Christmas at Evergreen Inn (Jewell Cove 4)

Once he was headed for the dining room, she started another pot brewing and heated water for a pot of tea for those who preferred it. The ham was lightly browned, the eggs at a delicate point, and a warming tray filled with pancakes. Lainey transferred everything to the serving dishes and made her way to the dining room, putting out the food so guests could serve themselves buffet-style. Lastly she grabbed a bottle of maple syrup, a glass pitcher of juice, and a bowl of strawberries and the meal was ready.

The table seated twelve, which left no room for Lainey, who usually made a point of eating with her guests. Instead she refilled coffee and tea, fetched more cream, replaced the empty strawberry bowl with sliced oranges. Neither was there room for Todd, but he snagged a bar stool from the kitchen and perched on it, holding his plate on his knee. He talked and laughed with the guests, answering questions about the town and the storm with ease. Once he caught her eye and gave a little wink, which made her blush. She covered it by fussing with the plate of pastries. It was clear that Todd had all the guests in the palm of his hand, particularly the ladies. His good looks and easy charm had everyone smiling and laughing, and she started to wonder if he had any flaws at all.

As the meal wound down, Lainey made sure to remind the guests of the DVD shelf in the living room, or the library in the parlor where they might find a book to their liking. Todd also mentioned that the town streets would likely be cleared later in the afternoon, and that he’d keep everyone posted.

“Does that mean you’re hanging around?” Lainey asked, stacking plates as the guests began to rise. She half hoped he would, but knew it was probably better if he didn’t.

“I called Bryce this morning. He wanted to know if I could stay in town today and help out. Not much going on now, with everyone snowed in, but with the potential for accidents and how slow we’re probably going to be to respond, I’m kind of on call. I’m going to head to the station in a bit.”

“Be careful out there,” she cautioned, frowning. “It looks so beautiful and sunny, but the roads are probably terrible.”

“Don’t worry.” He looked down at her, and she felt that warm, melty sensation again.

“I’d better get this cleaned up,” she said, stepping away. “I’m guessing I’ll have people to feed for lunch a

nd probably dinner, too, depending on whether or not other restaurants are open and if people want to brave the sidewalks.”

“Are you set for groceries?”

She thought for a minute. “I am for lunch. I’ll worry about dinner after that’s over.”

He went to the buffet and grabbed a clean plate. “What, going for second breakfast?” she joked.

He loaded it with ham, eggs, and two pancakes and then shoved it into her hands. “You didn’t eat. And you need to. I don’t have to check in until ten. Sit down for five minutes and fuel up.”

There wasn’t much in the way of sentimentality in his words, but Lainey felt her throat tighten at the attention he gave her. It wasn’t just that he’d noticed. He’d also fixed her a plate and pulled out a chair for her. She sat, and he handed her the syrup. “It’s a damn fine breakfast,” he said, pouring her some coffee. “You should enjoy it, too.”

“Thanks, Todd. For everything today. You were really a hit with the guests.”

“It’s my sparkling personality.” To her continued surprise, he started stacking plates and put them on a tray to go to the kitchen.

“Well, it is, actually,” she agreed. “But then you always were charming. Almost too charming.”

He grinned. “I know.”

“And so modest, and humble.”

He laughed. “See? This is why I never asked you out before. You’re too quick. A man’s ego could be sliced to shreds before he even knew what was happening. And mine’s more fragile than you might think.”

She put down her fork. “Is it all an act, then?”

“Maybe not all.” He stopped by her chair and knelt down a little. “But I don’t show people the real me that often. Come on, you must know that a lot of people hide behind humor and charm.”

“It’s deliberate.”

“Sometimes. Not always. If I’m really comfortable with someone, it’s easier.”

“And you’re comfortable with me?”

He gave her a piercing look. “More than I’m comfortable with.”

Something stirred within her. She got the feeling that last night she’d seen the real Todd, at least for a few minutes. His guard had been let down in those moments before she’d dashed off to bed, abashed at what had happened at the same time as she’d been beautifully relaxed and sated. And he was being real now. He had to be, to admit such a thing.

“So, Miss Price, if I were to ask you out on an actual date, would you go?”

The invitation surprised her. And flustered her, too. Last night had been one thing. An accident. A special circumstance. But if they made plans, had a real date, it would be acknowledging that there was really something going on that went beyond being in the right place at the right time. Lainey really wasn’t sure she was ready for that. The very idea scared her, because of where it might lead. One date could lead to two, or three, and before long feelings were involved and she wasn’t at all interested in getting those trampled on again.

It felt like it was too soon. Rationally she told herself it had been a year, so how long was she going to wait, anyway?