by JoAnn Ross
God, she hoped so.
Maybe he needed to be sure she wanted him just as much. She leaned in to his palm, letting him know she liked his touch. Then she grabbed a fistful of flannel and tugged him closer.
Seth was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. He pulled her into a full-body press as his mouth settled over hers with a definite take-no-prisoners attitude. The brush of his lips sent the temperature in the kitchen soaring. His kiss tasted of almonds and dark roast coffee. Bridey could’ve feasted on that flavor for an eternity. There was a slight tug as Seth pulled the chopsticks from her hair, setting it free to tumble down to her shoulders.
He smiled against her lips. “I’ve been wanting to do that for days.”
As his fingers slid through her hair, she felt his touch right down to her core. His other arm tightened around her waist as he lifted her up onto the counter, bringing her to his eye level. He put a hand on each of her knees and spread them apart to make room for himself there.
Oh yeah, she liked that. She trailed her fingers down his cheek, finding the hint of stubble arousing. “Kiss me again, Seth.”
“Gladly.”
This time, she parted her lips at first touch, welcoming the invasion of his tongue. He took his time and did a thorough job of kissing her. For the moment, he made no move to take it any further, letting her set the pace. When she tugged his shirt up to stroke her hands along the warm skin of his back, he murmured his approval.
Finally, he drew back just enough to rest his forehead against hers. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but unless you want to delay opening the shop today, we need to stop.”
His words took a second to sink in, but then he turned his wrist so she could see his watch.
Good grief. She was due to open the door in less than ten minutes! “Oh gosh. I completely lost track of time, and it’s all your fault!”
Seth settled his hands on her waist and lifted her down off the counter. His smile was a tad wicked. “You know, I think there’s a compliment for me in there somewhere.”
She liked this teasing side of Seth’s personality even if their heated encounter left her blushing. Thank goodness one of them had the presence of mind to keep things from getting completely out of hand. She noticed Seth seemed to be waiting for some kind of response. Rising up on her toes, she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Yeah, there was a compliment in there somewhere, but now I’ve got to get ready to open.”
He stepped back. “I’ll go put the chairs down for you.”
“That would be a big help.”
After he disappeared into the front of the shop, she checked to make sure her clothes were all in order. When she started to twist her hair back up in a knot, she could only find one of her chopsticks. Fine. A pencil would have to do.
With Seth’s help, everything was ready just as the first burst of customers came through the door. They were regulars, so she could fill their orders without having to think about it too much. Good thing, too, because her encounter with Seth had left her a bit frazzled.
She was eager to be alone with him again, and that had her feeling off balance.
When there was a break in the foot traffic, she ducked into the kitchen to take care of a few last-minute shop details. Seth was just heading out the back with his toolbox. He stopped when he heard her coming.
She joined him at the door. “Good, I was hoping to catch you.”
He looked concerned. “Everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine. I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight. We can go to the diner again if you’d like or maybe try someplace else.”
His smile was all the answer she needed. “I’d like. I’ll be back when the shop closes.”
The jingle bells over the front door rang, dragging her back to reality. “Gotta go. See you tonight.”
• • •
Seth drove straight home, planning on crawling back into bed for a few hours. As much as he loved working in Bridey’s shop, four a.m. wakeups were excruciating, especially when he was used to staying up late and then sleeping in. However, for Bridey’s company, he’d change his ways without complaint.
After unlocking the front door, Seth headed for the kitchen, thinking a second breakfast before that nap sounded really good. He had just cracked three eggs into a bowl when there was a knock on the front door. He wasn’t expecting any deliveries, and his family never dropped by without calling first. In fact, they usually insisted that he come to them.
He took the pan off the heat and headed for the front door.
There was a strange pickup truck parked in the driveway and a tall man prowling back and forth on the front porch. When he turned around, Seth recognized Nick from the diner the other night.
He opened the front door. “Hey, Nick, what brings you out here?”
“Sorry to show up unannounced, but I just missed you at Bridey’s. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”
What could that be? “I just made a fresh pot of coffee and was fixing myself some breakfast. Care to join me?”
“I’ve already eaten, but coffee sounds good.”
Seth led the way into his kitchen and filled a big mug for his guest. “Have a seat, Nick. I’ll finish up, and then we can talk.”
Nick made himself comfortable while Seth scrambled the eggs. When he finally joined Nick at the table, the other man took a deep breath as if bracing himself to spit out something unpalatable. Seth buttered his toast and waited him out.
“Okay, here’s the thing. Evidently the town has a tradition of decorating all of the buildings along the main drag for Christmas. The mayor wants to up the ante this year and really pull out all the stops in the hopes of attracting more tourists to town.”
With a sly grin, he added, “Well, actually, I think she’s more interested in attracting their wallets.”
Seth still wasn’t sure what this had to do with him. He concentrated on eating his breakfast while he waited for the other man to get to his point.
