Keep Me At Christmas (Romano Family Book 4)

by Lucinda Whitney

  She looked up to him and he shrugged, cocking his head with a small smile. “Maybe the lunch was just an excuse.”

  An excuse to see her? Was that what he meant?

  She looked in the bag again. “There’s no receipt. How much do I owe you?”

  “Nothing. It’s on me.”

  Luciana leaned in and brushed a kiss on his face. “Thank you. That was really nice of you.”

  His eyes went wide. “Well, with that kind of thanks…” He chuckled lightly.

  The air-kiss. Her cheeks heated and she swallowed. “I’m so sorry. I totally forgot Americans don’t do that here.”

  Jack didn’t say anything, the smile still on his face. After a moment, he shifted his weight, and took a step back. She realized she was too close, almost encroaching on his space. Her neck heated again and she turned to place the bag on a nearby table, trying to hide her embarrassment. What was wrong with her? She didn’t usually mix up customs, or kiss unsuspecting men on the cheek. But then, when was the last time a man had brought her lunch?

  “I can’t eat here.” She motioned to the side door. “Do you want to come with me in the staff room? Or do you have to go back?”

  “I got a few minutes,” Jack said.

  Luciana carried her sack and he followed her down the corridor to the back of the building.

  The room was empty when they arrived. Luciana turned on the lights and took the closest table.

  “Nice room,” Jack said as he looked around. After a moment, he sat on the chair opposite hers.

  “I think it’s a converted butler’s pantry with some extra spaced added to it.” The built-in cabinets were originals and an apartment-size refrigerator had been tucked to the side, along with a microwave sitting on the counter next to it. The rest of the room kept most of its original charm. “So much craftsmanship in these cabinets.”

  “The Garrisons have always prided themselves in hiring the best.”

  Luciana raised an eyebrow. “This building belongs to the Garrisons?”

  “I think one of the old Garrisons had it built as a home for his new bride. Or so legend says.”

  Matt Garrison hadn’t mentioned anything. She’d have to ask him next time. “The woodwork is fantastic.”

  Jack looked at her. “You like old things.” It was more an observation than a question.

  “Old things have character and history, and history is what gives us identity.”

  He seemed to consider her statement, then nodded slowly.

  Luciana unwrapped the sandwich. At the sight of fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella on toasted focaccia bread, she sighed. “A caprese sandwich.” She took a bite and closed her eyes at the explosion of flavor in her mouth. “The vinaigrette is perfect. And the fresh basil. Where did you get it?”

  The corner of Jack’s mouth rose in a small smile. “We keep a few pots of fresh herbs inside during the Winter. In the Summer, we have a full herb garden.” He leaned against the back of his chair, his shoulders relaxing.

  His posture became more comfortable, as if they were old friends and often shared meals. Even if she was the only one eating at the moment.

  Luciana kept eating. “This is an awesome sandwich. Thank you.” She almost closed her eyes in appreciation. “How did you get started in culinary? Were you one of those kids experimenting in the kitchen, or did it come later for you?”

  “Growing up in a family of cooks, I learned my way around the kitchen early on. Can’t say I had plans to be the café’s baker.”

  “What did you do after high school then?”

  “I went to college in California and got a degree in accounting.” His tone was natural, almost matter-of-fact.

  She paused to look at him. “You’re an accountant?”

  “I keep my license up to date and I’m in charge of the financials for the family business. Sometimes I help friends at tax time.”

  “How did you ended up as the baker then?”

  A shadow flashed through Jack’s eyes. “When my dad passed away, I came home to help Mom and Nonna.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Luciana replied immediately. She covered his had and gave it a squeeze, letting her fingers linger a moment longer on his.

  She’d been wondering if his father did something else since she hadn’t seen him at the café. “That must have been hard.”

  He shrugged. “It’s been a while.”

  Despite his neutral tone, a grieved emotion darkened his eyes again. Maybe the pain wasn’t fresh, but it was still there.

