanted something more cozy and intimate.
“No, that sounds nice.”
Danny put his hand to the small of her back and headed through the doorway where the seating was casual. A gorgeous mahogany bar. “Let’s sit near the window where we can look out over Main Street,” he said. “The Christmas lights will turn on in just a little while.”
“Ah, do I detect another bit of spirit already?”
Danny couldn’t resist her smile. “Maybe. Here, let me help you.” He held her coat while she shrugged out of the sleeves. Her hair brushed over his fingers, whisper soft. He swallowed hard to prevent a groan.
“Thank you.” She slid into the small booth.
Danny hung his leather jacket on the hook next to her coat and joined her. Their knees touched and Danny felt a warm flash of awareness. He noticed her quick intake of breath and wondered if she felt the same way. “I haven’t been here in a while. I’m glad Jessica added the wine bar to the restaurant. We don’t have enough of this sort of venue here in Cricket Creek.”
“I agree. This is so relaxing.”
A fat candle flickered on the table, casting a soft glow into the dimly lit room. In the far corner a crackling fireplace filled the room with the scent of burning wood. The romantic vibe had Danny wanting to reach across and take Susan’s hand and rub his thumb over her soft skin, but he decided to wait until later in the date to make a subtle move.
“Oh nice, live music,” Susan said with a nod toward a soloist setting up his stool and microphone, getting ready to sing. Glasses clinked and patrons talked in low tones, in keeping with the laid-back atmosphere.
“Sweet,” Danny agreed and picked up a cocktail menu sitting on the table. “Would you like to start with something to drink and an appetizer?”
“Sure.” Susan nodded and picked up her own menu. “Oh, they have Broomstick Brewery ales on tap. Mason’s brewery sure is taking off.”
Danny nodded. “Yeah, he took a hobby and made it into something great. I’m proud of him.”
“I imagine you played a big part in getting the brewery off the ground.”
“I did,” Danny said, but felt that familiar twinge of regret that he was the only sibling without his own business.
“The Mayfield Marina means a lot to the community. You should also be proud of your efforts to keep it up and running when hard times hit Cricket Creek,” she said, as if somehow reading his mind.
“I’ll get you out on a boat when the weather warms up,” Danny said, letting her know that he wanted this to go beyond a dinner date. He wanted to get to know her.
“I’d like that. I might not have gotten to spend a lot of time at the lake or river but having grown up on a farm, I’m an outdoorsy kind of girl. And we have a big pond on the farm so I’m a strong swimmer. I’ve never been to the ocean but it’s on my bucket list of things to do.”
“You’re too young for a bucket list.”
“Not really, because it’s already miles and miles long. I’ll have to start sometime soon.”
A young woman with a long, swinging ponytail came over to the table and gave them a big smile. “Good evening, folks. My name is Sherry and I’ll be your server. Can I start you off with a drink and something to nibble on?” She looked at Susan.
“I’ll have a glass of your house Chardonnay.”
“Okay, and you?” She turned to Danny.
“I’ll have the Spellbound,” he said. “Susan, do you want to try the appetizer sampler? It’s got a little bit of everything.”
“Sure.”
“Coming right up,” Sherry said with a bright smile and hurried away.
“You’ll have to tell me some of the things on your list,” Danny said. “I’m pretty fearless so if it includes things like noodling and cliff-diving, I’m in.”
Susan raised her eyebrows. “Um, neither of those adventures made the cut, I’m happy to say.” She tapped the side of her cheek. “I do have a hot air balloon ride and parasailing on the list. Oh and swimming with dolphins!” She leaned back when Sherry brought their drinks.
“I’d like to experience all three of those things,” Danny said, and the thought ran through his mind that he’d like to do just about anything she had on her list, and then add a few things of his own.
Susan took a sip of her wine. “I’ve been an armchair traveler for a long time. I’ve got tons of travel books and magazines. I’m sure you’re not surprised that I’m an avid reader. I’m the poster child for nerd.” She pointed to her head.
“You’re a very pretty nerd,” he said.
“Thank you … I think.”
“Nerds rule the world. I’m a reader too. Mattie has a bookstore at her bistro. Every book is a dollar and all of the proceeds go toward a local literacy program here in Cricket Creek.”
“That�
�s really wonderful, Danny. I haven’t been to the bistro but I heard it’s so good.”
