Page 65 of A Not So Merry Rescue
Won’t want to leave her.
However, I don’t have that luxury today, and I hardly doubt she’ll want to come with me. She won’t start enjoying Christmas because she told me her story. Though now that I know the real reason, a part of me wants to give her some joy back, even if it’s minuscule and temporary.
Temporary.There’s that word again.
“What time is it?” Willa’s groggy question interrupts my thoughts. She’s starfished on the bed. If only I could join her. Instead, I keep my feet rooted in the doorway.
“Early. I have an errand to run, then I’m off to work on the holiday breakfast with Dax. Coffee? Breakfast? Cake?”
Even in the dim light of the hallway, I can make out her smile at the last suggestion.
“Cake is an acceptable breakfast, don’t you think? And coffee. Must have coffee. Your choice since you’re making it and all.”
“Who makes it every morning for you?”
“Me, myself, and I. But yours is super better. A whole lot. A plethora times better than mine.”
“You’re super adorable.” The comment blasts from my mouth with abandon. I swear she lights up more. Rather than dwell on my awkwardness, I change the subject. “What are your plans for the day?”
She sits up as I get dressed. “My only goal is to avoid a breakdown of any kind. If nothing else gets done, I’ll consider today a success. How long will you be gone?”
It doesn’t escape my notice how domestic this conversation is.
Or how right it feels.
“Most likely all day. The busy season is upon us. If you want to leave, you can use the SUV in the garage. Keys are hanging on the key hook by the back door. I’ll take the truck just in case. It’s not as great with all the snow still hanging around.”
“Where would I go?”
“Wherever you want. No lights during the day, but most stores blast Christmas music. We could meet for lunch.” Meeting her for lunch will push my arrival home later, but the way the idea perks her up, I’m glad I suggested it.
She sits up straighter, her eyes dazzling with interest. “Yes. At your favorite place.”
“K. I’ll write down the name. You can put it in your GPS, but it’s just off Main Street.” I debate whether to add the next thing, but figure what the heck. If she turns me down, it won’t be the end of the world. “Mom’s making a pot of chiliand wanted to extend the invite to you. No pressure, but Mom’s chili is out of this world. But my siblings will all be there, and there will definitely be a discussion about the holiday. You don’t have to let me know right now. There’s always room at the table, even at the last minute. Think about it.”
Why am I so nervous for her to say yes?
Because I want her there.
I want her to meet my family.
I want . . .
I shut down these paths of thinking. What I want and what’s reality are two different things. No use even thinking about her in any capacity other than temporary.
“Will do.” Her fingers rub her ear. The more she does it, the more endearing it is. So much of it is subconscious, which makes it more beguiling. “Thanks for indulging my request last night.”
I’m momentarily confused by which request she’s referring to, but I say, “You’re welcome.”
“It was kinda nice to have you in the bed with me.”
“Only ‘kinda’ nice?” I tease.
“I’m so used to sleeping on my own, I missed a warm body. And yours was warm.”
I’m not sure if she insinuates about it beingmywarm body or if I hear that because it’s what I want to hear. Either way, I’m taking it as a compliment. Not only about my body being warm.
“It’s a first for me.”
