“Hi, Phil,” she said to the plant. The vibrant leaves brought a splash of life to the condo. “Miss me?”
That was when she realized what was wrong. She surveyed the living room from the comfy overstuffed couch to the full bookshelf. All the things she loved, but…
Paige missed having others around. No, it was more than that. She missed Wes.
Ridiculous.
Thinking about him—missing him—was not only silly but also stupid. Paige plopped on a chair. Logically, she knew that. Yet, she couldn’t help herself.
This morning in the kitchen had been…perfect. She didn’t even mind that he’d caught her singing badly. Though he’d been too much of a gentleman to say anything. Their conversation had flowed. No matter if the subject was difficult, talking to him was easy. Time flew. And…
Wes was mentioning something about the two of them when Nora interrupted him. He’d told Paige they would talk later, but that hadn’t happened. Maybe he’d changed his mind about whatever he had to say or maybe it hadn’t been that important.
A bummer because she liked Wes.
Really, really liked him.
As in, her crush was the biggest she’d ever had. Considering her infatuation with the Backstreet Boys when she was a teenager, that was saying something. If only…
Don’t go there.
Crushing on him was one thing. But that needed to stop before she found herself with a painful case of unrequited love.
Wes didn’t want a relationship. He’d said that multiple times. Not those exact words, but he left no doubt what he wanted and didn’t want with a woman—with her.
Her brother, Ethan, had explained how men communicate. Literally, according to him. Allowing a revised fairy tale to form in her head, one where Wes changed how he felt about relationships, would be stupid.
Not. Meant. To. Be.
It was as simple as that. Disappointing, but neither of them was to blame.
“Still sucks because I’ve never gotten along with someone so well,” she said to Phil. “Wes is also sweet and kind and hot. Okay, that’s enough.”
Because she knew herself.
Paige didn’t think in terms of “oh, he’d be a good boyfriend.” No, she jumped straight to “yes, he’d be a wonderful husband and father.” No matter what she thought or felt about Wes Lockhart, she had to stop. Thirty-odd hours spent together—the longest she’d been with a person outside of school or work in years—didn’t make them a couple or even friends. They’d made no plans to keep in touch when she left his lodge. Saying goodbye before she got in her car had been just that.
A farewell.
If he’d had something important to say earlier, he could have pulled her aside. Men like Wes and his friends didn’t hesitate. They took action. That was how they’d made billions or married after only knowing a woman a few weeks.
She had no reason to be disappointed with how things turned out. Not with zero expectations going in. Discovering the quaint town of Hood Hamlet, seeing how Wes lived, and getting to know his friends who could help the cancer center would live in her memories long after this weekend.
Paige also couldn’t forget how her toes curled the two times he’d kissed her. That didn’t happen every day. Or ever, in her case. She should be grateful and was.
Now, it was time to put the weekend behind her. Real life was calling. Or would be once she recharged the battery. Paige removed her cell phone from her pocket and plugged it into the charger in the living room.
“The quiet will drive me crazy. We need noise.”
Paige clicked the remote. A Christmas movie appeared on the television screen. Which reminded her of the biggest item left to do to prepare for the holidays.
“Now we can get this place looking like it’s December instead of November or any other month of the year. I have a red bow to tie around your pot, Phil. No one gets forgotten during the holidays.”
Her decorations had been sitting in the corner since Black Friday. She didn’t want to wait another night.
“Decorating will be the perfect end to a wonderful weekend.”
Only one thing would make tonight better…
Don’t think about him.
Paige made herself a cup of peppermint hot chocolate before she carried a box to the couch. After unwrapping an ornament, she placed it on the coffee table. Each had a story, either the place where she’d purchased it or who had given it to her. She went through the first box and then the second while the movie played. This one, featuring a city girl doctor taking a position in a small-town hospital, was a favorite.
Her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen. Ethan had texted her. Given it was a Sunday, her brother must have a little free time. Maybe they could catch up. She had been too busy when he contacted her last.
Big Bro: Are you watching Christmas Under Wraps?
Paige: Of course.
Big Bro: You enjoy imagining yourself as the doctor.
Paige: Well, yeah. Only I would have applied for more than one fellowship.
Big Bro: Maybe you should move to Garland, Alaska, fall in love with Santa’s son, and get married.
Paige: I would except the place doesn’t exist and neither does Santa, ergo there is no son for me to fall in love with and marry.
Big Bro: Wish you were coming home for Christmas. It isn’t the same without you. Mom tries, but even when you were little you made the holidays come together for us.
Paige: Awww, thanks. I will be there next year. Promise!
Big Bro: Better idea. Move back to Vermont. The kids miss their favorite aunt.
Paige: I miss all of you.
Paige’s chest tightened. Her family didn’t understand why she stayed in Portland. They kept asking her to move back, especially around holiday times. She wished they weren’t on opposite coasts, but ever since coming west for her residency and fellowship, her life was here now. It wasn’t as if she never saw them. She visited Vermont at least once a year. Sometimes twice.