“We have to remedy that. Mattie would really like you,” he said just as the giant tray of appetizers arrived.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ll need any dinner after this.” Susan accepted a small plate from Sherry.
“Enjoy!” Sherry said. “Anything else I can get you two?”
“Thanks, I think we’re good for now,” Danny replied.
“Okay, I’ll check back in a few minutes.”
Susan put a few items on her plate and took a bite of a cheese stick, laughing when the warm cheese made a gooey mess.
Danny reached over and helped her get control of the stringy cheese.
“Can’t take me anywhere,” Susan said with a low chuckle. She twirled a long strand of mozzarella around her tongue.
“Well, I want to take you everywhere. Even in a hot air balloon.”
Susan licked a dab of marinara sauce from the corner of her mouth. “I just might have to hold you to that.”
Between the beer, the music, the great food, and mostly the company, Danny felt a sense of relaxation and contentment mixed with the heady excitement of attraction. He loved the dainty way she ate a chicken wing and the sexy sound of her laughter. Her shoulders moved to the beat of the music and after a second glass of wine she sang along a little off-key. He found her quick smile and gentle manner completely adorable. When she excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, Danny noticed a few lingering male glances at her and felt a possessive stab hit him in the gut. Danny couldn’t recall having this kind of reaction to a woman this quickly. He’d been thinking about her ever since he’d helped her out at the shop the other day, and he was falling for her hard and fast.
When Susan walked back toward the table, Danny caught her gaze and she smiled. Heady warmth spread through his body, like he’d just taken a shot of smooth bourbon. He’d been right. Tonight was the start of something good.
13
Taking the Cake
John removed the pineapple upside down cake from the oven and put it on a rack to cool. “Stephanie, would you like to sample my latest creation?” He pulled his oven mitts off and glanced in her direction.
Stephanie stopped filling the salt shakers and fisted her hands on her hips. “No way! John, I’ve gained five pounds since I started working here.”
“Just one little slice?”
“Nope.” She raised her palms. “I am staying away from the cake. I’ll have to say that the pineapple smells amazing and leave it at that.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
“Yes, I do.” She sighed but then brightened. “I know … why don’t you take a warm, fresh-from-the-oven sample over to Betsy?”
“I don’t know …” John pulled a frown. “I tried to call her twice and she didn’t answer. She also didn’t come in for lunch today. I can take a hint.”
“Maybe she was busy.”
“Yeah, busy avoiding me.”
“Since when do you give up this quickly, Mr. Fancy Pants attorney?” Stephanie arched one eyebrow and gave him a little sassy head bop. “Huh?”
John leaned back against the counter and folded his arms across his chest. “Never.”
“Then why now?”
John sighed. “I failed at marriage. Nothing scares me more than failure.”
“You don’t have to get married. Just get out and have a little fun.”
“Well, I guess I’m also trying to overcome Rachel’s betrayal. I know I had it coming but still …”
“Oh please! You didn’t have it coming,” Stephanie said sternly. “Nobody had cheating coming.”
“You’re right.” John lifted one shoulder. “But I was way too full of myself. I deserved to get taken down a notch or two and humbled.”
Stephanie made a sound of exasperation. “Okay, look, I’ll tell it like it is. You might have had the arrogance to marry a woman much too young, and yeah, neglected her for your career. But cheating is never acceptable for any reason whatsoever.” She wagged a finger. “I was on the flip side of the coin as a throwaway starter wife. I got married for all the wrong reasons too, but I didn’t have that kind of treatment coming either. It took me way too long to figure that out because I kept blaming myself. Are we damaged?” She rolled her eyes. “Carrying some serious baggage? Yeah, but it’s time to dust ourselves off and start all over again.” She brushed off her shoulders with her fingertips and then nodded in his direction. “Go ahead. Do it.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
Stephanie jutted out her chin and pointed to her face. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”
“No.” John smiled as he dusted off his shoulders.
“Feel better?”
“Yes, actually.”
Stephanie nodded firmly.
“If you ever decide to quit working here you could give inspirational speeches.”
Stephanie raised her index finger. “Not a bad thought. After I write that book about putting the pieces of my broken life back together. Hey, I know what you mean about feeling humble. But humble feels a whole lot better than used. Trust me, if I ever get married again it will be for all the right reasons.”
“So, now that you’re dusted off, are you going to get back in the dating game?” John asked.
