“Sure. What smells so good? Are you baking cookies?”
He shook his head. “I wish. It’s a candle.”
“You have more candles than any other guy I know. What’s up with that?” I hadn’t pictured him as a candle guy.
He laughed. “I own two. They were gifts. But this chocolate chip cookie one is my favorite. It really smells like cookies.” Back at the stove, he stirred whatever was in the pot. “I’ll throw the tamales in when Hank gets here. They won’t take long.”
“Oh! I almost forgot. Nacha sent tamales. Let me get them.”
“Bless that woman.”
I carried the two dozen into the kitchen. “Want me to put them on a pan or a plate?” I set them near the stove.
“I’ll do it.” He stepped in front of me.
Close proximity had my heart pounding. “Do you need me to move?”
“You’re fine.” He leaned closer and reached toward a cabinet over my head.
Inches from his face, I forced myself not to close my eyes.
He paused and met my gaze. His smile widened, and when his gaze dropped to my lips, my breath caught.
Reacting without thinking, I tilted my head back.
“Haley . . .”
If that was a question, I wanted my answer to be clear. “Yes.”
The air sizzled as his lips were about to touch mine. But then he crinkled his nose.
Did I smell bad?
“Carrot! You’re hair’s on fire.” He clapped my curls between his hands. “You leaned back into the candle.”
When the sizzling stopped, he dragged me to the sink. “Lean back, I want to make sure the fire is completely out.”
With his arm around me, I tilted backward. Having him run his fingers through my curls had my heart rate in rocket mode.
“I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t take hours to do my hair.”
He turned off the faucet but didn’t move. “And it’s probably good you didn’t have a headful of hair spray. You’d have gone up in flames like a dried-out Christmas tree.”
It didn’t matter what I did, I always found a way to embarrass myself in front of Zach.
He slid his other arm around me. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
I reached up and traced the lines in his plaid shirt. “Me too.”
I think that maybe time froze because we just hovered there. Was he trying to decide? Was I imagining all of it?
“Hey. Sorry I’m a little late. I stopped to get hard cider.” Hank appeared in the doorway.
Zach was on the opposite side of the room before I could say, “Quick, kiss me.”
“I should probably dry my hair a bit.” I wanted to thump my brother for his poor timing.
Zach nodded. “I’ll get these tamales under the broiler. The beans are ready, and the rice is almost done.”
Hank shoved a few bottles of cider into the freezer then put the rest in the fridge. “What happened to you? Why is your hair wet?”
“I caught it on fire.”
He glanced at Zach then back at me. “How? What were you doing?”
“Being my clumsy self.” I hurried to the bathroom.
Staring into the mirror, I pulled my hair to the side, trying to assess the damage. I’d only lost an inch or so. But it had cost me the moment.
I’d dreamed so many times of being that close to Zach and having him look at me that way.
After drying the ends of my hair and counting to a hundred, I walked back into the kitchen. “Where’s Hank?”
Zach didn’t turn around. “He got a phone call.”
I moved and stood beside him. “Need my help with anything?”
“Nope. I have everything under control.” He fluffed the rice then fiddled with the knobs on the stove.
“Are you sure? Because you just turned on the empty burner.”
He finally met my gaze. “I’m a bit discombobulated, I guess.”
What was that supposed to mean? I knew the meaning of the word, but how did it apply? Was I making him crazy in a good way? Or did he feel like he was losing his mind and had almost done something completely nuts?
Before I could prod Zach for a better answer, Hank walked in. “They are down a man again. I asked them to see if anyone else was available.” He threaded his fingers through his hair. “We going to eat in here or in the living room?”
“I set the table in the dining room.” Zach slid the tray of tamales out of the oven. “Everything is ready.”
Hank eyed the tray. “Nacha sent them?”
I hugged him. “She gives them to me for Christmas every year. We can’t have Christmas Eve without tamales.”
Zach pointed at the fridge. “I have some store-bought ones if we need more.”
“This should be enough.” Hank carried the rest of the food into the dining room.
I needed space to think. “I’ll be back in a few. Y’all go ahead and start.”
Slow deep breaths helped calm me. I strode back to the dining room, ready to face Zach again.
I stopped short when I heard my name.
Hank asked, “What was going on with you and Haley?”
I held my breath and pressed my back against the wall. Desperate to hear Zach’s answer, I listened.
“Nothing happened. I was making sure the fire was out.”
“I hope that’s all it was. There are rules about things like that. Besides, you and me—we know that love doesn’t last. And what happens if y’all split? Where does that leave me?” Hank was so selfish.
It would leave him exactly where he’d left me with Nacha.
“You’ll think you’re happy, but then you’ll make a mistake, and she won’t ever forgive you.” Hank was no longer talking about me.
“Your worries are unfounded. You have nothing to be concerned about.” Zach’s answer had an edge to it.
My purse was right next to me. I could grab my keys and be on my way home before either of them noticed. Tempted, I inched closer to the table.
“I thought about your idea. I’m going to suggest it to her tonight. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it,” Hank said.
Thought of what?