Nick paused to sip his coffee. “The town council is looking for volunteers to help put up the lights and decorations. It can get done in one day if enough people pitch in to help.”
He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “Callie’s mother immediately volunteered my services, so I’m already on the hook to do some of the heavy lifting. Since Bridey has been raving about the great job you’re doing for her, I thought maybe you’d be willing to help out, too. We didn’t have your phone number, so I tried to catch up with you at Bridey’s place this morning.”
Seth pointed out the obvious. “Bridey could have given you my number and saved you a trip out here.”
Something about Nick’s expression had Seth thinking Nick was hiding something. “Okay, so I’m guessing she did give you my number. Why didn’t you call?”
The man didn’t even pretend to be embarrassed by his deliberate ambush. “Because, my friend, it’s harder to say no in person than it is over the phone.”
They weren’t actually friends, not yet anyway, but Seth already liked him. “Sneaky, Nick. Did they teach that in the army?”
The man looked smug. “I prefer to think they only polished my already impressive skill set. So, what do you think? Are you busy next Saturday?”
No, he wasn’t. The only question was whether he was ready to get more involved with his new neighbors. He’d left Seattle for some much-needed privacy. On the other hand, if he was going to make Snowberry Creek his home, maybe he should pitch in. He also suspected that Bridey would approve if he decided to help. That was the clincher.
“Yeah, I can do that. What time and where?”
“We’ll all meet up in the parking lot at the Community Church at eight o’clock sharp on Saturday morning. For what it’s worth, the local churches are going to provide breakfast and lunch for everyone.”
This was getting better and better. Seth’s mother would die to find out her artist son w
ould be doing common labor and getting paid in potluck fare. He couldn’t wait to tell her.
“Yeah, I’ll show up on Saturday.”
“That’s great, Seth. I’d apologize for putting you on the spot, but from what I’ve heard about the mayor’s plans, I suspect we’re going need every helping hand we can find.”
“Could be fun.”
Clearly Nick had a different opinion on the subject, but he didn’t say so. He finished his coffee and carried the mug over to the counter. As he started for the door, he stopped to stare at the bookshelves and cabinets Seth had built along the wall surrounding the natural stone fireplace.
“Nice work. Did all that come with the house?”
“No, I put them in.”
Nick moved in for a closer look. “This is quality work, Seth. Have you been building cabinets for long?”
No, he’d done it only to keep busy. Rather than lie about it, he simply said, “I like working with wood.”
“Bridey mentioned you had work lined up after the new year starts. If you ever have room in your schedule for some small jobs, let me know. I’m remodeling that big old Victorian my buddy Spence left to Callie, and I could sure use someone with your skills. I’m okay with routine carpentry, but you’ve sure got an artist’s eye for bringing out the best in the wood.”
Of course he had no clue that he was touching on such a sore subject—but there was no use in burdening Nick with his problems. The man meant well. There was no way for him to know that Seth was struggling right now.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Nick started toward the door again. “Well, thanks again, Seth. Maybe we’ll run into you and Bridey at the diner again one of these nights.”
“Could be.”
After seeing Nick out, Seth headed for his workshop, all thoughts of taking a nap gone for now. The reminder he’d be seeing Bridey again in a few hours left him reenergized.
After flipping on the overhead lights, he headed straight for his worktable, meaning to sketch out a few more details on another shelving unit he wanted to suggest to Bridey for her office. The huge, rectangular slab of cherry was right where he’d left it the other day. Determined to ignore it, Seth spread out his plans on the other side of the table and got ready to work.
Except he couldn’t. Instead, he found himself staring across at the wood. Odd that one strip of color was almost the exact shade of Bridey’s gingerbread cupcakes. There was even a lighter streak that could be the icing. He rounded the corner of the table to stand squarely in front of the thick board, his pulse racing as it hadn’t in months. Maybe ever.
One by one, images superimposed themselves on the smooth surface of the wood in his mind’s eye. Rather than risk losing them, he ripped a sheet of white butcher paper off the roll hanging on the wall and laid it out beside the board, holding the corners down with whatever he could grab: a stapler, a hammer, his coffee cup, and a Slinky.
Taking a deep breath, he started sketching out all the elements that would make up the carving. When it was finished, he stepped back and studied the drawing. Perfect. Not only that, but the carved sign for Something’s Brewing would make a great Christmas gift for Bridey. Maybe being around her bustling productivity at the bakery had given his own creativity a boost. Whatever the source of his inspiration, he couldn’t wait to make that all-important first cut into the wood.
5
Bridey dialed Seth’s number again. Still no answer. If something had happened to prevent him from being able to join her for dinner, surely he would’ve called. Seth wasn’t the kind to blow off a friend like this. She’d give him another ten minutes and then give up.
After those ten slowly stretched into fifteen, she started to let herself out the front door of the shop when she spotted a group of Christmas carolers making their way down the street toward her shop. She closed her eyes to appreciate their sweet harmony. When they reached the front of her shop, they were just finishing the final chorus of “Joy to the World,” one of her favorite Christmas songs. Back when her parents were still alive, her mother would hum that song while she wrapped gifts and baked cookies.
