Page 31 of My Knight Before Christmas
I grinned. “Yeah?” I cupped my hands around his face. His short beard scratched my palms. Holding him in place, I went in for another round. I placed a gentle kiss first before laughing again.
He knocked my hands away and trapped me in a bear hug. “You ready for brunch?”
“Is that why you came?” I spoke into his shoulder where my face was smooshed. Not that I minded.
“It is. And after that, I have a few ideas, unless you want to do something else?”
“This.” I nuzzled my face into his cotton shirt, breathing in his fresh scent. My heart was happier and lighter after our talk yesterday. I knew from the moment I met Liam he was different. I still kicked myself for not trusting him, but we were in a good place and work yesterday proved as much. “But I do have to do some laundry and vacuum the house today.”
“Okay. We can come back here. Are Amy and Anna around?”
I shook my head. “No. They’re out with Spencer and Lucas.”
“Even better.”
My stomach let out a huge gurgle. “It is. But, food?”
“Yes. We need to keep your energy up.”
“For laundry and vacuuming?” I pulled back to search his eyes. “That doesn’t require a whole lot.”
“But we’re also shopping for football food. There’s a game on this afternoon and I’m pretty sure we both have a date with the couch, and as Drew would say, ‘canoodling.’”
I grinned. “I’m not sure what canoodling involves, but if it’s cuddling and kissing, then sign. Me. Up.”
He laughed, throwing his head back. “That’s exactly what it means.”
Well, then. Looks like my Sunday just got even better.
“Not to sound like a broken record, but what are you doing here?” I asked Liam as he showed up at Frostings on Monday morning at five with hot chocolate in tow.
“Helping.”
I scratched my forehead. “What about that big job you just started for your new client? I thought I wouldn’t see you until the weekend.”
“I can do both.” He grabbed an apron, sliding it on over his jeans and gray t-shirt.
“Liam,” I chided with hands on my hips. “You need to sleep. I can handle the bakery.”
Completely ignoring me, he fist bumped Drew. When did that happen? I thought they disliked each other. I pointed between them with a bewildered expression before shaking my head. Whatever. They could be friends. It didn’t bother me. What did was Liam showing up when he had a huge project at work he should be focusing on. He’d told me all about it last night and I couldn’t wait to hear how his client liked his ideas.
“Liam, I’m serious.” I grabbed onto his elbow, halting him from picking up the pizza cutter and cutting into the full-sized sheet of brownies I finished frosting half an hour ago. “Meg will be back at the end of this week and things will slow down again. You don’t have to do this.”
“Avery,” he said in the exact tone I’d used. “I’m a grown man who can make his own decisions.”
I glared at him. “And that’s risking your career to help with mine?”
He set the cutter down and faced me. “I’m not risking anything. I can do both for a week. Besides, if the only way I get to see you is coming here for a few hours before work, then I will.”
If it wasn’t too soon to say I love you, I would. Because that’s exactly how I felt toward this man who completely and utterly captured my heart and soul.
“I don’t deserve you, Mr. Knight.”
“You do.”
I tried to be the hero that kept the bakery afloat on my own while Meg was filmingBaking Spirits Bright. And while I knew I could have done it, I loved that I had a knight willing to swoop in and help. Who wanted to spend time with me by sacrificing his own sleep. Who taught me how to let go of my past fears and pain and instead learn to trust and love.
I found a good one.
