Page 64 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

NOELLE

December 24

Blitzen Bay, California

“Elle, Nash is here to see you.”

Claire knocks on the door. I’ve been awake for about fifteen minutes, but I’m still in bed. I can’t quit thinking about how Nash looked at me when he left last night. He walked me to the front door of the inn and hugged me. When I let go, he only released me an inch or so. His arms were still around my shoulders and he was looking down at me. His eyes were gentle and hungry at the same time.

I froze. I didn’t know what to do or say. I wanted to take him up to my room so badly and that feeling scared me to death. I think he sensed I wasn’t ready. He kissed my forehead, smiled, and walked back to his truck. I watched him until he drove out of sight and still stood there another ten minutes. I couldn’t move.

“Are you up yet? Do you want me to tell him to go away?”

I roll over to look at my phone. It’s almost ten. I haven’t slept this late in a long time. I have a text from Nash from just before eight.

Hey. Where are you? I have to run into Big Bear. Do you want to come with me?

“Good morning, Claire,” I say, sitting up. “It’s fine. He can come up here if he wants.”

“Okay. Are you hungry? I’m shutting down the buffet. I’ll send some breakfast and coffee up with him.”

“That would be great. Thank you!”

I jump out of bed, unlock the door, and dive back under the covers. I’m not ready to get up yet. I pull the blankets around me tighter.

“Hey,” Nash says as he knocks lightly on the door. “Claire sent up some breakfast. Okay if I come in?”

“Yeah, it’s unlocked.”

He opens the door a crack and looks in. “How are you still in bed? It’s almost ten.”

“That’s judgment I don’t need right now.” I pull the duvet over my head. “You can turn right back around.”

“Are you going to stay in bed all day? Let me rephrase that. You’re not going to stay in bed all day.”

I flip the duvet off my face. “Are you looking at this bed? It’s made for staying in all day.”

My phone beeps. I pull the cover back over my head.

I hear him pick up my phone. “It’s from Steve. Has he been texting you all night?”

“Yeah. I haven’t texted him back.”

“And you don’t have to, but you do have to get out of bed and at least eat something. Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving.”

“Okay, princess. May I serve you breakfast in bed?”

I peek out. I’m guessing Claire made him leave his coat and boots at the door because he’s just wearing jeans, a white T-shirt, and socks. His hair’s messy like he just pulled off a hat. He looks so sexy.

“Hello? Elle? Do you want breakfast?”

“Oh, yeah,” I say, sitting up. “Thanks.”

He pats the duvet. “Are your legs under there somewhere? This is the most insanely thick blanket I’ve ever seen.”

---