Page 66 of Booked for the Holidays
“Care to share what else?”
Your ass. Your smile. How quick-witted you are.
“Ziggy is nice, too.” I look over at Mac. Her nose is behind a book, her hand on the dog’s head, gently petting his fur.
“Food and dogs. Easy man to please.”
“You have no idea,” I mumble, low enough so she can’t hear.
“I’m going to check in with Felicity and grab a plate. If these start to burn, you’re in charge,” Bridget says and I nod in understanding.
“You got it, boss.”
I watch her walk away. The sway of her hips, her skirt hitting the top of her thigh. Those long, long legs. Distracting, wonderful, obnoxious things.
“Your tongue is hanging out of your mouth,” Lucas says. He drops his elbows on the counter, blocking my view.
“Fuck off.”
“Okay, jokes aside, this is fun. Don’t tell me you aren’t having a good time.”
I sigh and roll my eyes. “Fine. I’m having a good time.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
“I actually had a question for you. A favor, of sorts.”
“You want me to watch Mac after this so you can bang a certain book-loving brunette on the counter?”
“Jesus fuck,” I hiss. “Would you keep your voice down? No, that’s not what I was going to ask. I don’t want to bang anyone on the counter.”
“You sure about that?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I flip him off. “It is about Bridget, though. She’s my secret gift exchange person. I already have the gift to give her the night of the judging at the present swap. But I wanted to get her something else.”
Lucas stands up, intrigued. “Go on.”
I gesture to the far wall. “She told me Chandler sits on her shoulders to put books on the top shelf. I might have mentioned I could make a rolling ladder for her. She got really excited, and then I decided Ihaveto make the rolling ladder for her. This competition has been fun. Bridget has played a big role in that and I’d like to do something nice for her. And, you know, I’m terrible at carpentry, so I would love some help, if you’re willing. It’d be nicer than a five-dollar souvenir from a mall kiosk. She deserves it.”
He stares at me, and I expect another joke to be lobbed my way. “That’s…”
“Stupid,” I finish for him. “Over the top. I never should’ve–”
“Shut up, Theo. I was going to say it’s incredibly thoughtful. Of course I’ll help you.”
“I’ll pay you for your time and the materials, obviously.”
“Hell, no, you won’t. This is awesome. I haven’t made anything that rolls before, but it shouldn’t be too hard. Let me do some research and sketch out a couple things. Then we can get to work.” He pauses. “I know I was kidding around before, but you don’t build ladders for people.”
“I know I don’t.”
“You’re going to build one for her.”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I check to make sure Bridget’s not nearby. “No. I don’t know what I’m feeling toward her. I like being around her. I like spending time with her. She’s the only reason I came over here this afternoon. I like seeing her happy. When she’s happy, I’m happy.”
