“I care,” he said. “We’re having a late lunch at the counter, and I’ll take care of dinner for Alex and Nicole, so you don’t have to worry about them.”
The Pinetop Drugstore still had a lunch counter, and if it was still like he remembered it with hand-mixed shakes and an amazing menu, he’d be happy. He needed a meatloaf sandwich and some roasted tomato soup.
“Hey, let’s go eat,” he called to his friends, who were checking out the ornament display.
On his way out he told Scott, “I have your number.” It was more of a threat than a reminder.
“I’ll clear it today,” the disgruntled man said.
Rob was on edge. Being so close to Celia and not being able to have her was like sitting in front of a plate of chocolate cake and not being allowed to eat it. Since he’d had a taste, all he wanted was more.
“I can’t wait to get this project started,” he said to his guests.
“I just got a great idea about the motif of the resort,” said Alex.
“Good,” he said. “Talk to me at lunch. I need comfort food.”
Chapter Fifteen
Celia
The temperatures in Pinetop were fickle. The snow from earlier that week receded fast as the temperatures climbed higher than normal. Thanksgiving was around the corner, but it didn’t feel like it with afternoons reaching the mid-sixties.
Apologizing was all Celia could think of. She owed one to Alex, Nicole, and Rob.
Rob was right. She’d been dishonest with him and with herself. History repeating itself had paralyzed her from experiencing the wonder of him—of them.
She broke out her special guest picnic basket and loaded it with a fresh cranberry tart, a thermos of coffee, a loaf of French bread and artisanal cheeses. She’d checked out the wine Rob had in his house the night they had dinner. His selection was far better than hers, so she didn’t include a bottle.
Nothing she packed in the basket would turn back the clock and let her start over. She was at fault and had to clear things up between them. While he wasn’t honest, he was thoughtful. At what point had she considered him sending business her way a problem? He wouldn’t tell her because he was trying to protect her fragile ego. I’m such an idiot.
She changed into a pair of jeans, a cashmere turtleneck, and her good Timberlines. She whipped her hair back into a wispy braid and spritzed on her softest perfume. When she saw Rob, she wanted him to look at her like he had that night they made love.
She put the basket in the front seat. After she stopped by the market to make sure Jackson was okay, she would track him down. Pinetop wasn’t too big that he could get lost forever.
She put Lucky on his leash and let him sit in the backseat of her car. Jackson had been spending a lot of time alone in his room and she hoped the pup would snap him out of whatever was going on.
Once parked, she called him. As soon as he appeared, Lucky went nuts. Celia wondered how Fiona had handled him the way she did. Despite his size, he wedged between the seats, and before she could save it, put his paw through the picnic basket lid.
“No!”
She got out of the car and bolted to the passenger’s side to get him off the basket. Her apology food was ruined, and her heart was in her stomach. To make matters worse, when she opened the door, Lucky pushed past her and went straight to Jackson, who tried to grab hold of him.
Two elderly people left the drugstore and Lucky charged toward them. They pressed against the brick building and he went right into the open door. Jackson ran forward, but Rob appeared, leading the dog outside as if this was an everyday occurrence.
Celia approached the seniors to ask if they were okay. “I’m so sorry.” Tears pooled in her eyes.
“We’re fine, dear. That jolt was better than a cup of coffee,” said a white-haired woman she didn’t recognize.
“Mom,” said Jackson. “Mom.” He stooped so they were eye to eye. “Are you crying?”
Celia took a deep breath and tried to hide her emotions.
“I got a little upset.” She swiped at her eyes before a tear could fall. “I thought the dog would mow those ladies over for sure.”
She worked up the nerve to look at Rob. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen him the other day, but in the daylight, with the bright blue Colorado sky for a backdrop, he was gorgeous.
“Hey,” she said. “I had something to give your friends since they aren’t eating at the inn, but I think Lucky might have ruined it.”
“What is it?” he asked.
“It’s in the front seat.” She frowned as she made her way to the passenger door. A little spark of hope flickered in her. Maybe the enormous animal had not put his huge paw in the food and mushed it to oblivion.
“I gotta get back, Mom,” Jackson told her.
“I brought Lucky to make you smile,” she laughed.
“Goal accomplished.” He kissed her cheek and took off toward the grocery store.
When she replayed the whole fiasco in her head, she laughed. Celia couldn’t control herself. She leaned against the car and let go. At some point, she started to sob. A hand rubbed her back.
“Hey,” Rob whispered. “Hey.” He drew her into his arms. In front of the shopping center, he held her like he owned her.
Her heart would not argue. She pressed her face into his steely shoulder and let him comfort her.
He looked at Lucky and the pulverized basket, then shook his head. He whispered in Celia’s ear, “It will be okay.” The stress in her body melted away. “I’ll hold the dog,” he said. “Check out the damage.”
Celia backed away, wiping her eyes and her nose. She opened the door and inspected the contents. She gasped and smiled at the same time.
“I don’t believe it! He must have gone right between everything. The tart’s a little crushed on the edge, but the rest looks okay.”
