Christmas at Evergreen Inn (Jewell Cove 4)

“It might be. Get your coat and shut the door. I’ll run you down.”

“Give me one minute.”

She dashed inside, popped her head into the parlor, and said she’d be back in thirty minutes. Normally the room was empty this time of day, and she could lock up and put a sign on the door stating the time she’d reopen. But desperate times …

A minute later she had her purse and was bundled up to her neck in warm clothes. “Let’s go,” she said, stepping on the running board so she could hop up into the cab.

“I never thought. You’re leaving the inn unattended.”

“I know. Honestly, the bed-and-breakfast kind of guest is usually pretty honorable. That being said, I’m hoping this is a quick trip. It feels weird.”

“If you want I can pick things up and you can stay.”

It was a generous offer, but she had the business credit card to pay for things and it would just be easier this way. “It’s fine. Truly.” She shrugged. “Something about a storm and being stranded makes people band together. I had one couple who made their bed and offered to replenish towels for me today. The sisters who are staying asked if I needed help cleaning up from lunch.” She smiled. “Which is actually one of the things I love about running this sort of business.”

He took her to the bakery first, clearing the end of the street with the plow as they went. The sign on the bakery storefront said OPEN but the place was empty of customers. Todd waited in the truck while she popped in, selected a variety of breads and sweets, and dashed back out again. Main Street had at least been cleared, so driving to Gino’s wasn’t difficult. Todd went in with he

r, and they left again with two boxes—one filled with foil-covered pans of ziti and another holding huge containers of salad and loaves of garlic bread.

The interior of the truck smelled delectable, like garlic and tomatoes, fresh bread, and rich cheese. “Thank you so much for this, Todd.” He’d lowered the plow blade again as they made their way slowly up the hill toward Oceanview Drive, pushing snow to the side of the road. “I couldn’t have gotten through with my car.”

“I had trouble with my four-wheel drive this morning,” he admitted, watching the road carefully as the snow furled away from the blade. “Tom’s truck is much better. Anyway, I’m glad I could help.”

She knew spending more time with him might not be the wisest course. She’d thought of him all day, even during her busiest times. She’d thought about Jason, too, and how she’d opened her heart to him only to have him stamp on it. The truth was, Todd reminded her of Jason and that made her put up her guard automatically. He was good looking, popular, personable, naturally social, and—the kind of person who attracted others. She hadn’t been able to hold her own with Jason, and he’d found someone else who could. It wasn’t just the fact that Todd was the first man she’d kissed since her engagement ended; it was also that she was fairly certain that she wouldn’t be able to hold on to him, either, if they pursued anything.

And yet he’d done her a favor yet again and out of the goodness of his heart. It would be rude to accept his help and then send him on his way. Besides, like this morning, they’d be surrounded by people. The least she could do was feed him dinner.

“You’ll stay for dinner, won’t you?” She unbuckled her seat belt and turned toward him. “There’s plenty.”

“I need to get the truck back to Tom, but thanks for the invitation.”

“Are you sure? There’s lots.”

He hesitated, then shook his head. “Honestly, it’s already nearly dark and I haven’t been home yet. I know the main road has been cleared, and I’d like to get home and get myself plowed out before it gets too late and cold.”

Of course. She reached for her purse and hooked it over her shoulder, then opened the door to the cab. “I never thought of that. Of course you want to check on your own place.” She reached for the bags of goods from the bakery and hefted one of the restaurant boxes.

He hopped out and came around the front of the truck, carrying the other box. “Thanks for the invite, though,” he said, following her up the walk. “Maybe I’ll take a rain check.”

At the door she paused. Her keys were in her coat pocket and her hands were full. She put everything down carefully and reached for the key ring, surprised when his strong hand circled her wrist. “I’ll call you,” he said, giving her wrist a squeeze.

“Okay.” The word came out breathless, like she’d been holding her breath and suddenly let it out. Her fingers fumbled with the keys but she finally got the right one in the lock and opened the door. Then she picked up the food and stepped inside, Todd following her in and shutting the door behind him. For a few minutes they were busy taking everything to the kitchen, and all too soon they were back at the front door and she was seeing him off.

“Thanks again for the help today. I really appreciate it.”

“It was no problem. I’d say we’re even.” When her cheeks heated, he smiled, popping a dimple in his cheek. “You make a mean breakfast, Lainey.”

Lord, he was a tease. He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on her cheek. “I’ll call you,” he repeated. Apparently he wasn’t giving up so easily.

She nodded, unable to speak. The days’ worth of stubble on his face scraped her cheek, and his lips were soft and warm. She was tempted to turn her head, just a bit, and kiss his lips. But the door was open and guests were around and so she took a step back.

“Drive carefully,” she cautioned.

“I will.”

He jogged down the steps and walkway to the truck, got in, and started the engine with a rumble. He lifted one hand in a wave and then he was gone.

She shut the door and turned around to find one of the sisters—Christine, if Lainey remembered right—grinning at her.