Page 26 of Christmas Treasures

“You deserve so much better.”

Charlie’s voice cracked. “I built a company from scratch, made it through venture capitalists and hostile negotiationsand boardrooms full of men who didn’t want me there, and yet I didn’t see him coming.”

“That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. You’re not the only woman in the history of the world to fall for a duplicitous man.”

“Although that may be true, it didn’t feel like it at the time.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Nina asked. “Did something happen last night with Max? I know he drove you home.”

Charlie let the words sit for a moment. “I invited him in. Showed him my greenhouse. And we kissed.”

Nina blinked. “I’m sorry, what? I didn’t see that coming.”

Charlie let out a half sob, half laugh. “It just happened. And it was really good. And really dumb.”

“Oh my God…” Nina leaned in, eyes wide.

“It gets even more complicated.” She told Nina about Max’s time in Italy and that he’d just received a bombshell. “The little girl’s coming in a few days.”

“This is bananas,” Nina said, shaking her head. “But how sweet is this guy?”

“I know. He’s been sending money to them all these years too.”

Nina blinked. “No way.”

“Yeah. He texted earlier and asked if I wanted to help him shop for Bianca’s room. I said yes and then promptly started sweating and wondering if it was a good idea or not, and then I called you. Which, believe it or not, is progress for me.”

“I’m glad you called.” Nina twisted the silver ring she always wore on her index finger around and around, clearly thinking. “I know it probably seems fraught with possible peril, but if you like him, then I say go for it.”

“He needs me. I speak fluent Italian.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”

“I told him I could help translate, if he needed me. But then, I got in my head and started thinking all kinds of things.”

“As in, what if he’s just using you?”

“Right.”

Nina sat back, brow furrowed, eyes searching Charlie’s. “Do you want to help?”

“I do. The idea of this poor little girl coming here, not knowing anyone or the language, it kind of breaks my heart. But I also have a thing for Max, and that scares me. I don’t want to get too involved.”

“I see. Okay, well, here’s the deal. You’re right to be scared. And wary. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore whatever this is between you. You’re going to have to trust your gut on this one.”

“But I don’t have a gut. I don’t think, anyway.”

“You do. Also, this is a small town. If Max Hayes was a bad guy, we’d know it already. Instead, he helps feed the poor, sells organic produce from local farmers, and opens his home to a little girl who needs a father.”

“He knows his way around a red wine,” Charlie said, adding to the list. “And appreciates my discernment when it comes to cheese.”

“Right. Cheese-gate.” Nina laughed. “And he gaveuphis cheese for you. It’s all adding up to one thing. This is a good man with a giant heart.”

Nina reached out and touched her hand again. “You should let go a little. Trust yourself. Not everyone’s Evan. Especially not Max Hayes. Think about what he’s doing. Opening up his home to a child he hasn’t seen in three years. That’s enough to tell you who he is.”

Charlie nodded. “I do have excellent taste, and I’d really loveto decorate that room.”

“Then go and enjoy yourself. Take it one day at a time. It’s okay to let yourself be happy.”

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