Page 89 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

Even though I’m freezing, I walk along the trail that takes me to the farm next door.

If Stella is her cousin, then the old lady who owned it is probably their grandmother, or a great aunt or some relative. The safe place Holly had to escape her abusive father.

But why did she come to Vixen’s Paradise?

I shove my hands in my pockets, hunching my shoulders against the wind, whipping at my back.

How did she know that Vixen’s Paradise was next to her grandmother’s place? Holly is bright. She must have researched what was happening with properties in the area. If she had done a holdings search on Brennon Consortium, the list of properties we own, Vixen’s Paradise, and Sinful Bites would have shown up, and she would have seen the address.

Speaking of which, I call Theo once I’m in the warmth of Vixen’s Paradise, sitting at a dining table with a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey.

“Hi, Noel.”

“Hey, Theo. So tell me again about this café you found.”

“You sound awful. What’s wrong?”

I could never fool Theo. He is keenly observant.

So much for trying to distract myself from Holly’s leaving.

“The woman I played with this week just left. I really like her, Theo.”

“Did you tell her that?”

I grin at his practicality. “Yes, but I think she’s scared. Her ex-boyfriend just dumped her, and her previous serious relationship ended badly.”

“Tell her again, then. Maybe she needs to see that you mean what you say.”

“Yeah.”

I contemplate showing up at Holly’s door, but I don’t know if that would be a dramatic gesture or a scary stalker move.

“And you are a widower. You must be scared, too.”

The words hit me right in the gut. I throw back what’s left in the shot glass.

“I’m scared, but she’s worth being scared for. I want to see her again.”

“Then go for it. That’s what you’re always telling me.”

I laugh gruffly. Theo is cautious and takes forever to make a decision, but once he does, his mind is made up and unchanging.

“True. The café, run it down for me.”

“Okay, but it’s not a lifestyle café, all right? Just a normal everyday place where clothing isn’t optional, it’s required.”

I wouldn’t say Theo is against Vixen’s Paradise or Sinful Bites, but he’s … super private about what happens in his bedroom.

I might be the only brother who knows what his tastes are.

“Where is this normal café located?”

“It’s in a little town called Rising Harbour. I was visiting a friend’s winery. My car broke down. I went into this café and met this woman.”

“Oh?” I grin.

“It’s not like that, Noel.” Theo brushes me off.

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