Page 61 of Take Me Home for Christmas

“A shower sounds wonderful.”

Hayden was stretchedout on the bed an hour later, watching Elle braid her wet hair, when a chime echoed throughout the house.

“Someone’s at the workshop.” He reluctantly got up, cursing whoever was interrupting them. “It’s probably Xander or Simone. I’ll get rid of them. I have plans for you this evening.” He nuzzled the spot on her neck where he’d left his mark earlier.

Her sigh was filled with relief. “I’m glad you went down and grabbed our clothes. I wouldn’t want a potential client finding my elf panties hanging from one of the chairs.”

He winked at her. “You have no idea how much those elf panties turn me on.”

The chime sounded again, and Elle swatted him on the ass. “Go get rid of whoever it is and put out the closed sign. Or else my elf panties are taking a walk.”

Hayden scrambled out the kitchen door and over to his workshop. Dusk was just beginning to blanket the little town. The Christmas lights he’d hung from the eaves of the old outbuilding glowed festive and welcoming against the weathered wood.

Perhaps he and Elle would get a Christmas tree tonight. He’d never bothered to put one up in previous years. But this Christmas felt a little different. Visions of them snuggling beside a twinkling tree, while watching holiday movies danced in his head.

He was whistling “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” when he opened the door. The tune died on his lips as soon as he saw who waited there.

“Livi.”

She aimed a bright smile at him. As usual, she was dressed impeccably in a pair of white wool pants and a matching sweater that featured a giant gold snowflake. Chunky gold jewelry complemented the look.

“It’s good to see you up and about,” he told her. And he meant it. He liked Livi. Just not the way he “liked” Elle. “What brings you by?”

Her expression dimmed a smidge. Had she expected a more exuberant greeting?Probably.He dragged his fingers through his hair. The last thing he wanted was to hurt this woman.

“I have a few potential clients for you,” she announced.

The news had him rocking back on his heels.

Livi pulled several pieces of paper from her leather satchel. She hesitated for a long moment before placing them on the table in the center of the room. Hayden held his breath, hoping there wasn’t an obvious butt print on the table’s edge.

“Um. One person is looking for a desk similar to the one I bought,” she said. “They want it made from walnut, however. Here are the dimensions they need. The other client would like a kitchen table.” She paused again as she gestured to Gavin and Ginger’s piece. “Modern farmhouse like this one.”

“Wow. Thanks.”

She smiled at him again. “You can work up the price estimates and get back to me.”

“Sure.”

They stood staring at each other, the strained silence becoming more awkward.

“Livi—” he began.

“Are we still on for the snowman-in-the-sand contest?” she asked at the same time.

“Uh . . .”

“You know what? You don’t have to answer me now. Patricia said you are pulling double duty while one of the deputies is sick.” She glanced down at her watch. “I have to get up to Wilmington. I’m headed back to Atlanta tonight to meet with the developers. I’ll be back in time for the contest next week. If you can’t make it, no worries.”

“Livi,” he repeated. He needed to tell her that friendship was the best he could offer her.

Except she wasn’t inclined to hear it. Almost as if she knew what was coming, she rushed over to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Gotta jet. See you when I get back into town.”

She was nearly to the door when she stopped short in front of the sofa. She pointed at the laptop on its cushion. “Is Elle here?”

Hayden’s palms began to sweat. There was no way he could deny the computer belonged to Elle. She’d decorated it with stickers that read “Hot Girls Read” and “Bookmarks Are For Quitters.”

“Um, no. She must have left it when she stopped by earlier,” he hedged.

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