Page 20 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
And standing behind the front desk was an elderly woman whose eyes tracked Charlie's movement with a soft, knowing smile.
Charlie suppressed a shiver. There was something about the way the woman looked at her. Like she could see straight through her. Like she knew what Charlie was feeling.
It's just because you're tired, Charlie told herself. Long day. Long drive. Too much caffeine and not enough sleep.
But the feeling didn't fade.
"You must be Charlie Burke."
The woman's voice was warm, friendly, and instantly disarming. It wrapped around Charlie like a blanket, and despite her initial unease, she felt herself relax. There was something about thewoman that reminded her of her own mother. The same gentle smile, the same knowing eyes.
A pang hit Charlie square in the chest, sharp and unexpected. Her mother had been gone for over a decade now, but standing here, looking at this woman, the grief felt fresh all over again.
Charlie swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Hi. Yes. Sorry I'm here so late."
"Not at all." The woman's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with something that might have been amusement. "In fact..." She paused, her gaze shifting to the door behind Charlie. "I think you're right on time."
Charlie frowned and turned.
The door swung open, and a man stepped inside.
Charlie's breath caught.
He was tall. Very tall. At least six-two, with broad shoulders and a build that spoke of years spent doing physical work. His hair was brown and slightly tousled, and his face was rugged in a way that was somehow both rough and appealing. But it was his smile that grabbed her attention. Warm and easy, like he was genuinely happy to be here.
"Logan!" The woman behind the desk's voice rang with delight. "I'm so glad you could make it. I missed you last Christmas."
Logan.He must be the guy who nearly killed my bag.
Charlie watched as he dropped his duffel bag and moved around the desk to embrace the woman. There was an ease between them, a familiarity that spoke of years of friendship.
"Hi, Julie," Logan said, his voice deep and warm. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Julie pulled back, her hands still on his arms, as they exchanged a few words that Charlie couldn’t hear before she turned back toward Charlie. Something twinkled in her eyes, and Charlie felt her frown deepen.
"Logan, I'd like you to meet one of our guests who just arrived." Julie's smile was positively radiant now. "This is Charlie Burke. Charlie, this is Logan Miller. He's like a second son to me."
Logan turned, and his gaze met Charlie's.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then Logan stepped forward and held out his hand. "Pleased to meet you."
Charlie stared at his hand for half a second longer than was polite. Then, as if in a daze (like a rabbit caught in a car’s headlights), she reached out and took it.
The moment their palms touched, a spark shot up her arm.
Charlie yanked her hand back, her heart racing. She told herself it was static. Just static from the dry air. But the warmth lingering in her palm said otherwise.
"Hello," she managed, her voice coming out smaller than she intended.
Logan's smile grew and seemed to transform his features, making him even more handsome, and Charlie’s pulse picked up speed. "I'm sorry about the parking lot. I didn't see your bag there."
Charlie's mouth went dry as she felt herself being mesmerized by his gaze. She swallowed, trying to find her voice, and nodded.
"Logan!" Julie tutted as she watched him. "You weren't on your phone, were you?"
"No." Logan laughed softly.
