Page 18 of Just Add Mistletoe

“You have to go be Mr. Fix-It again?” Lori asked.

He turned his head. “Yeah, sorry. There’s been some miscommunication going on between my brother and me lately. Bronson’s wife Kari and her sister Penny in the mix makes things even more complicated.” He rose to his feet, plate in hand. “I guess my break is over.”

“I’m sorry.” Lori moved to her feet as well and faced him. “Here, I can throw this away. Can you come back after? I’m sure all the guys want you to stick around. How long does fixing a gate latch take?”

“I can’t say until I look at it,” Malcom said. “I have tools in my truck, but if it needs to be replaced, I’ll have to head into town to the hardware store. If it’s even still open.”

“It closes at six on Saturday night, like every night,” she said. “But I know Gil, the owner, and he could let us in.”

Malcom stared at Lori. “Really? I mean, that would be great.” He paused. “Wait. You don’t need to come.”

She gave him a small smile. “I kind of want to come. I mean, not on your errands, but maybe you can drop me off at my place when you get back to town? I’m sort of over being the only solo person at this retreat.”

Surprise rippled through him. “I thought they were all your best friends.”

“Oh, they are. And they’ve all matched up with great guys.” She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. My head’s not in it, and I don’t want to bring anyone down.”

Malcom didn’t know what to say here, how to respond, but if she wanted a ride back to town, he didn’t mind giving her one. “You’re okay with checking out that gate first?”

Lori nodded. “I’m not in a hurry. I just . . . wouldn’t mind leaving here earlier than tomorrow.”

“Okay. No problem.”

“I’ll be really fast in packing up,” Lori said, squeezing his hand, then letting go. “Just give me a couple of minutes.”

Before he could say anything more, she went inside to the kitchen and dumped the plate and empty water bottle into the trash. Then she hurried up the stairs, leaving him standing in the entryway, feeling the lingering warmth from her hand on his.

He headed to the kitchen and perched on a stool. While he waited for Lori to pack, Brandy and Ian came inside, carrying a couple of empty platters.

“Did you find her?” Brandy asked.

“Yeah,” Malcom said. “But I’ve got to take off. I guess I’m still the on-call maintenance guy, and I’ve got a gate to fix.”

Ian frowned. “Oh, sorry about that. Do you want me to come help you?”

“It’s fine,” he said.

“I’m helping him.” Lori appeared in the kitchen, carrying a duffle bag. “I’m also going back tonight. He’s dropping me off. Sorry I can’t stay longer.”

Brandy’s gaze widened. “You’releaving? We’ve got a bunch of stuff planned for tonight and tomorrow.”

“I know, and I’m sorry to dash off,” Lori told her, not looking sorry at all. “Marci said the store was super busy today, so I’ve got to go through inventory and put in new orders ASAP.”

Brandy’s frown appeared, and Malcom knew she wasn’t buying that story. But she stepped forward to hug her friend anyway. “Well, we’ll miss you,” she said, her gaze shifting to Malcom over Lori’s shoulder. “Drive safe, you two.”

“Tell everyone bye for me.” Lori stepped away from Brandy, then started walking toward the door.

Malcom watched her swift walk. She meant business. “Okay. Well. See you all later. Thanks for everything.”

“See you at the gym Monday?” Ian said.

“I’ll be there.”

Malcom headed out of the kitchen and found Lori waiting for him on the front porch. “You don’t want to say goodbye to the rest of your friends?”

She waved a hand. “I’ll see them soon enough. Besides, I don’t need everyone fussing over me.”

“Makes sense.” He reached for the duffle. “I can carry that.”

---