Page 30 of A Not So Merry Rescue
Beckett chose a Hallmark movie that was unrelated to Christmas. It was unexpectedly entertaining, but what was more shocking was the way he was so into it. How he analyzed the character arcs, their goals and motivations. How he was spot-on.
He made homemade hot cocoa and used some sort of appliance to air-pop the popcorn. He drizzled it with butter and salt, and it was better than the movies.
I ate way too many of his mom’s cookies, at least the ones with nuts and powdered sugar—I avoided the others like the plague. I appreciated how Beckett didn’t call me out on it and almost saved the non-seasonal ones for me.
Our conversation was light and surface-level. Nothing was mentioned about the tree staying unlit nor about the exterior lights. There’s some regret about how he’s catering to my wishes when it’s his house, but not enough to let him stop.
I felt a twinge of guilt when it was time for bed. He headed for his bedroom until he remembered his bed was the couch for the night. I didn’t have a chance to offer to trade. He beat me to it when he insisted he was fine on the couch. While I don’t thinkit’s the truth, the idea of sleeping in his bed was too thrilling to pass up.
I went to bed blissed out on hot cocoa and snacks and again slept like the dead. I might have to ask him where his mattress is from because it’s like sleeping on what I imagine a cloud would feel like.
Dragging myself from the comfort of the bed, after using the bathroom, I find the cabin empty. Beckett left a note on the counter. Even his handwriting is neat.
Willafred,
I’m off to fix your car. Enjoy the leftover quiche, cook some eggs, or eat whatever. You’re an adult. I trust you can fend for yourself and you’re comfortable enough to make yourself at home. I’m working a half day, so I’ll be back by two-ish. Hopefully with your car fixed. If you need me, I’m only a text away.
Beckett
I finish reading the note as my phone rings, the man of the hour’s name displayed.
“Hey.”
“So, bad news.”
I slump into the chair I’ve claimed as mine for the past two days. “You can’t fix my car.”
“Unfortunately. The part I need is on back order. I have feelers out to see if I can find a used one, but with your car being newer, it’s unlikely.”
“So I’m stuck here longer?” I can’t hide the disappointment in my voice.
“Your insurance might be able to get you a rental car, but pickings will be slim this time of year.”
Slim most likely equates to nothing. But it’s my only option.
Beckett’s gone above and beyond being a gracious host, but I’m sure he’s ready for me to be out of his hair. And I want to get to the rental if I can. It’s already been two days of me paying for it without using it, and I’m looking forward to being in a space by myself and not surrounded by hideous decorations.
“Guess I know what I’ll be doing this morning.”
“If you need help, let me know. My office manager loves dealing with insurance and tracking down rental cars.”
“Don’t listen to him. I loathe it with a passion,” booms a female voice.
There’s a scuffle over the line, then I hear, “Willa, I’m Meredith. Listen, the boss has an extra SUV in his garage. He didn’t offer it before now because of the snow and he truly thought he’d be able to fix your car today. Or so he’s led me to believe. But there’s an ulterior motive, too.”
She pauses, and I wait for her to continue. When she’s silent after a minute, I ask, “What’s that?”
“It’s not obvious?”
“No.”
“He’s—”
Whatever she was going to say gets cut off, and Beckett’s gruff voice rumbles in my ear. “You don’t want to come back to Winterberry to return my car.”
He’d let me take his car? People in Winterberry sure are bred differently than where I grew up. Havenwood’s similar, but I’ve yet to meet someone there as indulgent as Beckett.
“Not if I can help it.” It didn’t sound so grating in my head, but hearing it out loud makes me seem so ungrateful. Which I’m not in the slightest. He’s been nothing but benevolent and all I’ve done is take. “But I’d still have to return for my car.” My tone doesn’t make up for my abrasiveness, but it’s a little better.