  She held his gaze, holding back from asking more questions, feeling an urgency to know more about him, but sensing he wasn’t quite ready.

  Just then, Oliver knocked on the open door. “Sorry to interrupt. I have a question about one of the items, Luciana.”

  Jack stood. “I should be going.”

  “I’ll be right there, Oliver,” Luciana said, pulling away from the table.

  Oliver held a thumbs-up sign and turned back the way he’d come.

  Luciana threw away the garbage and kept the pastry for later, then walked beside Jack as they made their way to the workroom.

  “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me lunch.” She added a smile to her words, hoping it was enough to tell him how much she had really appreciated it.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad we had a few minutes to talk.” His half-smile made an appearance again.

  Although she didn’t know Jack well enough yet, somehow she knew he was genuine, both with his time and his words.

  The gentle way he looked at her warmed her heart. “I am too,” she said.

  For a moment, they watched each other, standing in the corridor by the open door to the workroom. Luciana moved to Jack’s left just as he took a step forward and the awkward way they missed each other had them retreating quickly.

  From the way she felt so flushed, her face must be scarlet. She tried again, resting a hand on his arm, and Jack met her halfway to steady her elbow.

  She leaned the rest of the way and brushed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks again, Jack,” she whispered in his ear. He smelled divine, a mix of cinnamon and spice and an all-male scent. The urge to inhale deeply rose in her chest and Luciana took a step back before she gave in to it.

  Jack squeezed her arm before letting go, then walked toward the main door, his eyes soft and smiling and still locked on her. “Have a good afternoon.”

  Luciana raised her hand in a small wave. “You too.”

  How was she going to focus on all the work she had to do after his surprise visit?

  * * *

  Friday, December 15th

  His phone rattled on the counter behind him. Jack removed his food-service glove and swiped at the screen.

  I set up an alarm so I don’t forget to break for lunch.

  A grin formed on his lips as he read the text from Luciana. Sounds like a good idea.

  Count on me for lunch. Will you be at the café or the festival?

  I have to deliver cookies in the morning. I’ll be at the café around noon. He’d have to go back to the festival in the afternoon to cover a shift at the booth before his tour with Luciana in the evening.

  I’ll be there then. This time for real.

  I can deliver lunch to you again. That idea sounded better. They’d have alone time like yesterday.

  That’s a very sweet offer, but no. I’m already taking some of your time this evening. I promise I’ll be there.

  I’ll see you later then.

  She sent a thumbs-up emoji and Jack put the phone down. After washing his hands, he retrieved a new pair of gloves and put them on, then returned to the dough. The grin persisted on his face as he worked on finishing the cookies needed at the festival today.

  Through the morning, every time the bell on the front door jangled, Jack poked his head from the kitchen in its direction, hoping to see the familiar red coat.

  Not Luciana yet. It was too early for lunch anyway.

  Jack resumed his
position by the trays and cellophane wrap as he packed the cookies he’d finished in the early morning, which he’d be dropping off at the booth shortly. Although he’d be spending time with Luciana tonight at the festival, he was looking forward to meeting her at lunch.

  Seeing her once a day wasn’t enough.

  The thought startled him. He’d only met her on Monday. Four days ago.

  Jack frowned. Was he doing it again? Falling head first into a new friendship with a woman he hadn’t known for too long?

  But this was different, wasn’t it? Luciana wasn’t Madison, for starters. And he’d learned his lesson. No, he definitely wouldn’t be making the same mistake.

  When Jack arrived at the festival, his cousins met him expectantly.

  “About time,” said Peter, one of his cousins from the Barisone family, on his mother’s side.

  Jack opened the back of the van and picked up a stack of trays. “How many do you have left?”

  “We’re down to one tray of the moon-shaped.”

  The traditional Italian Christmas cookies were the most popular item they sold during the season. “Not anymore,” Jack replied as he placed the trays behind the booth’s counter.

