A Lot Like Christmas (Wishful 11)

I wish for Ryan to find the true spirit of Christmas and spread it to Percy along the way.

She upended her palm over the basin, hearing the nickel splash. Okay, so maybe that was a little bit selfish as a wish. Because who better to show them the spirit of Christmas than her? She’d get to spend a little more time with him, maybe burrow under a few more of those layers of reserve. And even if nothing else came of it, she’d get the pleasure of making them both smile.

He was still watching her as she shifted toward him.

“I’ve got an early day tomorrow. Walk me home?”

Ryan nodded and offered his arm. She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, feeling far warmer than the contact accounted for. The walk back went way too fast, despite the fact that they spoke little. The quality of the silence was different somehow. A little easier.

As they stepped up onto the porch, she was back to wondering about the exact status of their evening. Hannah hesitated under the porch light for a moment before digging out her keys, but he didn’t make a move to close the distance between them. Maybe the date vibe was just a figment of her imagination. Shoving the key into the lock, she twisted, opening the door a scant inch. “Thanks for dinner.”

“Thanks for the company. I enjoyed it.”

She waited a moment longer, just in case, then shoved the door open further. Better to get inside before she did or said something to embarrass herself. “I’ll see you tomorrow. You be sure to get that tree in water.”

“Already done.”

“Right. Well then. Goodnight.” She stepped backward into the house, tripping over the rug as she went. “I’m okay!”

The low rumble of his laugh made her cheeks burn. “Goodnight, Hannah.”

She looked back up at him, liking the sound of her name on his lips. “Night, Ryan.”

He gifted her with a sudden smile that stunned her brain like a flash grenade. “See you tomorrow, Elf Girl.”

Before she could get her neurons firing again, he was halfway back up the walk. “Elf Girl?”

Ryan turned around, still grinning. “It seemed appropriate, what with all the Christmas cheer. Bonus points if you show up tomorrow with striped tights and a hat.”

Shaking her head with a rueful smile, she shut the door. The man had no idea who he was talking to.

I should’ve kissed her.

The moment he’d walked away from Hannah’s door last night, he’d wanted to kick himself. The kiss that hadn’t been had haunted his dreams and reminded him it had been way too long since he’d really wanted to kiss a woman and take his time about it. Which was exactly why he hadn’t done it. He didn’t live here. He wouldn’t be here longer than another couple of weeks. Hannah Wheeler deserved better than the short-term attentions of a guy like him. But knowing he’d done the right thing hadn’t stopped him from wondering how she’d taste, how that long, silky hair would feel in his hands. It hadn’t stopped him from feeling like she was the best kind of surprise on Christmas morning—the gift you didn’t know you wanted until it showed up pretty and perfect with a big red bow. Which just had him picturing her in that big red bow—and nothing else.

“For a guy who’s spent all morning cleaning out flower beds and burning yard trash, you’re in an awfully good mood.” Percy’s voice pulled him out of his musings.

Just as well. Fresh from the shower, Ryan peeked out the back door to make sure the smoldering remains of the burn pile were well-contained. “What makes you say that?”

“You’ve been whistling.”

Had he? It didn’t sound like him, but he had been thinking about Hannah and that smile of hers while he worked.

Percy smirked. “Reckon that has something to do with a certain little brunette you had dinner with last night.”

Ryan didn’t even dignify that with a response, instead moving past his uncle into the kitchen to grab the pitcher of tea from the fridge.

“I told ya you needed a woman.”

“I do not have a woman. Nor will I be here long enough to acquire one.” And if he regretted that a little, well, he was only human, and he’d enjoyed Hannah’s company. He poured a glass and shoved the pitcher back into the fridge a little rougher than necessary.

“Mmmhmm.” Percy just continued to watch him with eyes that were too shrewd.

This was all his fault. Ryan hadn’t been thinking about a woman at all until his uncle had brought it up. Now he’d probably be taking images of one back with him, whether he wanted to or not. Not ideal considering he’d probably never see Hannah again after he left Wishful. But saying anything about that to Percy would open the door to merciless teasing and additional attempts at matchmaking. Ryan needed to do some more investigating himself to see whether his uncle’s mysterious benefactor did indeed have a little crush on him. If she did, well, some diversionary tactics were in order.

The doorbell rang, saving Ryan from having to answer. He gestured to Percy with his glass as he headed to the door. “Behave yourself.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”