“Not anytime soon.” Something vulnerable flickered in her eyes. “I need to sit on the bench for a while but I will … eventually, after I get my act together.”
“Are you taking your act on the road?”
“Ha.” Stephanie laughed. “Nope, I thought Cricket Creek was a sleepy little town that I needed to leave for bigger and better things. I was wrong. I’m realizing how much I missed this town, especially Main Street.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” John said, thinking that he’d seen a change in Stephanie in the relatively short time he’d known her. “And you know I feel the same way. What were we thinking?”
“Good question.” She shook her head. “I think the bigger the mistakes, the more we learn in the long run.”
“Self-help book?”
“Nope.” She gave him a wry smile. “Experience. So, are you going to take the cake over to Betsy or cower in the corner?”
“Damn, you’re tough.”
“I wasn’t, but I’m working pretty damned hard on it,” Stephanie said with a grin. “Is the cake cooled off enough to cut?”
“Probably. I need to invert it onto a plate.”
“Do it. Let’s get this ball rolling.” She made a twirling motion with her index fingers.
“I need your help.” John handed Stephanie a plate. “Hold it over the skillet and I’ll flip it over. The skillet is heavy so I’ll have to be careful.”
“Okay,” she said, nibbling on her bottom lip. When they successfully had the fragrant cake on the serving plate, Stephanie cut two generous slices and slid them into to-go containers. “You can take one to Susan too so it won’t seem too obvious.” After putting the containers into a white paper bag she eyed the remaining cake and groaned. “I just might have to take a tiny piece home with me.”
“You won’t be sorry.”
“Yes I will, when the cake calls my name all night long. I’ll eat a bite at a time, thinking there’s less calories that way than eating it all at once. It’s a game I play with myself.”
John laughed but didn’t pick up the dessert.
“Here, are you going to take this or not?” She thrust the bag in his direction.
John looked at the bag like it was a snake ready to strike. “I spoke to crowded courtrooms and tough judges. Why am I so nervous over something this simple?”
“Because you’re attracted to Betsy but afraid of rejection and getting hurt. Classic.”
“You’re spot-on, once again.”
“Self-help book called Life After Divorce. Chapter ten was all about moving on.”
“But you haven’t exactly done that yet.”
“No.�
� Stephanie closed her eyes and swallowed hard. After inhaling a deep breath, she recovered and smiled. “I’m getting there. I’m not where I want to be but I’m sure as hell better off than where I was.” She made shooing motions with her fingers. “I’ll wrap things up here and close the shop. Go. Let them eat cake.”
“Okay …” John walked over to the hook on the wall and grabbed his coat. Armed with the cake, he headed over to Rhyme and Reason. A cold blast of winter air hit him in the face and cleared his head. His heart hammered like he was about to give a closing argument but he took a breath and pulled the door open. The scent of pine and cinnamon had an immediate calming effect on his racing pulse. He smiled, thinking that aromatherapy had merit. Susan chatted with a customer who was looking at a display of delicate china teacups and didn’t notice him come in. Betsy was nowhere in sight. John thought about leaving the cake on the counter and bolting. The white bag had his logo on it so they would know where the cake came from, but he heard Stephanie’s stern voice in his head and squared his shoulders.
John finally spotted Betsy in the far corner of the showroom, hanging decorations on a fat-bottomed Christmas tree. She looked cute in skinny jeans, black leather boots, and a silky green blouse that seemed to flow over her skin. Her auburn hair was swept up in a loose bun with stray tendrils kissing the back of her neck.
Betsy’s back was to him and as he walked closer he could hear her humming along to Elvis, who was crooning “Blue Christmas” from a record player perched in the corner. She backed up and tilted her head at the placement of a silver star and then moved it higher. Leaning over, she picked another ornament up out of a box, shook her head as if questioning its odd shape, and then hung it on a back branch. With a grin, John noticed that the top branches were bare since her short stature didn’t allow her to reach that high.
John walked up behind her as she stretched to hang a glittery gold ball above her head. “May I help?”
Betsy shrieked and took a step backwards, landing against John. He looped his free hand around her waist, keeping her from tipping sideways. She gave another little yelp and struggled out of his hold. She pivoted, sending gold glitter everywhere, and looked up at him with fire in her eyes. “Just what do you think you’re doin’ sneakin’ up on me like that?”