And there was Nathan.
He stood watching her look at the tree with a smile on his face. He wore a long dark wool coat that fitted him perfectly. He took a step toward her and snow started to fall.
“Nathan?”
Holly walked toward him as if in a dream. It certainly felt dream like and perfect. His smile drew her to him like a magnet.
She kissed him. His lips were soft against hers. Gentle. His hands were warm as he cupped her face in them.
“Hi,” she said, breathless and excited. Snowflakes danced and fell, landing on his dark hair and long eyelashes.
“Hi,” he repeated. He leaned forward and kissed her again, as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste. She knew that she most certainly couldn’t get enough of his.
She reached over and felt his arm, squeezing up and down his bicep.
“Just making sure you are really here,” she said.
“I’m real,” he assured her. And he kissed her once more. She closed her eyes and lost herself to him for a moment.
“What are you doing here?” she asked when the kiss ended. Her eyes were big as she searched his face. “Not that I don’t want you here. I do want you here. I just thought you were in California.”
“I moved my meetings around,” he replied nonchalantly. “I came to meet the company I just purchased. It seemed easier than flying them out to California. Besides, I promised someone I’d look into our plan of moving ECT.”
Holly’s heart filled to bursting. She hugged him, feeling the snow on his jacket press into her cheek.
She grinned up at him, finishing the hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I didn’t think I’d see you again.”
She suddenly remembered the generous donation to the school and the flowers.
“Did you get my text? I wanted to thank you for the 3D printers and the flowers,” she said quickly. “I’m glad I can do it in person now.”
“Did you like them?”
“Very much. The printers will be very loved. It was so generous of you.”
He shrugged. “It’s nothing,” he assured her.
She caught his arm. “No, it’s so much more. Thank you. It means the world to me.”
His smile warmed her better than hot chocolate on a cold day. Those eyes made her body heat and when he looked at her, she couldn’t help but smile.
“Have you eaten?” Nathan asked. White snowflakes stood out on the black wool of his jacket. “I was told that I have to try Devonsville Pub while I’m here. Apparently, they have the best burgers around.”
“Did George Element tell you that?” Holly asked him.
“He did, actually,” Nathan replied, looking surprised.
“He’s a partial owner.”
“Are there better burgers?”
“Nope. They’re the best, but I figured you should know what you were getting into,” Holly replied with a grin.
“So, you hungry?” He motioned down the road, a hopeful look on his face.
“Starving.” She took his arm and together they walked down Main Street looking like they were ready to be photographed for a Christmas card. The snow was falling, the lights were twinkling, and they were walking arm in arm.
The restaurant was packed. Even on a Tuesday night, Devonsville Pub was the place to be. Nathan pulled open the heavy oak doors and they weaved their way around waiting patrons to put their name on the wait list.