“You packed us a picnic basket?”
“Yes. I was bringing you guys lunch.” She stopped herself before she cried again.
“Shh …” he soothed her. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“What?”
“This means you have to eat with us,” he said. “Take the basket out of the car and put it in the trunk, and then let’s roll the window down for Lucky,” he directed.
Celia hurried around to the driver’s side and followed his instructions.
“You want me to join you guys after everything I’ve done?” She sucked in a shaky breath. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“I’ll help you get over that.” He moved in front of her. “I’m getting the site for the festival cleared. The structure is on its way. By next week it will be like there had always been a barn there. And you know what else?”
“What?” she whispered and wrapped her arms around the small of his back.
“Alex and I will survey the property by helicopter.” Men became boys when anyone mentioned helicopters. “After we take care of business, would you like to go for a spin?”
She nodded. At this point, she’d go anywhere he asked.
“You know who else would like that?” He looked over his shoulder to the grocery store. “Jackson.”
“Yes, he would.”
“Come on.” He opened the door and Lucky jumped inside to take his place in the back seat.
“You left your friends at the counter,” Celia reminded him.
He looked adorable when his face was awash with surprise.
“Oh, yeah, you’re right.”
Celia clicked her key fob to lock her car. “We’ll be right back, boy.”
Rob led her into the drugstore, holding her hand. She didn’t want to let it go. She was embarrassed about the mild tantrum she’d had at dinner, but with Rob there, she had the courage to show her face. When they got to the counter, Nicole and Alex were halfway through their meals.
“We’re going to check out the second-hand stores after this,” said Alex. “Nice to see you, Celia.”
“You too.”
> They sat on the stools next to Alex and Nicole. Rob put his arm around her as they read the menu together.
“I know what I want.” He looked straight at her. “But I can’t have that here.”
She looked up at him. “I think I do too.”
He looked at her. “Are you sure? I want you to be certain this is what you want.”
“I’m sure.” She knew they were talking about more than a meal and glad they were being honest with each other.
“There’s plenty of time to make a choice.”
“I choose you, and because of that choice, I have to trust you,” she said.
“I won’t let you down.”
“Now what are you going to have for lunch?” she asked.
“Meatloaf sandwich. I’m happy to see they haven’t changed the menu since I left.” He ran his finger down the offerings. “It’s literally the same.”
“Maybe. Then again, some things got better with age.” She leaned into him.
Alex looked at Rob. “You two good?”
“Yes, we’re good, but she’s nervous about the resort.” Rob pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Why?” Alex asked. “It will be great.”
She knew it would be great. Great for everyone but her. She also knew that progress was inevitable, and she’d have to get used to change. “You guys will put in gift shops, fancy rooms, and a spa.” She swallowed hard. “Who wants to stay at the inn when the resort will have everything I don’t?”
Alex nodded. He knew she was right, but it wouldn’t stop him from designing the place.
“Be honest,” she asked Nicole. “If you had a choice between my place and a plush hotel which would you choose?”
“I’m not sure. I like your place for a day or two, but a hotel would be great long term,” she said.
Celia tried not to make a face. “Thank you. That was honest.” It served her right for asking the question. Now she was nervous, but she didn’t want to let it ruin the moment. She did a quick accounting of her blessings and at the top of the list was Rob still liked her, and the basket of food only looked destroyed but wasn’t.
“Take the truck.” Rob pulled out his keys and handed them to Alex. “I’ll drive back with Celia and Lucky.”
“The dog?” asked Nicole with alarm.
“Yes. The dog. Big furry beast that will lick you to death.” Rob waved to them. “See you later. Helicopter mañana.”
Finally, they were alone. Rob leaned in and kissed her. “I’ve been craving that for days.”
“Me too,” she said into his mouth. “Me too.”
Chapter Sixteen
Rob
The next day Rob munched on the loaf of bread and cheese Celia had packed and watched the flatbeds with the prefab barn pull onto his land. They had arrived much sooner than expected, making the rush to get them erected less stressful.
Just beyond his house was a helicopter and a swarm of big rigs loaded with the skeleton of what would house the harvest festival. Rob made sure that Jackson was present so he could see everything come together. A bonus was that with Jackson came Celia.
“We will build the resort with structures like these,” he explained. “I have them built to order and we put them together where we want them. Instant development.”
“Won’t they fall apart?” Jackson asked.
“They snap together, but they’ll stand as long as your mother’s place. In many ways, they’re more structurally sound. These prefab buildings are fantastic. If I had a barn built on-site, it would have taken me at least a month. This … I can buy them online and have them shipped. Once all the pieces are in place, it doesn’t take the crew much time to put it together.”
“Sweet,” said Jackson.
Rob looked over his shoulder at Celia, soaking in their conversation. Everything about her seemed relaxed.
“After I take Alex and your mom up in the copter, I’ll take you up and show you the property.”
“Can Lucky come?” Jackson asked.
“Jackson, my boy,” said Rob with a grin. “You are a hard kid to say no to, but um, no. You can hang out here if you like while we’re up in the air or go inside the house and help yourself to the fridge.” At the mention of food, Jackson set out on a run to the house.
