Page 24 of Just A Dash of Holiday Magic
He attaches the hook to something under my car, and I put it in neutral. Then, with ease, he retracts the chain on his truck, and I'm pulled back up the hill.
Once I’m back up on the side of the road, he gets out and undoes the hook. I roll down my window, and he leans down.
“You are all set.”
“Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you here.”
The smile he flashes me sends a flutter throughout my body, and I squeeze my thighs together to ease some of the pleasurable ache.
“If I don’t see you before you go,” he starts to say, but the twinkle in his eyes disappears despite the smile still on his face. “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.”
“Are you hungry?” I blurt out.
He chuckles, ignoring my less than smooth transition of the conversation. “What did you have in mind?”
“Pie.” I point toDi’s Pies. The Open sign is flashing like a beacon, beckoning us both in.
“I don’t know—”
“Please. Let me buy you a piece. It’s the least I can do since you saved me.”
“Just doin’ my job ma’am,” he says, in a terrible John Wayne impression.
“You have got to stop watching those old westerns,” I shake my head.
"I will as soon as you stop watching those cheesy TV romances.” He shrugs.
“So never?” I shrug.
"Pretty much." He nods, but the joy in his smile is back. “As much as I’d love to share a slice of warm Apple Cinnamon pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with you, I really should get going.”
"Yes, of course." I try, but I'm sure I'm unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. "I've taken enough of your time."
"I'll see you soon, though." He leans in the window and kisses my cheek. His lips linger, and I can feel the soft puffs of his warm breath near my ear when he whispers, “You can count on it.”
