Page 74 of The Snuggle is Real
My eyes widened. “You didn’t?”
He laughed, brown eyes sparkling. “It’s back, I swear. I’ll never make that mistake again!”
I grinned. “I’m new in Christmas Falls, but it’s pretty clear they love their traditions.”
“They sure do.”
I made it home with time to spare, so I arranged the rolls on a plate and set out the coffees—and hot chocolate I’d gotten for Charlie. I rearranged my table setting a few times, wiped down my already clean counters twice, andfinallyPeppermint Bark yipped excitedly at the door.
I rushed over, heart skittering at the thought of seeing Ford again after what happened. My stomach tied itself in knots, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat any of the rolls I’d bought.
My doorbell rang.
I forced myself to wait an extra few seconds—to Pepper’s dismay—before opening the door. Didn’t want Ford to think I was standing here waiting.
“Hey, good morning.” I stepped aside. “Come in.”
“Hi.” Ford guided Charlie in ahead of him. “I hope it’s okay that Charlie came too? She was eager to see Peppermint Bark.”
“Of course. I planned on it.” I waved toward the dining room. “I’ve set out coffee and pastries. I got hot chocolate for Charlie.”
Ford stiffened. “You didn’t need to do that. I’m here to do a job for you, not have breakfast.”
“We need to talk about the work that needs done anyway, right? I just thought…”
I didn’t know what I thought. That Ford would want to sit down and chat like old friends? That was stupid.
“I love hot chocolate!” Charlie said from where she’d crouched to rub Pepper’s belly, breaking the awkward tension.
I smiled down at her. “I know you do. That’s why I got it.”
“I s’pose we do need to make a list of projects and supplies needed before I can get started,” Ford said.
“Exactly! I can run through what I’ve done so far so you know what messes I’ve made that you need to clean up.”
Ford laughed. “I’m sure you haven’t done that badly.”
My gaze met his. “I’m a mess, Ford. Might as well be honest about it. Honesty is always the best policy, right?”
He broke eye contact, jaw tightening. “Right.”
I drew a breath. Time to face the music. “I’m honestly sorry about?—”
Ford brushed past me to pull out a chair at the table. “Let’s just focus on the work.”
“All right.”
Charlie sat down and tore into a roll, while Ford seemed more intent on tearing his apart bit by bit. His attitude was unsettling, but I’d brought it on myself. He was probably uncomfortable around me.
I grabbed a notebook and made a list of projects, how far I’d gotten into them, and supplies. I’d imagined this being more of a collaborative discussion, but Ford wasn’t much for conversation today.
I slid it across the table to him. “Take a look at that while I show Charlie a project I’ve got for her.” I paused. “As long as you don’t mind me giving her something to do?”
“As long as it’s safe.”
“Yes, of course.”
He nodded once, dropping his gaze to the list and picking up the pencil to make a note next to one of the items. “Go right ahead.”
