Jane's Gift (Lone Pine Lake 1)

“No way. He’s like my brother. We’re way too close.” Chloe wrinkled her nose. “I can’t imagine kissing him. Eww.”

Jane laughed. “I remember when you used to have a crush on Cameron.”

“Don’t remind me. I made a fool of myself over him.” Chloe laughed weakly. “So, um, have you talked to him lately?”

“Who, Cameron?” Jane wondered at the odd tone in Chloe’s voice. “He came home briefly for Thanksgiving before he took off again.”

“He was here? In town?” Chloe squeaked. “I had no idea.”

Hmm, there was definitely something going on there. “He hasn’t been back in a few years. My mom convinced him to come home. All five of us were there for once.”

“Wow.” Chloe remained silent for a while. “I-I would’ve loved to see him.”

Ha, Jane just bet. “He’ll be back at Christmas.”

“Oh, really? Hmm.” Chloe tried for nonchalant but she wasn’t fooling anyone.

“You know where Chris lives?” Jane asked as Chloe turned onto his road.

“I know where everyone lives. And lucky for you, you won’t leave a car out in the driveway tonight so the whole town can whisper.”

“Hey, they’re already whispering because he stays so long at my place.” Jane shook her head. “Don’t people have anything else to talk about?”

“Well, between your sister’s divorce and your and Chris’s steamy relationship, you’re keeping Lone Pine abuzz with gossip.” Chloe shook her head. “That was rude. I’m sorry.”

“No, not rude. It’s the truth.” The old Jane would’ve been mortified. The Jane from a month ago would’ve avoided this sort of situation at all costs. But now, she didn’t care. She was thankful for the relationship, thankful she had Chris in her life.

She wanted him to be even more a part of her life. Like a forever kind of more.

Jane breathed deeply and grabbed her purse when Chloe pulled into his driveway.

“Don’t forget the cheesecake,” Chloe said, and Jane reached down to grab the takeout bag. “Maybe you could share it with Chris.”

She didn’t think Christian had food on the brain. “Maybe.”

“I’ll take your bags home with me and drop them back to you tomorrow if that’s okay, though I noticed you didn’t buy much.” Chloe paused. “You were already finished with your Christmas shopping, weren’t you?”

“I was. All of this was just for fun.” She knew Mindy had been in a bad state shopping-wise and still wished she’d come with them. And she’d invited Chloe because she knew she wasn’t much better. She was the last-minute type, which drove Jane bonkers.

“So you did this for me.”

“I did this for the both of us. But yes, I also did this for you.”

Chloe reached out and they embraced quickly before Jane climbed out of the car. “I’m so glad we did this, Jane. Thank you.”

“I’m glad, too. I had fun tonight. And thanks for dropping me off.”

Chloe raised her eyebrows. “I don’t need to tell you to have fun. I know you will.”

Jane rolled her eyes, anticipation making her giddy. But she knew Chloe was right. “Shut up.”

“Booty call!” Chloe yelled just as Jane shut the door.

Squaring her shoulders, she went to the front door, admiring the fragrant wreath that hung from it. It was adorned with a red velvet bow and a few pinecones, simple yet beautiful.

Much like the man who’d hung it there.

Chloe waited until Jane got to the entrance before pulling away. Jane shut the door quietly behind her, taking in her surroundings. The room was dark, a dim light glowing from the kitchen the only i