Page 50 of Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
“It’s definitely the matching outfits.” A safe answer with a little humor.
“I’m sure that’s it,” she answered, her attention now on the auction items. Fallon tossed her hair over one shoulder and bent over to study the bid sheet for one of the items. “It couldn’t be anything else.”
* * *
Two hours later,Kade held up the wall next to the giant Christmas tree, listening to Del Arbuckle go on about the skyrocketing price of seed for his organic farm. He wasn’t looking forward to placing orders after the holidays, Del complained. While Kade sympathized with him, Fallon’s whereabouts were more of a concern. She’d been swallowed up in the crowded foyer, looking for Darcy and Sean to thank them for the evening.
I’ll be back to say goodbye, Fallon had promised him with an unmistakable light in her eyes. That look pointed to more than just wishful thinking on his part. He’d slowly chipped away at the barrier Fallon built weeks ago. There might be a chance for them after all.
The night had gone better than he’d expected on another front too. Despite having Fallon at his side, he’d dreaded dressing up and being forced to socialize at an event like this. Too formal, too many stares. Though it spoke more to his own insecurities than reality, Kade couldn’t help but feel he was still on trial. Everyone he talked to was friendly enough, asking about his plans, thanking him for his military service. Still, the undertone was there. But then one look at Fallon and all doubts disappeared.
“And just when Arletta and I started thinking we had a leg up on finances—bam!Nobody cares about us little guys,” said Del.
“Have you thought about raising prices a bit? That’s an advantage of being so far from the bigger cities. People are willing to pay a little more for produce, especially locally sourced food.”
Del pursed his lips and frowned, considering this.
“It’s been a while,” he finally said. “But you’ve heard about the new folks in town, right? They have their sights set on a small operation. I heard they hope to have at least one greenhouse ready for the spring. More competition.”
“You’ve been around for decades, Del. You won’t lose business to them.”
“Can’t get too cocky. I may be an old dog, but I’m not going to turn my nose up at learning new tricks if it means keeping up with the younger generation.” Del looked at him. “Say, that reminds me. I’m surprised your dad agreed to use that wagon tomorrow.”
The what?
A hand on his bicep interrupted him from asking Del what he meant.
“Sorry I took so long,” Fallon said.
“No worries. Del was keeping me company.”
Fallon looked up at him. “Will you walk me out?”
He excused himself from Del, leading Fallon toward the side entrance to get her coat.
“Are you leaving too?” she asked as one of the staff handed over her wool trench from the coat-check room.
“Not quite yet. The last I saw, my parents had just settled at a table with Lucy Riggins’s fiance, some investment banker from St. Paul.” He chuckled. “It might be a while.”
“I can wait with you,” she said even though she’d stifled a yawn a second ago.
“You have a big day tomorrow. You should get some sleep.”
He helped her with her coat, easing the collar around her neck. As their hands met near the top bottom, Fallon’s gaze caressed his face. His breath caught.
Fallon’s hand covered his and she clutched it, her skin soft and warm.
“Thank you for coming with me. I couldn’t have come alone.”
He chuckled. “I can wholeheartedly relate to that.”
She stared up at him as if there was something else to add, but a little smile played on her features instead.
His throat felt like it was closing up. Kade turned his back to the guy standing inside the coat-check room, shielding him from their conversation.
“What do you mean? You were perfectly at ease tonight,” she said quietly. Her eyes flitted to his mouth.
“I don’t feel at ease right now.”
