Page 60 of A Cozy Christmas Blizzard
She didn’t want to argue with him, either. Still, she’d hoped the twins would convince him that while his theories might look good on paper, in reality they didn’t work.
After Wynn exited the freeway, it was only a few short blocks to Blossom Street and the parking garage beneath their building. Wynn pulled into his assigned slot and turned off the engine.
Neither moved.
K.O. feared that the minute she opened the car door, it would be over, and she didn’t want their relationship to end, not like this. Not now, with Christmas only nine days away.
She tried again. “I know we don’t see eye to eye on everything—”
“No, we don’t,” he interrupted. “In many cases, it doesn’t matter, but when it comes to my work, my livelihood, it does. Not only do you not accept my theories, you think they’re ludicrous.”
She opened her mouth to defend herself, then realized he was right. That was exactly what she thought.
“You’ve seen evidence that appears to contradict them and, therefore, you discount the years of research I’ve done in my field. The fact is, you don’t respect my work.”
Feeling wretched, she hung her head.
“I expected there to be areas in which we disagree, Katherine, but this is more than I can deal with. I’m sorry, but I think it would be best if we didn’t see each other again.”
If that was truly how he felt, then there was nothing left to say.
“I appreciate that you’ve been honest with me,” he continued. “I’m sorry, Katherine—I know we both would’ve liked this to work, but we have too many differences.”
She made an effort to smile. If she thought arguing with him would do any good, she would have. But the hard set of his jaw told her no amount of reasoning would reach himnow. “Thank you for everything. Really, I mean that. You’ve made this Christmas the best.”
He gave her a sad smile.
“Would it be all right—would you mind if I gave you a hug?” she asked. “To say goodbye?”
He stared at her for the longest moment, then slowly shook his head. “That wouldn’t be a good idea,” he whispered, opening the car door.
By the time K.O. was out of the vehicle, he’d already retrieved her overnight bag from the trunk.
She waited, but it soon became apparent that he had no intention of taking the elevator with her. It seemed he’d had about as much of her company as he could stand.
She stepped into the elevator with her bag and turned around. Before the doors closed, she saw Wynn leaning against the side of his car with his head down, looking dejected. K.O. understood the feeling.
It had been such a promising relationship. She’d never felt this drawn to a man, this attracted. If only she’d been able to keep her mouth shut—but, oh, no, not her. She’d wanted to prove her point, show him the error of his ways. She still believed he was wrong—well, mostly wrong—but now she felt petty and mean.
When the elevator stopped at the first floor, the doors slid open and K.O. got out. The first thing she did was collect her mail and her newspapers. She eyed the elevator, wondering if she’d ever see Wynn again, other than merely in passing, which would be painfully unavoidable.
After unpacking her overnight case and sorting through the mail, none of which interested her, she walked across the hall, hoping to talk to LaVonne.
Even after several long rings, LaVonne didn’t answer her door. Perhaps she was doing errands.
Just as K.O. was about to walk away, her neighbor opened the door just a crack and peered out.
“LaVonne, it’s me.”
“Oh, hi,” she said.
“Can I come in?” K.O. asked, wondering why LaVonne didn’t immediately invite her inside. She’d never hesitated to ask her in before.
“Ah... now isn’t really a good time.”
“Oh.” That was puzzling.
“How about tomorrow?” LaVonne suggested.
