Page 46 of Sweet Christmas Wish
She leaned away from him so that she could look up searchingly into his eyes. “You really mean that,” she finally breathed, her voice full of wonder, as she read the truth in his gaze.
By way of answer, Will lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her slowly and sweetly, pouring everything he felt for her into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss fully, and he felt for a moment as though his heart might burst.
When they broke apart, he pressed another kiss to her forehead, watching as her eyes fluttered closed.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he said, feeling his chest expand with pleasure when she smiled up at him. “I think we’ve got a bakery to run.”
“Back to work?” Sarah sounded a tad regretful.
Will thought about it. In all truth, he could’ve stayed there all day kissing her, but he knew this lull between customers wouldn’t last long. Besides, he had a feeling they would be spending a lot more time together outside of work, especially now that the truth was out. Still, right now they had a bakery to run together.
He lowered his head, brushing her lips one last time and savoring the softness of her before pulling back and giving her his cheekiest smile.
“Back to work,” he agreed. “But don’t be surprised if I keep stealing kisses throughout the day.”
“Don’t be surprised if I let you,” Sarah shot back, and Will felt the happiness spread through him, all the way down to his toes.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Lacy took a step back, hands on her hips, and surveyed the Christmas tree with a critical eye.
“We need more sprigs of poinsettia,” she announced decisively.
“As you wish,” Derek replied, making Lacy laugh. He grabbed the box of poinsettia sprigs and stepped toward the tree. “Just guide me.”
For the next few minutes, Lacy circled the tree, pointing out all the spots that seemed a little bare and needed some attention. They worked in an easy rhythm, a harmony that could come only when two people are completely comfortable with one another.
She always enjoyed working with Derek—it turned any chore into something fun and interactive—but today she was especially glad for his help. The annual holiday party at St. Nick’s Place was coming up, and there was a mountain of decorations and ornaments to put up. It was a massive undertaking, decorating the enormous mansion, but Derek had been with her every step of the way.
“Okay, how does that look?” Derek asked, setting down the empty box.
Lacy circled the tree one last time. “Perfection.” She reached out and gave him a high-five. “Want to help me wind the garland around the grand staircase?”
“Race you to the foyer!”
Derek took off without counting to three, leaving Lacy spluttering and laughing. The “race” was soon over, as the foyer was right beside the front sitting room where they’d been working on the tree. Lacy shook her head as she walked into the foyer, chuckling at Derek’s antics. He was posing and preening by the staircase, flexing his muscles and showing off since he’d won.
“Gotta put on your best running shoes if you’re gonna keep up with me,” he teased.
“What was I thinking, wearing these booties?”
“You have to prepare, Preston. C’mon, get your head in the game.”
“Yes, coach,” she said meekly, making him laugh. “You’re in charge.”
“In that case, let’s get to work. This garland isn’t going to put itself up.”
“Yes, coach,” she repeated sassily, giving him a salute.
“You’re mixing up your metaphors.” He laughed, grabbing one end of the garland and beginning to thread it around the staircase banister.
Lacy assisted him with the bulky garland and, once again, in no time at all they found themselves falling into a steady rhythm and working as a unified team. She relaxed as they worked, enjoying this time with him and breathing in the scent of pine that she loved so much.
“Hey,” she said after a while of working in companionable silence.
“Hmm?”
“I just wanted to thank you.”
