Page 27 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

“I know it’s optional, but in the dining room?” Holly’s expression is half amusement, and her tone is one of fascination, not judgemental.

I grin. “It is Christmas.”

I catch Axel’s eye across the room as he’s helping one of the wait staff bring in a new carafe, and we exchange amused glances.

“If you tell me what you like, I’ll bring you a plate.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”

“You can enjoy your coffee, and I’ll bring the food. There’s a table free by the window.”

“Lots of bacon, those waffles smell amazing and something with fruit to balance it out.”

“You got it.”

“Thank you, Noel,” her voice is soft and wistful.

I smile, grab another plate from the line and wait my turn, watching as she makes her way to the table, exchanging polite chitchat with guests.

I go through the line, taking waffles with whipped cream because I can’t help myself, a fruit bowl, lots of bacon, eggs and toast for me. At the end of the line, I balance our plates across my arm, remembering my days as a waiter while in University and praying that I don’t spill any of this food. Holly helps me unload the plates, and then I slide into the seat across from her.

“I don’t think anyone’s gotten me a plate before,” she mumbles into her coffee.

Her cheeks are bright pink as if my gentlemanly act has embarrassed her, but I can’t believe this gorgeous woman didn’t have men falling at her feet, offering to carry all her things or to get her a plate of food.

“It’s no big deal, Miss Burkholder. Merry Christmas.”

We dig into our food.

“You’re a popular guy this morning. I saw you talk to a woman as I was coming down.”

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Brennon.” Madison, one of our waiters, interrupts us. “Coffee?” She holds up a carafe, and I pick up the coffee cup from the table.

“Thank you.”

“I noticed your hands were full.” Madison winks at me and goes to the next table.

“See? Totally popular.” Holly smiles.

“I’m lucky to have good friends.”

“Well, if I had a friend who owned a private hotel with a dungeon…” Holly winks at me.

I sip my coffee, my hands sweating. “I’ve known Pauline and her husband, Kai, for years. Same with Rick and Cat. I met them at a Club I used to attend with my wife. I wasn’t a great friend after she passed. But when I called them to tell them what I was doing here, they were my first guests and have come back to all the play parties since.”

“I’m sure they understand, Noel.”

The concern in her voice melts a frozen section of my heart. I know grief is a living, breathing, and often controlling force, but I was awful to the people in my life. Buying the properties on this road gave me purpose when I realized I wasn’t returning to work for the firm.

“They are kind, and I’m lucky.” I smile.

Holly takes a forkful of whipped cream and holds it to my lips. “My turn to feed you?”

I laugh, giving in to her request to open my mouth.

“There, now I feel like I’ve given you something.”

She smiles, her eyes glow. The background noise floats away. I suppress the wild need to laugh.

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