Page 31 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“Reed,” she said, stopping him. She placed her hand on his arm. “You should know I came out of a long-term relationship a while ago and I’m a little hesitant. We’ve only just met—well, met again. Besides, if you remember, I was the one whooffered to knit you that hat. The fact is, I’m looking forward to unearthing my knitting needles.”
He grinned and seemed to relax. “Then you should know I enjoy spending time with you. I hope we can do it again soon.”
“I’m having a great time myself.”
The line slowly moved forward. “When I saw you at the ferry terminal,” he said, “I thought . . .” He hesitated, as if he wasn’t sure he should continue.
“What did you think?” she prodded. The line moved again, and she walked backward, her gaze holding his.
“I thought, there is a woman I would like to know better. A woman of intelligence and beauty. I’m not good at relationships. Hard as I try, I mess them up, and half the time I don’t even know what I did wrong.”
“Is it because of the traveling?”
He shrugged. “It doesn’t help that I’m frequently away a week or more at a time. I’ve thought about transferring to a different department or even finding another position that would allow me to work from a single location. The problem, if you can call it a problem, is that I thoroughly enjoy what I do. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction in getting an entire company up and running with the latest software development.”
Kellie understood the importance of his position in the company. “It’s valuable work and part of what the customers expect if they are investing millions of dollars in our products.”
“It’s great that you understand and can appreciate my role.” The relief on his face was endearing.
They made their way inside the door and reached the counter within a few minutes. The barista took their order, then placed a label on their cups before handing them off. They stepped aside to the waiting area for their order to be finished. It didn’t take long for their coffees to be placed on the counter.
Reed glanced at his wrist. “Oh boy,” he murmured.
“Oh boy?” she repeated, taking a sip of her drink. “What does that mean?”
“We only have five minutes to make it back to the Ferris wheel.”
“Five minutes?”
“Five minutes. How fast can you run?”
“Run?” she repeated, feeling like a parrot repeating everything he said. “I sit at a desk all day. I do water aerobics, not marathons.”
“Do you want to ride the Ferris wheel or save it for another time?”
“Today is the day. I’m game if you are.”
Grabbing hold of her hand, he maneuvered their way past those blocking the door and raced toward the waterfront.
They reached the wheel in the nick of time and were the last ones to board.
Kellie was breathless as they took their seats. She pressed her hand over her heart and expelled a long sigh before she burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Reed asked.
“Us,” she said between giggles. “We looked like a pair of felons escaping the police.” She took in another stabilizing breath as Reed started to laugh himself.
He looked at her and smiled.
Kellie smiled back. “This is the most fun I’ve had since I don’t know when.”
“Me, too,” he agreed.
“I’m happy it was with you.”
His smile grew even bigger. “I was thinking the same thing.”
CHAPTER TEN
