Page 106 of That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe
He agreed to swing by, pick me up, and deliver me to the lake house. I figure it’s a win-win, because I’ve got a few things I want to get off my chest. Might as well bum a ride at the same time.
A group of carolers just left my house after singing “Joy to the World,”so I’m already at the door, watching for Carver’s patrol car. When his headlights beam around the corner, I head out to meet him, my workbag in tow.
“I can’t thank you enough,” I say, climbing in to ride shotgun. “Seriously, man. Coming out on Christmas Eve is above and beyond. I owe you one.”
“No problem.” Carver checks his mirrors before making a U-turn and heading back toward Main Street. Every house and shop in town is brightly lit tonight, but the streets are mostly empty. “The sheriff’s with his family,” Carver says, tossing his hat into the back seat. “Makes sense I’d be the one working. I’m the only single guy at the station. For now.”
“Not dating anyone? No one special in your life?”
He tips his chin. “Now those are two different questions.”
“I guess you’re right about that. Either way, I owe you an apology.” I flash him my bestI’m sorrylook.
Carver scoffs. “What for?”
“The past couple times we saw each other, I was kinda off. Definitely not acting like myself.” I suck air in through my teeth. “But it wasn’t you, man. It was definitely me. Or maybe the concussion. I don’t know for sure. Still, that’s no excuse.”
At Bridge Street, Carver hangs a right taking us to the backroad that leads to the Hathaways’. There aren’t any street lights along this stretch, so he slows, scanning for deer like we all do here.
“Funny you should say that.” He actually chuckles. “Because I was gonna say sorry to you for pretty obviously flirting with your girl.” He pulls down his brow, but keeps his eyes on the road. “The thing is, I’ve got pretty terrible radar when it comes to women. And over at Humboldt’s you said you Sara were just friends. Then you were both so freaked out about the kissing wall … I guess I believed you two weren’t a thing.”
“I get it.” I run a hand over my head, huffing out a breath. “I was trying to believe me too.”
“Anyway, as dense as I am,” Carver says, “I realized about ten seconds after you two showed up at the station to help out Sully that there was something going on with you for real.”
“Heh.” My shoulders hitch. “I won’t deny that anymore.”
“Good.” More chuckling from Carver. “So what’s the deal, anyway?”
“It’s kind of a long story.” I bob my head. “We’ll be at the house before I could get halfway through.”
“Well, whatever’s going on, I’m happy for you.” He casts a quick glance my way before returning his focus to the road. “You look happy.”
I am.
“I’d love to find a good woman someday too,” he continues. “I’d settle down in a heartbeat.”
“Really?” I arch a brow. “I’m sure the right one’s just waiting around the corner.”
“The thing is, I’ve been stuck on someone for years.” He sighs. “No one else compares, to be honest. I can’t stop wanting her, but I haven’t been able to make anything happen with us.”
“Oof. That’s hard. Anyone I know?” I cock my chin, huff out a laugh. “If she lives in this town, that’s a guarantee. Maybe I can help.”
“Thanks.” He grimaces. “But that might get awkward.”
“Why?”
“She’s not interested in me at all. And…” He takes a couple beats. “She’s your sister.”
Whoa.
“Nella?” The way all the air leaves my lungs, our car might as well have just hit a buck on the road.
“You got another sister?” Carver presses out a laugh. “If so, please introduce us. Maybe I’ll have a better shot with her than Nell.” He ducks his head, offering me a sad half smile. “Like I said. Bad with women.”
Oh, Carver. You have no idea.
Here, I’ve been worried about protecting my sister’s heart, while Carver—the very same man she’s been dreaming about for years—actually wants her as well?
