Page 25 of Say Yule Stay
I knew that Walker had made a change for exactly that reason, but I’d been adamant that wasn’t going to be me.
As if I’d conjured my life in Chicago, my phone vibrates on the nightstand. Pulling the sheet up to cover my breasts, I snatch up the device and read the message.
KELLER: All hell is breaking loose at the office and it’s the best Christmas present ever
I bet.
I snort out a laugh as three little bubbles appear.
KELLER: I gave your name to a friend. They’re expanding their accounting department and want to be up and running at the start of the new year
KELLER: I emailed you all the info
Stunned,I stare at the words in front of me. Keller and I have always been friendly, but I’d never consider him to be a close friend. Still, I’m grateful for the lead.
LACEY: Thank you so much for thinking of me. I’ll be sure to get in touch with them before the holiday
KELLER: You got it, kid
Andthere’swhy we’re not close.
Darkening the screen, I toss my phone on the bed and stand, a mixture of excitement and foreboding swirling inside me just thinking about the potential lead. This should be a good thing, but ever since I landed in Starlight Bay, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something.
I couldn’t wait to get out of this small town growing up, but right now, Chicago doesn’t feel like home either. I’m halfway to the bathroom when my steps falter, and I realize that neither place is home.The only place I want to be is with Walker.
Shit.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
22
WALKER
Lacey seemed distracted when she got into the shower, but I blamed it on our late night and the possible lingering hangover from the wine.
But I can’t ignore the way she’s clutching her coffee mug in her hands and looking out the window. The storm stopped after we got home, and now the sun is dancing over the snowbanks, making the whole town sparkle. It should be peaceful, but I can imagine the weight on her shoulders as she sits at the island.
Is she worried about what will happen when she goes back to Chicago?
Is there any way I can convince her not to go?
Selfishly, I’ve been racking my brain all morning thinking of the latter. I don’t want her to leave, and I sure as hell don’t want her to bring some new guy to Starlight Bay the next time she comes home.
The thought is like a bucket of ice water on my mood. How did a holiday fling become all-consuming?
“Are you all right?” Lacey asks, her voice soft as she looks at me from across the island. “You’re frowning.”
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” I reply, not ready to give her my answer.
“Someone I used to work with sent me information for a new job with a different company. I read over it briefly and it looks amazing. I’m flattered he thought of me.”
Her tone is even and lacks the kind of enthusiasm that I’d expect considering the reason she needed to get out of Chicago.
Doesn’t stop my heart from sinking though.
You knew this would happen.
And honestly, it’s ridiculous the way this situation with Lacey has me so tied up in knots.
