Page 56 of Heart of Stone
“I don’t know. Are you going to allow more than just a wreath on your door?”
I wanted whatever was going to keep her here the longest. “I was thinking we shouldn’t hold back at all. Maybe do quite the opposite of what was here following the last decorating session.”
Her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Oh, Reid, I’m so sorry, but you don’t have any idea what you just agreed to.”
The thing was, I did know. It was impossible not to imagine what Natalia would do if given free rein over this. With such a boisterous personality, I expected she’d go over the top. But I didn’t care. I wanted this time with her, and I wanted to do something that was going to have her looking at me like she was right now. “I’m willing to suffer through whatever it is if this is the best-looking cabin by the lake.”
Natalia’s gorgeous mouth curved into a beautiful smile. “It’s going to be the best one on the whole property.”
“Sounds to me like we better get started.”
So, that’s what we did.
For the next two hours, I got unfettered access to Natalia. She laughed so much… God, the sound of her laughter was something I didn’t think I’d ever tire of hearing. But as much fun as she had throughout, Natalia took the decorating business seriously. She didn’t cut corners or just throw things up haphazardly. There was a method to her madness, and even when I teased her about just throwing a decoration up without much thought, she refused to let it happen. Natalia strived for excellence in everything she did.
“Alright, I think this is going to be the last thing.”
I stood back and watched as Natalia walked up to the door to hang the Christmas wreath. She positioned it perfectly before slowly stepping back to take it all in.
Since she wasn’t paying attention to what was behind her, I put myself between her and the stairs, so she wouldn’t go tumbling down them. Natalia backed right into me, startling herself, and my hands came to rest on the outer caps of her shoulders to steady her.
She spun around. “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
My lips twitched. “I know.”
Her hand came to rest lightly on my chest as she turned to look back at the cabin and all the work we’d done. “I think it looks fantastic. Don’t you?”
My eyes didn’t leave her gorgeous face. “Stunning.”
Natalia returned her attention to me. “This was wonderful, Reid. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you invited me to do this with you today. I had so much fun.”
“Yeah, I did, too. That was the plan, though, so I’m glad it worked out.” I didn’t want this to be the last time I saw her untilMonday. “You know, it’ll be too dark to do it tonight, but if you don’t have any plans for this weekend, I’d be willing to help you with decorations on your place tomorrow afternoon.”
Her brows shot up. “Yeah?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I mean, look at this place. It’s clear we’ve got a talent for this.”
She beamed at me, her eyes dancing with happiness. “I’d love that.”
“Perfect. Then it’s a date.”
Whether she sensed any additional meaning behind that word, she didn’t let on. Then again, she was nearly always happy, so I wasn’t sure I’d know unless it upset her.
“I should probably head back to my cabin,” she murmured.
“I’ll walk you back.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know.” I turned toward the stairs and reached for her hand. “I want to.”
Natalia’s cheeks turned pink, the blush the only indication I was having an effect on her. She didn’t hesitate nearly as long as she had when I’d attempted to lead her up the stairs. Placing her hand in mine, Natalia allowed me to guide her down the stairs. And when I didn’t let go as I led her back to her cabin, I knew one thing for certain.
Things were definitely getting more complicated, and I was loving every minute of it.
EIGHTEEN
Natalia