She sipped her hot cocoa. No whipped cream, but the warm liquid went down smooth.
Her cell phone buzzed again.
Big Bro: Where are you spending Christmas?
Paige: Not sure yet. I’ve had a few invites. Don’t worry about me.
Big Bro: I always worry about you.
Paige: Says the man who tormented me when we were younger.
Big Bro: It was done with love.
Paige: Yeah, right. Just remember that when your kids go at each other. Karma, baby!
Big Bro: Mom and Dad already warned me.
Paige: I bet they did.
Big Bro: Seeing anyone?
Paige: Santa’s son is handsome.
Big Bro: Someone not on your TV screen.
Paige: No. But I don’t have time right now.
Big Bro: You have to make the time.
Paige: Maybe I would if I met someone who wants more than casual fun.
Big Bro: Do I need to fly out there and punch the loser for hurting you?
Paige: What do you mean?
Big Bro: Casual fun is not in your vocabulary. Assuming a guy said that to you.
Paige: Correct assumption.
Big Bro: If he said that, listen to him. There’s no need to read between the lines. What he says is what he means.
Paige: You’ve mentioned that before.
Big Bro: It’s true, so watch yourself. I don’t want a jerk to hurt you.
Paige: I’m a grown woman.
Big Bro: You’ll always be my little sis. Okay, kids are yelling. Using words they shouldn’t.
Paige: Love you.
Big Bro: Love you, too. Talk soon.
Paige plugged in her phone again and returned to the half-full box. In between sips of hot chocolate and watching the movie, she covered the coffee table with ornaments.
“Time for the tree.” She rubbed her hands together.
Sitting on the floor, she removed the pieces from the box. The four-foot-tall
artificial tree had lights attached to the branches, making the assembly easy-peasy. She put the tree in its spot, plugged in the light cord, and stepped away.
The white lights glowed. Pretty, but…
Paige rubbed her chin. Something wasn’t right. She moved around the living room staring at the tree, trying to figure out what was bothering her.
The reason hit like a snowball to the head.
She’d had this tree for years, but today it seemed miniscule compared to Wes’s and Henry’s. The size had never bothered her before. She didn’t know why it did now.
She didn’t need a huge tree for herself. Someday, she would have the big, tall tree of her dreams—a live one that gave off a fresh pine scent, but the tree she had should work until then.
With the tree in place, Paige searched the coffee table for the pickle. The ornament was a family tradition, only she didn’t hide it the way her parents did at their house. She attached the pickle to a branch before stepping back to admire the view.
Satisfaction washed over her. “Now it’s ready for the other ornaments.”
As she picked up a large silver bell—a gift from her niece—it jingled. Remembering kids at the hospital giving angels their wings, Paige shook it. The world needed more angels.
She hung the ornament on the tree.
The security buzzer rang.
Who would come to see her? She rarely got company. Someone must have hit the wrong unit number. That had happened before.
She pressed the intercom. “Hello?”
“It’s Wes.” He cleared his throat. “Can I come up?”
Wait. Wes was here? Her heart thudded.
“Paige?” he asked.
“I, uh, sure.” She didn’t know what else to say. “Two-oh-one.”
Though if he’d called her unit, he knew that.
She pressed the button to unlock the main entrance. Questions threatened to overwhelm her.
Don’t think. Smile.
A knock sounded.
She took two deep breaths before opening the door.
Wes had a smile on his face and her cape draped over his arm. “You forgot this in the guest bedroom.”
Her stomach clenched. He wasn’t here to see her but to return something she’d left. Paige shook off her disappointment.
“Thanks.” Gripping the door handle like a lifeline, she pasted on a smile. “I haven’t unpacked. I didn’t realize I left it. I’m sorry you had to go to so much trouble.”
She pressed her lips together to stop herself from rambling.
“No trouble. It’s on my way home.” He peered into her condo. “Nice place.”
Where were her manners? Paige opened the door wider. “Would you like to come in?”
“Thanks.” Wes walked inside and headed straight into the living room where he placed her cape over the back of a chair. “You’re decorating.”
“Hood Hamlet gave me a big dose of holiday cheer. I decided to stop procrastinating and get it done tonight.”
Wes rubbed his neck. “I figured you were the type who put your tree up early.”
“Usually, I do that.” She remembered her schedule since Thanksgiving. “But I’ve been busy.”
“Going away this weekend probably didn’t help,” he said with a hint of worry.
“No, but I enjoyed myself, and decorating won’t take me more than a couple of hours.”
He stared at the table covered with ornaments. “There’s a way you could finish sooner.”
“How so?”
“I can help you decorate.”
A burst of excitement shot through her, but then she remembered what Ethan said. Wes, too. She shouldn’t read anything into his wanting to help. “Aren’t you tired since you didn’t get much sleep last night?”
“I slept during the drive. Craig said I was out.” Wes’s eyes appeared brighter than they were earlier. “Must have been because I got a second wind.”
She stretched her arm toward the ornaments. “Well, if you’re offering…”
Mischief gleamed in his eyes. A corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin. “I am.”
