Hannah glanced around at the chaos of the living room, a frown bowing that pretty mouth. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect this to take so long.”

Percy waved a hand. “I should’ve warned you. Decorating was a multi-day affair with my Janie. It’ll still be here tomorrow. And there’s still the outside to finish.”

Which meant she’d be back. Ryan didn’t care to analyze the sudden surge of relief.

“I’ll just finish up with the tree and get out of your hair for the night.”

“Don’t rush on my account.” Percy turned toward the stairs, shooting a wink in Ryan’s direction.

The back of his neck heated. Was he that transparent? He prided himself on being able to keep his emotions under control. But sweet, unassuming Hannah Wheeler was getting under his skin.

She bit her lip and he tried not to stare. “I didn’t mean to wear him out.”

“I think he’s had more fun today than he has in years. This was good for him.” Tearing his gaze away from her mouth, Ryan started clearing away the empty boxes.

“Maybe I should just wait to finish the rest of this tomorrow.”

He ought to agree. To let her go, so he could get himself back under control. “Do you have the early shift again?”

“No. Late shift. I don’t go in until two.”

“Then stay.” So much for control.

She stood across the room, but he could read the pleasure, the interest in her gaze.

Yeah, he wasn’t the only one remembering that interrupted moment in the attic.

Pursuing this wasn’t smart. It wasn’t what she deserved. But maybe they both needed to address the attraction between them. To answer that what if? At least, he hoped that’s what she wanted.

“Okay.”

Unlike with Percy, she didn’t keep up a running commentary as she continued to work, slipping instead into silence. But it wasn’t an awkward quiet. While he cleaned up, she made garland for the mantle and around the door from fresh evergreen boughs. The brightly wrapped packages she’d brought became their own form of garland over some of the windows. It should’ve looked weird but was actually pretty amazing. Bright and happy, like something out of Santa’s workshop. By the time they were down to the last box, the house had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Janie’s nutcrackers were nestled around the house with ribbon and greenery, and the Christmas village he remembered from his childhood was displayed in a place of honor on the far side of the den. Every room held the touch and scent of the holidays.

“Not bad, Miss Wheeler. Not bad at all.”

Her lips curved in satisfaction as she surveyed her handiwork. “It did come out pretty well, if I do say so myself.”

“Is there some official celebration of a finished tree?”

Her dimples flashed. “As it happens, there is. I’ll make the hot chocolate.”

He didn’t follow her into the kitchen. Instead, he dug through Percy’s record collection, wanting more music as a backdrop to whatever was left of their evening. She came back a few minutes later, as he was slipping another album on the turntable.

“It’s too hot to drink yet, but I added extra marshmallows. Hope you don’t mind.”

“I feel like extra marshmallows on hot chocolate is a rule.”

She grinned. “Now you’re catching on.”

Music began to spill quietly from the speakers. Jazz piano gave way to the familiar, moody brass of Miles Davis. Ryan held out a hand. “Will you dance with me?”

Surprise flashed across her face. But she hesitated only a moment before setting the mugs down and placing her hand in his. He pulled her in, settling his hand at the small of her back as her arm curved around his shoulder, her fingers just brushing his nape. A shiver of arousal worked its way down his spine. He liked how she fit in his arms, liked the easy way her body curved into his. He liked pretty much everything about this woman.

“Thank you for doing this for my uncle. It definitely seems to have improved his spirits.”

She tipped her head. “What about yours?”

The question seemed serious rather than flirty, so he answered honestly. “I concede my spirits are lifted, too.” And wasn’t that a surprise? He hadn’t even been aware they needed lifting. Maybe the job was wearing on him more than he’d realized.

Tags: Kait Nolan Wishful Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net