The helicopter was a four-seater. Rob pressed his hand at the small of Celia’s back and helped her inside.
“Are you nervous?” he yelled over the whoosh of the blades rotating above their heads.
“Yes, a little,” she said. “But I’m good.”
“Yes, you are good. Very good,” he flirted.
They put on their headsets so the pilot could communicate with them.
“You look hot,” he murmured.
“Why, thank you,” Alex responded.
Rob’s eyes widened.
Alex laughed. “I can hear everything you say, so either shut it down or titillate me.”
Celia’s face turned crimson.
Rob wrapped her petite frame in his arms and gave her a bear hug.
“Sorry,” he whispered.
They took their places in the helicopter and lifted off. They looked at one another with alarmed expressions as the big bird banked right. The nerves passed and Rob was about to narrate when he caught the look on Celia’s face. She leaned into the window and watched as the land below them sped by.
“Like it?” he asked her.
“It’s breathtaking,” she said. “No wonder your mother did nothing with it.”
“Nothing is the keyword. We never visited it. Talked about it. Zilch. And she never got to see it like you’re seeing it now.”
“If she had, she would have known what an absolute treasure she owned.” The view mesmerized Celia.
Rob continued. “See right there,” he said to Alex, pointing at an opening in a copse of trees. “That’s where I want to put the main watering hole, slash casino, slash nightlife spot. Right there up against the mountain rise. Beside it would be equipment rentals and maybe the ice-skating rink. I can re-purpose the barn for that. The lodging can be on roads leading in and out like a racetrack. Jogging and bike lanes, the whole shot.”
Alex snapped shots of the land with his camera.
“We can go closer to the mountains if we need to,” said Rob.
“I’m fine,” replied Alex. “I think I got the critical areas.”
Celia spoke up. “Won’t there be a traffic problem if you have the bar next to the rentals? Shouldn’t you have them spaced out?”
Rob paused because he thought that was an excellent point. He looked to Alex, who slumped at Celia’s statement of the obvious.
“Yes and no,” said Alex. “Then you have people annoyed when they return their rentals and have to trudge to another location to have their cocktails.”
“Provide a shuttle,” she blurted.
Rob arched his brow.
“Well, yeah,” said Alex dejectedly. “That would work.”
“Don’t worry,” Rob said to Alex with a laugh. “You still have a job.”
Celia was quiet.
“What else are you thinking?” he asked.
Her shoulders slumped. “Just what a shame it is to wreck this amazing land. It’s beautiful.”
He understood her position. She worried that construction would destroy the natural beauty of the land.
“Sweetheart, it’s been here since I was born, and until I moved back, I’d never seen it. I don’t think anyone in Pinetop has either. It just exists. Isn’t it time we shared it with everyone?”
“Are you saying it’s a waste?” she asked.
“One sec,” he said to her. “Alex, have you seen what you need to see?”
“Yep,” he said. “I have some good ideas, including Celia’s.”
“Okay,” Rob said to the pilot. “We can go back. We’ll do that second tour I told you about.”
The pilot nodded and turned the craft. Rob could feel Celia’s mood change.
“What about the wi
ldlife that depends on this land?” she asked.
“I’ll be respectful to the environment,” he promised. “I was thinking of putting a presentation together to show residents at the harvest festival since they’re setting up a stage, anyway.”
“You mean for the Pinetop’s Got Talent show?” she asked.
He and Alex and the pilot chuckled.
“Yes,” said Rob.
“But then it would turn the harvest tradition into a business meeting.”
“Business is coming to Pinetop, Celia. It came here before. That’s how Pinetop started, and it’s coming again.” He hated how they were taking one step forward and two steps back. What Celia needed was a change, but she would fight him every step of the way. What she didn’t realize was he was a worthy opponent. Her ex might have cut tail and run. In some ways, he had done the same. When he was young, he didn’t like the way his life was turning out, so he abandoned it for a different one. In her mind, she couldn’t see the one thing that would make him stay was her.
“Pinetop isn’t in survivor mode,” she said. “It’s not like it’s going anywhere if you don’t develop the land. You’re doing it to make money and move on.”
Fortunately, the flight was fast, and the helicopter’s arrival back at the field changed the subject. As it descended to its landing spot, his stomach took a free-fall drop which he suspected was true for Celia as well because she stopped talking.
“Are you still okay with Jackson taking a spin?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ll be right back, and we can talk.”
“No, it’s okay,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”
“Oh no,” he said. “We’re having a talk.”
She unbuckled herself and followed him into the house to collect Jackson.
“I’ll watch the dog,” she said.
“Why don’t you join us?” Rob asked. “I think it would be a nice thing to experience it together.”
Rob guided the dog to his spare room. “Off you go, Lucky buddy,” he said. “Come on, Jackson, let’s take your mom for a ride.”
Rob suspected Celia would be quiet through the ride, but he wasn’t about to let her get away with it. He helped Jackson with his headset and pointed out things on the way.
Christmas Inn Love Page 11