“Good. And I don’t mind if you let her think it was your idea.”
A chair scraped the floor. The last thing I wanted was for either of them to catch me eavesdropping. I ran around the other way into the kitchen and smack into Zach’s chest.
He caught me by the shoulders. “You okay?”
“Perfectly fine.” I focused on the button halfway down the front of his shirt. That was safer than meeting his gaze.
He leaned down to look me in the eye. “Want something?”
The open-ended question left me tongue-tied. “Um, what do you mean?”
“To drink. Do you want something to drink?”
I nodded. “Surprise me.” Before I could embarrass myself further, I rushed to the table.
Hank pointed at a chair. “We waited for you.”
“Thanks.”
Why did I always end up across from Zach?
He set three chilled ciders on the table. “Dig in!”
My festive mood had been replaced with one large knot of confusion.
Sparks danced in the air above the crackling fire. I scooted my chair closer to the fire pit and propped my feet on the limestone wall surrounding it. Shivering, I thought about grabbing my coat, but that would require getting up.
“Here.” Zach tossed a blanket at me. “Hot chocolate?” He’d barely spoken to me since our moment in the kitchen.
The near kiss—because that’s exactly what it was—caught me by complete surprise. Perhaps it had surprised him too.
“Please.” I accepted the mug and let the warmth thaw my fingers before taking a sip. “This is really good. Did you add cinnamon?”
He dropped into a chair on the opposite side of the fire pit. “Yep. It’s Mexican hot chocolate.”
Hank walked out to the porch. “They found someone. I don’t have
to go in tonight.”
“Oh, good.” It was awkward enough without Hank leaving me alone with Zach. “Did you get some hot chocolate?” I pointed at my mug.
“Even doctored mine a bit.” Hank winked. “Listen, I know your apartment doesn’t allow pets. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but now that I’m living in Mom and Dad’s house . . .” He sipped his hot chocolate. “What I’m trying to say is, if you want to move in—I know it’s farther from work—I’d be all for it. You can even have your old room.”
The conversation from earlier made sense now. “Um, maybe. My lease runs through the end of January, but I haven’t renewed yet.” I chewed my lower lip and braved a glance at Zach.
For a split second he met my gaze, almost an acknowledgment of his role in the idea. My Christmas list.
What would I do if he’d gotten me a pony?
I wasn’t even ready for a puppy. The list was meant to be funny.
Hank leaned forward. “It’ll be cheaper than your apartment. It’s paid off, and the utilities aren’t that much.”
“All right. I’ll move in. You aren’t home half the time anyway.”
“Very true.” He pointed at me. “No wild parties. I’ll have Zach check in to be sure you behave when I’m at work.”
Hank was either denser than a rock, or Zach was convincing when he’d assured my brother there was no reason to worry. Snuggled under the blanket, I concocted a plan to slip Zach’s present back out to my car.
Whatever the situation was, that popcorn bowl would only muddle things up. I’d have time to sneak it out when I filled the stockings. But I’d look rude and heartless when we opened gifts tomorrow morning.
Ugh. I didn’t know what to do.
One thing was for sure, I didn’t understand Zach Gallagher at all.
He stood and stretched. “We going to do an early morning or sleep in?”
“As if that’s even a question. Early. It’s Christmas.” Hank seemed happier than he’d been in months.
“I should throw the casserole together.” I threw off the blanket and collected the empty mugs. “Mind if I take the sofa tonight? We’re well acquainted, and I want to watch for Santa.”
“I’m not going to complain.” Hank laughed.
Zach shook his head. “There are two guest rooms. Don’t sleep on the couch.”
I stopped in the doorway and slipped into little sister mode for the first time that evening. “Are you telling me no?” I spun around, not expecting him to be standing right behind me.
He rested a hand on each side of the door and leaned in close. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. If you watch for Santa, he won’t show up.”
“I’ll think about it.” I turned back around.
He tugged on a curl.
“What?” As much as I liked when he did that, I couldn’t act like I did.
“Will you please sleep in the guest room?” His gaze dropped to my lips. Again.
Self-conscious, I licked them. “Only because you asked so nicely.”
Hank laughed. “Consider that a win, Zach. She hates being told what to do.”
“Oh, I know. She’s a lot like her brother.” Zach winked then walked back to his chair. “Holler if you need help in the kitchen.”
I’d never wanted to do a Tarzan impersonation until that moment.
But I fought the urge. Prepping breakfast alone would give me time to think. And I definitely needed to think.
Chapter 15
Staying awake until the house was quiet wasn’t a problem. I doubted my brain would let me sleep at all. I kept replaying those moments in the kitchen, wondering what I could have done differently. Locking the front door after arriving might’ve made a difference, but I couldn’t jump back in time. Because otherwise, I would totally have locked my brother out of the house.
Tiptoeing down the hall in my flannel pajamas, I stopped after every two steps and listened. When I was almost to the living room, I heard shuffling. I leaned around the corner far enough to see Zach tucking gifts under the tree.
Now I knew what he meant about Santa showing up.