Deciding the singers deserved a reward for sharing the gift of their music, she said, “Can you wait here a minute?”
When they nodded, she ducked back into the shop to bring out a tray of cream cheese spritz cookies decorated to look like miniature wreaths. The carolers made quick work of the goodies, clearly pleased with the treats she’d offered them. When they were finished eating, they rewarded her by launching into a cheerful chorus of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” As they sang, a strange car swerved to the curb right in front of where Bridey stood, startling her. As soon as the driver stepped out of the car, she relaxed.
Seth smiled at the carolers and started right for Bridey. He stood quietly at her side during the rest of the performance. As they launched into the next song, he pulled several bills out of his wallet and stuffed them into their donation can. Bridey didn’t know how much he gave them, but there was no mistaking the pleased surprise on the face of the man who was holding the can.
When he and the other singers finally moved on down the street, Seth said, “Sorry to have kept you waiting. Got caught up in something and lost track of time. I’ll understand if you’re angry.”
She offered him a reassuring smile. “No. It’s all right. I was more worried than angry. I was afraid something had happened.”
“I am s-sorry.”
He started to raise his arm as if to hold her hand but then let it drop back down to his side. Maybe he thought she wouldn’t welcome the gesture right now, and she didn’t know how to tell him she would without embarrassing herself. Did he feel as awkward as she did about where they were in their relationship? Did they even have one?
Rather than stand there and dither, she pointed toward the Creek Café. “Shall we head down to Frannie’s place?”
Seth stared at the neon sign down the way. “I was kind of hoping you’d like to go somewhere else tonight.” He hesitated before adding, “We’re likely to run into someone we know at the diner again. Although, if that’s what you’d prefer, that would be fine.”
Where was he going with this? “What would you prefer, Seth?”
This time he did reach out to brush the back of his fingers along her cheek. “To have you all to myself.”
The night was chilly, but his touch was delightfully warm. It made her want to snuggle close to soak up his heat. Did she really want to spend the evening at a crowded restaurant? No, she wanted Seth all to herself.
“So what are our options? I have to work tomorrow, so I can’t be out late.”
Seth stared down at her for several seconds. “We could pick up a pizza and go to my place.”
She liked his way of thinking. “To tell you the truth, I’ve been around enough people today. A pizza and just the two of us sounds like the perfect combination.”
He was already reaching for his cell. At the same time, he opened the passenger door of the car for her. “They make a wicked veggie pizza at that place down the street.”
“Perfect!” As she slid in to the front seat, she gave him a wink. “But make sure they hold the onions and go light on the garlic.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
• • •
Half an hour later, Seth pulled into his driveway and stopped. Ordinarily, he would have parked in the barn, but all too soon he’d have to get the car back out to take Bridey home. He wished like hell that she would spend the night in his bed, but he suspected it was too soon to suggest it.
“I like your place, Seth. Log homes might be rustic, but they always look cozy to me.”
He tried to see it through her eyes. “I was hooked the second I saw it. Like I’d finally come home.”
The only other time he’d had that same blow-to-the-gut feeling was the first time he’d seen Bridey, but he kept that fact to himself. “We’d better get moving before the pizza gets cold.”
Inside,
he sent her to the living room while he grabbed plates and silverware from the kitchen. When he came back, Bridey was standing at the front window staring out into the night. She looked cold to him, so after setting the plates down on the coffee table, he put a pair of logs in the fireplace along with a few pieces of kindling and wadded-up newspaper. When he had it all arranged to his satisfaction, he struck a match and held it to the edge of the newspaper. He fanned the fire until it was well established and burning brightly.
Bridey joined him to watch the flames. “I envy your real fireplace. I have one of those little gas ones in my apartment, but it’s just not the same.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders and held her close. It was hard to tell if the surge of warmth he felt was coming from the fire or the woman at his side.
Pizza sounded good, but at the moment he was far more interested in the delectable woman standing next to him.
He gave in to temptation and kissed her. She didn’t resist, but neither did she give herself over to the moment like she had earlier in the day. He took it down a couple of notches, still holding her but trying to give her some space.
At least Bridey didn’t pretend to not understand what he wanted from her. “Seth, I’ve been thinking about things since this morning, and I wanted to talk to you about it. Please don’t get me wrong. I love spending time with you, but it’s been a while since I’ve been involved with anyone. Can we take it slow and see where the evening takes us?”
As much as he wanted this woman in his bed, he valued her companionship and needed to make sure she was comfortable before things headed in that direction. Plus, his disappointment was diluted with relief because she wasn’t rejecting him completely. “No pressure, Bridey. We can eat pizza, watch television, talk, whatever makes you happy.”
Her smile brightened and she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “So let’s check out this veggie special you were raving about.”
