Page 13 of Holding Holly

A shiver runs through me as I wonder just how much of me he would like to eat. I feel myself blushing and turn quickly toward the door.

Once we’re inside and have slipped off our boots and coats, I walk straight to the kitchen. The house has a lovely open concept cottage layout, making it easy to find everything. Without James even directing me, I find plates, napkins, and water glasses. He raises an eyebrow. “Have you been here before when I wasn’t looking?”

“No – but I know you would have your kitchen laid out logically. You know…since you’re a chef and all.”

“Casual foodie. Not a chef.” He grins at the sandwiches as I set them out. “You made these at the bakery?”

“Yes. It’s not the same as a home cooked dinner, sorry – I really will do that someday. But I was tired and this stuff was already mostly prepared.”

“No apology necessary. Delicious and efficient. I approve.”

We sit down at the dining room table and chat about my duties at the bakery for a bit. Then I turn to him with a smile. “Am I allowed to ask about your important cop stuff today?”

He laughs, nodding. “Yeah, sure. I was helping out at the school’s annual holiday bake sale. They sell tickets to a game calledCupcake the Cop. Apparently, it’s hilarious to toss a cupcake wrapper filled with whipped cream at me when I’m in uniform.”

The second I stare pointedly at his spotless shirt, he chuckles. “I always bring a spare uniform. Plus I keep an extra in my truck for emergencies.”

I pause, setting the last few bites of my sandwich down. “Wait. You practically said that a wealthy family runs this town… They don’t fund the school?”

“Oh, of course. But these things are important community events, not just chances to raise money. They have a couple every year to get the best bakers out and bring people together.”

“This entire town is ridiculously wholesome. You know that, right?”

He smiles. “That’s kind of the point.”

“Have you ever worked anywhere else?”

“Yeah.” His eyes cloud as he stares down at his plate. “I was in Kingsville for a while. Ninety-five percent of it is an amazing city, and very safe. But there are also a few dark corners, and unfortunately, that’s where I ended up.” He shakes his head. “I don’t want to chase mobsters and bust people for illegal importing. It’s mentally exhausting.”

“So you came here for the birdwatching and whipped cream splattering?”

He is so unbelievably handsome when he grins. “Damn straight. And I’m never leaving.”

He’s so confident. Self-assured. Knows exactly what he’s doing with his life. He’s the complete opposite of me – shiftless, floating around until I figure out what I want and where I want it.

After dinner, James makes a fire in the beautiful brick fireplace and puts on some soft music, and we settle onto the couch while inhaling the fresh scent of cedar. Since last night was so intimate, I wonder… Will he want more of the same?

I tuck my head against his shoulder as his thick, heavy arm wraps around me. Being held like this does something to me. After wandering from place to place for years, it feels…grounding. And after not knowing what I’m going to do with my life, it makes me feel like I’m finally in the right place doing the right thing at the right time.

His hand strokes slowly up and down my arm, just snuggling as we stare quietly into the flames. Could I really make my home here? Well, not here in this house. It’s way too soon to think about moving in together. Although… Looking around the lovely room, it’s easy to imagine how wonderful this place would look with just afewdetails improved by a woman.

Maybe it’s the overall wholesomeness of Old Hemlock Valley seeping into me. Everyone here is happily planted like…well, a hemlock. I doubt the thought of moving anywhere else ever crosses anyone’s mind.

But… It’s the sort of place where a person’s reputation lasts forever, since people only have so much gossip to go around. What if the town found out about my father?

Twisting under his arm, I turn to look up at James. The last thing I’d want to do is mess with his job. It obviously means the world to him.

“Hey.” His deep, rich voice is gentle. “You’re a million miles away. Tired from the new job?”

“A little, yeah.” My hand drifts over to caress the center of his chest. “This lounging time is really nice.”

“You’rereally nice.” He grins, turning to face me as his palm cups my face, his thumb drifting lazily across my cheekbone. “And both gorgeous and adorable simultaneously. That’s exceptionally rare, you know.”

We lean closer at the same time, kissing gently as my stomach does a slow backflip. This feels so real. Having a meal together, at his house, alone. There’s so much potential for this to be a proper relationship.

If only I’d met James a year or two from now, when I wasn’t so…borderline inappropriately young for him.

He releases me, then pokes my nose with his finger. “Wow, you really are tired. You keep zoning out.”

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