She forced herself to breathe. “Okay, then. Grab an ornament from the table.”
Wes removed his gloves and jacket. He wore the same sweater and jeans as he had on earlier, but she couldn’t keep from sneaking a peek or two at how handsome he looked.
Oops. She probably shouldn’t be doing that if she wanted to get over her crush.
He picked up a small teddy bear wearing a stethoscope. “Dr. Teddy?”
“Many of the ornaments were gifts. My best friend gave the bear to me during my first year of med school.”
Wes hung the hook on a branch. “Is she the one whose mom died?”
Nodding, Paige added a red ball monogrammed with a gold P to the tree. “We exchange more calls and texts than gifts these days, but no matter how much time has passed without talking, we pick up like we just spoke yesterday.”
“She must be a special friend.” He got another ornament.
Paige nodded. “You have an amazing group of friends yourself.”
“I do.” He held on to an angel. “I’m happy we’ve become friends.”
“Is that what we are?” The question burst out before she could stop it.
He placed the angel front and center on the tree. “Given we want different things, being friends seems like the best option.”
“Is there another?” she asked, half-serious.
He said nothing, but tilted his head, staring into the kitchen.
“I can hear your brain thinking from here,” Paige joked, hoping to keep the mood light.
He laughed. “I can’t think of one, but I had fun this weekend. I want to spend more time with you.”
What he said shouldn’t matter as much as it did, but she couldn’t stop her smile from widening. “I’d like that, too.”
He picked up a Santa. “Good.”
Nodding, she wiggled her toes.
They continued putting the ornaments on the tree. The only noise came from the television. She didn’t give the screen a second glance. The movie would be on some other time. Decorating the tree with Wes was real and happening now.
“I’ve only had real trees, but having the lights on the branches is a nice touch,” he said.
She picked up a Santa ornament. “My family has real ones, but I decided to be practical. A pre-lit tree that doesn’t drop needles makes life much easier, especially when Christmas is over. Besides, a fake tree is safer.”
“Safer as in no fire?” he asked.
“Safer as in I kill plants.”
“Let me just say, I’m glad I didn’t know that when you were my doctor.”
She laughed. “My grim reaper tendencies are limited to plant species, not humans.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” he said playfully before pointing to the philodendron. “That, however, looks alive and healthy. Unless it’s fake.”
“Despite my efforts, Phil remains alive.” As she stared at the plant, affection rushed through her. Any other person would feel pride except she had little to do with its survival. “A complete anomaly.”
“Is that why you named the plant?”
She nodded. “The plant deserved a name after seeing all its succulent siblings be tossed into the garbage can.”
His face scrunched in fake empathy. “Poor Phil.”
“Poor me for unintentionally killing them.”
“Traumatic.” His voice was full of sarcasm.
“It was.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she stared at Phil. “I thought they were cute.”
“Cute things should live forever.” Wes turned over the ornament in his hand to examine the back.
“I agree.” Soon, only one thing remained on the table. “The angel goes on top.”
He handed it to her. “I’ll let you do the honor since it’s your tree.”
Paige placed the angel on top. Okay, the tree might be small, but it was pretty. �
��I love seeing the tree with all the decorations.”
“What’s next?” Wes asked.
“Decorations for the fireplace mantel and the lights that go around the two front windows.”
“You do the fireplace. I’ll do the lights.”
She removed the picture frames and put a nativity set on one side of the mantel and a wooden family of snowmen on the other end. In the center, she placed red and white candles in glass cylinders and tucked fake pine boughs around them. Her stocking came next, hanging from a hook beneath the mantel.
Someday, Paige would have a real garland strung with lights, but this would do for now. She stood back and surveyed her work.
“Beautiful,” Wes said.
“Thanks.” She glanced his way. He’d finished one window, and he was working on the other. “Need a hand?”
“Could you hold the strand of lights?” He shook the dangling cord. “They kept getting in the way.”
“No problem.” Except the longer she stood there with him on a stepstool above her, bumping into her accidentally, the more of a problem it became.
Friends. Friends. Friends.
That became her new mantra.
“I’ve almost got it attached in the corner.” As Wes reached up, he gave her a perfect view of his profile.
Her mouth went dry.
“Got it.” He glanced down at her and smiled. “So what’s next?”
Paige had no idea, but if he kept standing up there, she could put a Santa hat on his head, and he’d be a gorgeous addition to her holiday decorations.
Friends.
Paige blew out a breath. She had a feeling being friends with Wes would not be as easy as she thought.
Thank goodness she didn’t have any mistletoe in one of her boxes or she would want to use it with her…friend.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Sitting in the foundation’s conference room on Wednesday, Wes ran over the latest report from Sadie, who sat across the table from him. The numbers blurred. He blinked and refocused.
His thoughts, however, kept wandering. The way they had since he woke up on Monday thinking about Paige. She was on his mind a lot.
The Wish Maker (The Billionaires 0f Silicon Forest Book 2) Page 14
