Page 29 of Christmas With My Mountain Man Landlord
Mason:How's Tom treating you? Keeping his grumpy sheriff routine to a minimum?
Heat rises to my face.If only he knew.
Me: He's been surprisingly accommodating. We're getting along well.
An understatement of epic proportions,but it will have to do. Mason's response makes me laugh out loud.
Mason: 'Surprisingly accommodating'sounds like code for something. Spill it, sis.
I can almost seehis raised eyebrow. Deciding to tease him a little, I respond.
Me: Nothing to spill. Just discovering the sheriff has hidden depths. Very deep, very satisfying hidden depths.
Three dots appear,disappear, then reappear.
Mason:I'm choosing to interpret that in the most innocent way possible. For my professional sanity.
I laugh again,imagining his discomfort.
Me: Probably wise.
Mason:How's the cabin situation? Heard anything about when the heater might be fixed?
The question seems innocent enough,but it makes me pause. I haven't even thought about the cabin in days.
Me: Tom hasn't mentioned it. Honestly, I haven't asked.
Mason:Interesting that you're not in a rush to get back to your own space.
I can practically seehis therapist expression through the text.
Me: The arrangement's working out fine.
Mason:I can tell. You sound different, Kelsie. Happier. Tom Parker seems to be good for you.
I hesitate before responding,wondering how much Mason is picking up on.
Me: He's not what I expected.
Mason:The best people rarely are. Just be careful with your heart. And his. He's been through more than most people realize.
His cryptic responsemakes me wonder exactly what he means. Before I can ask, he texts again.
Mason:Not breaking any confidences here. Just speaking as someone who cares about you both.
Somethingabout his wording strikes me. Does he know what's developing between Tom and me? Is he... encouraging it?
Me: I'm not planning to hurt him, if that's what you're worried about.
Mason:Good. Because behind all that gruff sheriff exterior is someone worth taking a chance on. If you were so inclined.
Now I'mcertain he's nudging me toward exactly what's already happening.
Me: I'll keep that in mind.
Before I can decipherhis motives further, my phone chimes with a text from Tom.
Tom:Got good news and bad news. Bad news is I'm running about 30 minutes late. Good news is I just heard from property management. Cabin heater parts delayed another two weeks. Hope you don't mind being stuck with me a bit longer. Miss you, by the way. The station feels empty without you stopping by.