When he dropped a small wrapped package into my stocking, I clapped a hand over my mouth to muffle my surprise. Curiosity would keep me up all night. I crept back to my room and hid inside the door.
After Zach went back to bed, I’d take my turn playing Santa.
Maybe he hadn’t seen my gift for him under the tree, and no one would be the wiser when it stayed in my trunk on Christmas morning. But being an investigator meant Zach noticed everything.
I’d still risk hiding the gift. What was the worst that could happen?
He stopped outside my door, and I held my breath. After a second, he walked on down the hall.
I waited an extra minute then set about my task. Before stuffing the stockings, I picked up the pretty box with the big red bow and slipped out the front door. Once the box was safely in my trunk, I ran back to the front door. Coming outside in only socks was a bad idea. It was cold, and my pajamas offered little protection.
Eager to be inside, I reached for the knob. It wouldn’t turn. I peeked through the skinny window next to the door in time to see Zach’s back disappearing around the corner. Why wasn’t he wearing a shirt? The house was chilly.
I needed to stop thinking about his bare back and figure out what to do. He’d locked me out.
Nothing came to mind, so I rapped on the door.
After a minute, the curtain moved, and I waved.
He opened the door. “What are you doing outside?”
“The stars are gorgeous tonight.” I pushed past him. “I need to do my elf duties, then I’ll go to bed.”
He followed me to the fireplace then scanned the room. His gaze landed on the empty spot where his present had been. “Everything okay, Carrot?”
“Yep.” I rummaged through the bag of goodies. “If you stay, you won’t be surprised when you open your stocking.”
“I think I’ve had enough surprises to last me a while.” He shoved his hands in his jean pockets. “If you get cold, feel free to adjust the heat.”
I watched him walk down the hall, wanting to say something . . . anything. “Zach.”
He whipped around. “Yes?”
This dance we were doing was draining my energy. “I heard you talking to Hank. He’s probably right. And I wanted you to know I understand.” I didn’t really mean that, but it had to be said.
Zach crossed the room. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“I just did. Having this conversation in front of Hank seemed like a bad idea.”
“He’s my best friend.” He dropped onto the sofa.
I sat down next to him. “I know.”
His fingers threaded with mine. “He’s been like a brother to me. And you’re—”
“Don’t say I’m like your sister. Just don’t.” Things were weird enough already.
He chuckled. “Both of you mean the world to me. I just don’t—”
“You don’t have to explain.” I traced the seams in the cushion with my finger. “I get it.” And it hurt.
He lifted my chin. “If things were different . . .”
“They aren’t.” I tugged my fingers free. “You should get some sleep.”
He lingered beside me. “I’m glad we talked.”
I nodded.
Wrapping me in a hug, he kissed the top of my head. “Merry Christmas, Haley.”
“Merry Christmas.” I didn’t feel very merry.
He walked out of the room, and I loaded the stockings. How had the evening started out with such promise and ended with so little? Wiping my tears, I went back to bed.
It was a good thing I’d hidden his gift.
I mashed the button on my phone to silence my alarm then rolled out of bed. The breakfast casserole wouldn’t bake itself. Trudging down the hall, I mustered up my merry. Presents wouldn’t take that long to open. After breakfast, I’d head home.
Home.
>
Why had I agreed to live with Hank? What did it matter? It wasn’t as if things could get more complicated. And at least I wouldn’t have Zach’s ex as a neighbor.
I stepped into the kitchen, and Zach pointed at the coffee pot. “Want a cup?”
“A really big cup.”
He grabbed a giant mug out of the cabinet and added lots of sugar and a little half and half to the cup. “Here you go.”
“How did you know?”
“This isn’t the first time you’ve had coffee around me.” He refilled his cup but didn’t add anything to it. “Did you sleep well?”
I shook my head. “I need to get the casserole in the oven.”
“Already in.”
“Then I should start slicing the strawberries.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure how I feel about handing you a knife.”
“Then you cut them.” I carried my coffee out to the porch.
If he wanted to flirt, he’d have to do it with Hank.
I dragged a chair to the far edge of the porch and gazed out at the mist hovering above the ground. For several quiet minutes, I sipped coffee. Alone.
The door opened behind me. “Your brother has his Santa hat on. I think we’re ready to open gifts.” Zach squatted next to my chair. “And you didn’t hear it from me, but he texted Nacha this morning, wishing her a Merry Christmas.”
“He rarely even mentions her name around me.”
Zach sipped his coffee. “He talks about her a lot.”
I wasn’t sure what to do with that tidbit. My brother opened up to Zach more than to me. But since I worked with Nacha, was that any surprise?
“I guess I’ll cut the strawberries after we open presents.”
“I took care of it. If we head inside now, we’ll have time for gifts before the casserole is ready.”
“Thank you, Zach.”
“There’s nothing hard about cutting strawberries.” He flashed his wonderful smile.
“For being you and for letting me in last night.”
“I’m still not sure why you were sneaking around in the dark, but asking isn’t going to get me a straight answer, so I’m not going to bother.”
One Guy I'd Never Date Page 8