  “Can you stay for a bit?” Peter asked.

  Jack checked the time on his phone. “I can. As long as I’m back at the café by noon.”

  The lines were steady, with a few breaks here and there. Jack helped with the hot chocolate while his cousins sold cookies and pizelli, and they chatted easily with the festival goers, many of them guest who’d come to ski at the resort. Later, when the lights turned on after dark, whole families would come, and the area in the town square would fill to capacity. Jack would be there with Luciana.

  Maybe he was looking forward to it more than he’d anticipated.

  Jack left the booth, with a promise to return later, and started his way back toward the truck. A flash of red caught his attention. Ahead of him, a woman in a red coat walked beside a tall man in a dark wool coat.

  Was that Luciana? And who was the guy with her?

  His muscles tensed as realization settled in. From the cut and color of the coat, and the brown hair, he was positive it was indeed Luciana. He wasn’t sure about the man, but it looked to be Matt Garrison.

  Jack’s shoulders sagged and he slipped into the front of the truck, then took a side street that would lead him to the café ahead of them. Sometimes he parked out front, but not today.

  When he entered through the service door, Jack hung his coat and checked his phone. No messages. He’d half-expected to see one from Luciana canceling their outing tonight. But there was nothing, and he took that to mean their plans were still on. At least, until further notice.

  He washed his hands and donned his apron, his thoughts whirling with different scenarios and possibilities he hadn’t entertained before. He didn’t have any right to assume anything about Luciana. She could make her own choices. Just because Jack thought they’d made a sort of connection didn’t mean she’d felt it too.

  Besides, next to Matt Garrison, Jack didn’t measure up. He was painfully aware of that.

  By now, Luciana and Matt Garrison had probably entered the café already. Jack had planned to meet her to take her order, but that was too much to deal with.

  His phone vibrated and a text from Luciana filled the screen.

  I’m here. At the table by the front.

  Of course she was.

  As Jack contemplated what to do, Mom peeked in the kitchen. “Luciana is asking about you. Did you tell her you’d be here?”

  “I did.” He palmed his phone in his front pocket and squared his shoulders, putting on a pleasant expression.

  When he entered the main room, his eyes scanned the floor and stopped at the table Luciana usually took. A group of young skiers sat there, and the tightening between Jack’s shoulder blades immediately eased out. He’d come to think of that table as Luciana’s spot and the prospect of seeing her there with a man had not been a welcome one.

  Mom walked in the other direction and he followed her to a table at the opposite corner where Luciana sat across from Matt Garrison.

  That burning sensation pricked Jack in the chest.

  Luciana turned to look at him and her expression bloomed into a radiant smile. “Hi, Jack.”

  That smile. Was she really that happy to see him? Jack smiled back, momentarily forgetting she wasn’t alone. “Hi, Luciana. Glad you made it.” He was glad she’d come, even if she wasn’t alone. He looked at Matt Garrison and nodded. “Matt.”

  Matt smiled and returned the greeting, quickly focusing his attention on Luciana.

  As much as Jack would like to find fault with Matt Garrison, he was the kind of man who treated everyone well. If Luciana chose to go with Matt instead of him, Jack wouldn’t like it, but at least she would be in good hands.

  Jack took their order and walked back to the kitchen, swallowing the bitter tang in his mouth. Matt Garrison was interested in Luciana. He hadn’t flirted with her, not if front of Jack, but his body language was clear to read, and Jack couldn’t begrudge him.

  As he realized his lack of gumption, Jack was more disgusted with himself than with the situation. Why couldn’t he make up his mind about what he wanted? It would save a lot of emotional investment on his part.

  Mom and Nonna hovered too closely, serving Luciana and Matt Garrison and going back several times to check on them. Maybe a little too often. He’d have to remind Mom and Nonna of the fine line between service and stalking.

  Despite telling himself not to look in their direction, Jack did, as if a magnet pulled him toward Luciana. She and Matt looked at ease and Jack couldn’t help but wonder what they were talking about.

