Page 24 of The Christmas Eve Delivery

Her cheeks burned bright red with another blush.

“I think you might be right and I might just die right now,” she said.

I sat on one of the outcroppings of rock as we both looked at the view. “How many people come up here?” I asked. I didn’t see any garbage or abandoned beer cans or cigarette butts. Clearly, this was not a space where kids liked to party.

“I’m pretty sure everybody knows about this place. It’s pretty special, and fortunately, people treat it that way. It’s pretty popular for things like engagements or other private moments.”

I nodded in understanding. This would be one of those near sacred places that small towns were rumored to have. This was where romance and longing came together to make happy memories.

“Didn’t you have a place like this where you grew up?” she asked.

I shook my head. “Definitely not. It wasn’t that kind of small town. And if it was, I wasn’t that kind of kid who would have paid attention. Brookdale is very much not like the kind of place I came from.”

“You really don’t miss anything about where you grew up?”

“God, no. If I had to say I missed anything about it, it would probably be the food. When I was a kid, all I wanted was to eat fast food and we didn’t even have a local McDonald’s. And now I can have all the junk food I want, and I pay someone far too much money so that I have a home-cooked meal.”

“You miss home cooking, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes?” she teased.

“I don’t think anyone ever misses meatloaf. However, there are times I don’t want to have to look at a menu to decide what I’ll be eating that night. Sitting down and having that decision made for me is probably the part I miss the most.”

“You miss having a mom,” Lydia said.

“I shook my head. “I don’t think my mom was that person, but maybe you’re right. Maybe I miss someone taking care of me.”

Lydia came and stood in front of where I sat. “You know, if you came home with me, I would take care of you.”

I looked up into her eyes. Her eyes were full of tenderness and something else. Maybe it was caring or hope. Or maybe I was simply projecting what I wanted from her onto what was really there. I stood and pulled her back into my embrace once more.

“I thought you were trying to keep me a secret from your new front desk employee,” I said.

“She’s going to be off duty soon. I don’t think we have to worry about that for too much longer this evening.”

“And then what?” I asked.

“Are you going to make me spell it out and beg?” Lydia asked.

“Begging is always nice,” I teased.

“Come home with me, Miles. Let me make you a home-cooked meal, and stay with me tonight.”

I lowered my head and claimed her lips in a kiss. That kiss was everything I could have wished for. Lydia was the embodiment of the small town past I never had and a future that I had never even thought about.

We were quiet on the drive back into town, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a connection happening between us. I did not stop touching her. If she didn’t hold my hand while she navigated the car, I had my hand resting on her leg. There was no denying the burning spark of attraction and desire between us.

If she could have safely driven faster, I’m sure she would have. Once we were back in town, I followed her into the lobby of the inn, but instead of going to the counter to check in like a guest, I took a seat in the lobby and focused on my phone.

Lydia and the older woman talked about how the afternoon went. They discussed any questions she may have had regarding the computer system. It was all very efficient and on topic for the job. I was never once bothered, and my presence wasn’t questioned. I continued to pretend to ignore them until the other woman said goodbye and left, and then Lydia was standing in front of me

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Everything is fine,” she said. “I have a phone-in reservation to expect later this evening, but other than that… she didn’t quit on the spot, so I would say it was a success.”

“What’s next?” I asked.

“Next, I go clean up and start making your dinner.”

“And after that?” I reached out and took her hand in mine. I rubbed my thumb over the backs of her knuckles. I wanted her to say that after that, she would welcome me back in her bed.

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