Page 10 of Yes to The Holidays
“That was sweet,” I said as we laced our fingers together again.
“Rather give it to some kids than go to waste. Plus, did you see how cute they were?” he asked, his dimples prominent from the wide grin.
I squeezed his hand. Theywerecute. I loved kids. Donald and I decided years ago we’d wait until we were more established to have any. Then we never brought it up again. I had thought about it several times, but something kept stopping me from talking to him about it. Things were shaky even before Shelly came along. I had sneaking suspicions that maybe he knew her before she came to the office.But could he really have been that stupid?
On the way out, we passed a little building being decorated as “Santa’s Shack” that sat next to a large, fenced area with reindeer. Actual reindeer with huge antlers and their heads stood taller than mine.
“Oh, that’s neat,” Odin said, pointing in that direction.
“Yeah, they’ll have this whole farm completely decorated with lights and inflatables next weekend. They open it on Thanksgiving night. You can drive through a little light show, then park and walk around The North Pole. So pretty.”
“Fun. Do you come for that usually?”
I shook my head. “Used to. It’s been a few years since I’ve been here.”
He pulled me closer and didn’t press me with questions. I used to love seeing the lights, but after a few years, Donald always found a reason we couldn’t go. A twinge of pain shot to my chest. Not for Donald, but for missing out on the things I loved because of him for so long.
We made it back to the SUV and headed toward the next stop. When I got in, Odin pulled me to the middle seat and buckled me there, and my hands and toes started to thaw from the heat. It was nice to be physically close to him. As he caressed my hand, I looked at the fall foliage through the window, reminding myself this was a short-lived affair. He was here for two weeks, I’d be busy with Thanksgiving, and surely, he had some plans, plus I had to work…and get a divorce.
“Hey, you okay?” Odin asked.
Snapping me from my running thoughts, I nodded. “Fine. Someone kept me up late last night.” I poked him in the ribs.
“And I intend to do so again.” His voice was low and gravelly.
Damn. Should have brought backup panties.
We pulled up to the next stop, which was one of my favorite breweries outside the perimeter. Basically, anything outside of interstate 285 was considered outside the perimeter of the city.
“This place has great food, and it’s a local brewery. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
He opened the door then his hand went to the small of my back once I passed him. We were seated quickly, and the lunchtime rush was getting underway.
We both ordered a wheat ale and got the appetizer tray. It was freeing to spend time with a man that I probably wouldn’t see again once his visit was over. I was what the fashion magazines classified as midsized, but I was still shapely. Not as toned as I’d like, but I didn’t make time for the gym. Without realizing it, I had been careful of what I ate around Donald. I didn’t notice until I moved out and started eating by myself more often. Like losing weight would somehow fix our marital issues.Maybe I was stupid?Now, if I wanted something, I got it.
His gaze was fixed on me. He ran his thumb over his bottom lip as he stared at me, and it made me want to jump across the table and take it in my mouth.
Trying to hold off on mauling him until later, I said, “Odin, tell me what it is you do for a living.”
Before he could answer, the server returned with our beers and assured us they’d be back soon with our appetizers, so we grabbed the menu to decide on our meals.
“Mostly investments, things of that nature.”
“So, you’re in the mafia then? That’s always what they say to outsiders.”I read too many romance novels, for sure.
“That’s really why I’m here. Hiding out after a bad deal back home.” His face was unreadable. His eyes and mouth held no expression.
Oh, God…was he in the mafia?
He laughed finally as the appetizers came. “Relax, Janie. I can be a little sarcastic at times. Not in the mafia. I got in with a firm out of college: I made some good moves and a really bad one but learned a lot. Eventually, I bought out the partners.”
“Wow. And here I was trying to pay for everything. Maybe I should let you handle the rest,” I said with a sheepish grin.
“I would love to handle it for you, Janie.” His grin showed just a hint of teeth, but those dimples flashed at me. His hair was pulled back, but I recalled how it looked loose around his shoulders as he plowed into me.
“Are you ready to order?” the server asked, interrupting my mini-fantasy.
Swallowing hard, I looked at Odin, and he grinned as if he knew what I had been thinking. I cleared my throat and ordered a burger and fries. He ordered the same, and we were left alone again.