  Forty minutes later, Luciana stood at the entrance to the kitchen.

  “You mom said it was okay I came to say goodbye,” Luciana said.

  Jack wiped his hands on a hand towel and approached her. “Of course.” He smiled, hoping it looked more natural than he felt.

  “We’re going back to the museum now.” She looked over her shoulder to where Matt stood a few feet away. He raised a hand and Jack returned the greeting. “Mr. Wynthrop is closing earlier today. I’ll be done at five. We could go earlier to the festival, if you’re free.”

  The expectation in her eyes threw him off for a second. Luciana wasn’t canceling their tour to the festival; she was asking to leave earlier.

  “I’m free.” He didn’t need to sleep an extra hour. “Pick you up at five fifteen?”

  “That would be great,” she said with a smile.

  Maybe it would be great. Even though Mom and Nonna had contrived for him to take Luciana to the festival, he was looking forward to it.

  Chapter Six

  Friday, December 15th

  When Jack entered the foyer of the River View Inn, Luciana was coming down the main staircase.

  She smiled when she saw him, and his heart stuttered. He’d been thinking about the cheek kiss, the barely-there contact of her lips and face touching his, the way her breath had fanned his skin. Only Mom and Nonna ever kissed his cheeks, and it was not the same.

  So not the same.

  “Perfect timing,” Luciana said when she reached the landing.

  She wore a hand knit cap and her chocolate-brown hair touched her shoulders. He’d only seen her in a ponytail before and liked the look of her hair down. “Are you ready?”

  “Ready as I can be.” She held her hands up. “Gloves, scarf, cap, and lots of layers under my coat.”

  He held the front door for her. “Great. The festival is a lot of fun, but it gets cold after a little while.”

  Once on the sidewalk, Luciana settled beside Jack and he adjusted his pace to hers.

  “I’m glad you suggested we meet earlier,” Jack said. “We’ll be able to see something I’d forgotten about.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “It’s a surprise. We’re almost there,” he said.

  “A l
ittle hint? I’m dying of curiosity.”

  “It’ll be worth it. I promise.” Jack glanced at her and smiled.

  He’d almost forgotten how magical it was to watch the tree lighting ceremony in person, and he wanted to see Luciana’s reaction.

  As they emerged into the town square, the streets were congested with families and festival-goers in all directions.

  Luciana stopped beside him. “You didn’t tell the whole town of Hudson Springs would be here.”

  Jack chuckled. “More than our town. We get visitors too.”

  “Yeah, tons of them.”

  A group of teenagers ran by and jostled Luciana toward Jack, and she hung on to his elbow to steady herself.

  He reached down and grabbed her gloved hand. “What do you say we stick together? I know you can find your way back to the inn, but I’d rather not lose you in the crowd.”

  Luciana stepped closer. “Good plan.”

  They slowed and looked at each other briefly. Even with the gloves on, the warmth of Luciana’s hand and the weight of her fingers wrapped in his sent a zing he hadn’t expected.

  Jack cut a path through the crowd with Luciana tucked in at his side until they reached the edge of the town square in front of the gazebo. At the opposite corner, directly in front of them, the Christmas tree was still unlit.

  “We got here just in time,” he said to Luciana. “Look on ahead now.”

  When the church bell struck the half hour, the thousands of lights on the twenty-two foot tree turned on.

  Jack kept his eyes on Luciana and her expression glowed at the scene before them, eyes wide and a smile illuminating her face. She said something he didn’t understand, but it wasn’t hard to guess how she felt about it.

  “I’m so glad we came earlier,” Luciana said after a few minutes. “It’s been a while since I’ve watched a tree lighting in person.” The wonder in her tone made the sleep he lost worthwhile.

  He gave her a few minutes more to enjoy it and when the crowd started dispersing, Jack turned to her. “Let’s hit the food booths first. I’m ready to show you the best of the Hudson Springs Christmas Festival.”