Page 42 of Holiday Hook Up

“Yeah. Definitely not herself at the moment.”

She loosened her scarf, and he had a sudden urge to help her remove it. Instead, he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I’m kind of feeling that way, too.”

“Are you okay with her not being here?” Bethany asked.

Was he okay with it?He was now up in the balcony he’d remodeled about to enjoy a pizza and beer with a good friend that, sure, he was starting to have the hots for.

Hell, yeah, he was okay with it.

He went over to the ice bucket. “Can I get you some wine, a beer?”

“Wine would be great.” Bethany smiled, and he took in her happy expression. Gone was the frown he’d been on the receiving end last night, never mind the awkward tension that had filled his truck when he drove her back to her car. Had all been forgiven? He wasn’t going to blow it this time and would keep his lips to himself. Pouring her a glass, he brought it over.

“I didn’t know Caitlin got her liquor license.”

He nodded. “She applied as soon as the town asked her to host the First Kiss Ball.” Sitting down, he pointed to the pizza box. “May I?”

“By all means.” She handed it over. “It’s from Rachel.”

“How nice of her.” He opened it and laughed. “You know, this is what we had on our first date . . . um . . . I mean, not us . . . er . . .” he stammered. “Me and Rachel.”

“I know.”

He glanced over. “You do? Best friend talk?”

“Something like that. I remember she asked you out after a football game our senior year and suggested Ralph’s.”

“It wasn’t only that. She said she had a craving for sausage and mushroom.” He pointed to the pizza. “Which is my favorite. Weird, right?”

Bethany placed some napkins between them. “Is that what sold you on her—her taste in pizza toppings?”

Adam laughed because perhaps it had. He took a swig of his beer. “I don’t know . . . Maybe, and probably the fact she was Rachel freakin’ Foster. No girl like her had ever looked my way.” He paused, adding, “I’d like to think that we grew into a more mature relationship post high school.”

Bethany nodded and touched his arm. “I know you both did. I’m sure this week has brought up a lot of old feelings.”

He shook his head. That’s where Bethany was wrong, and for reasons he still couldn’t explain, he wanted her to know it. “What we had, it’s over. Rach feels the same way. Yeah, I was in really bad shape after she broke up with me and hoped we might get back together, but I think I’ve known for a while that we really don’t make sense anymore.”

He took a deep breath. “If I’m totally honest, I’ve always known that she wasn’t the one. And she seems pretty happy lately. I mean, before this whole Holiday Hook Up fiasco, I watched her around town with Carter. I was surprised as hell that she made me her Holiday Hook Up, but kind of relieved she didn’t go through with it.” He paused and looked at Bethany. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to go on like that.”

“I just want you both to be happy.”

“Thanks. You don’t have to worry about Rachel breaking my heart again. I am happy.” He reached over and tapped her knee. “What about you?”

“About me?”

“What makes you happy these days? The Christmas Corner has to be doing well. There’s always a full parking lot.”

“It is.”

He stood and grabbed the wine bottle, refilling Bethany’s glass. “I remember hearing about it for the first time at Ralph’s when I was fourteen, thinking it was probably the best place on earth.”

That got a laugh. “It was. I mean, it is. I don’t know. It’s just different. It’s always been my parents’ store. I love being a part of their business, it’s . . .” She paused and took a sip of her wine. “It’s not my business.”

“I can totally relate.” He sipped his beer, rather enjoying this heart to heart. “Working for my dad is great, but I’ve been getting restless. Like maybe I should ask for more stake in the company.”

“Like a partner?”

“Yeah. I mean, I know he plans to leave it to Tom and me when he retires, but that’s years away. I’ve been thinking it’s time to bring in more carpentry business. We do it already.” He pointed to the balcony. “Case in point.”

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