Page 21 of Mistletoe Omega
My lips twitched. “Hell, maybe I’ll buy you a bag. The happiest you’ve looked since I met you was just now talking about those marshmallows.”
Setting his phone on the counter, he laughed. “They’re very delicious.” He held my gaze. “If you buy me a bag of them, maybe I’ll share.”
I wondered if he knew how alluring he was when he relaxed. He often seemed preoccupied with his thoughts and didn’t really engage. But when he smiled at me, the way he was doing right now, my stomach somersaulted with attraction.
Calm yourself. He just really likes those little marshmallows.
I dropped my gaze, feeling a little foolish, and tossed my empty soda can in the trash. “I should get to work.”
He gave a funny laugh. “Now?”
“Yep. I have a buyer who ordered a table, and he wants it in time for Christmas.”
“Oh.”
I glanced up. “I need to finish staining it.”
“I see. Do you get a lot of orders this time of year?”
“I actually do. I’ve got most of them shipped already, but this one has been a struggle.”
“Why?” He frowned.
“It’s been so damn cold the last few weeks. The stain doesn’t set right if the air temp is too chilled. I have a floor heater to warm up the room, but it keeps turning on and off. Something's wrong with it.”
“Can’t you just buy another one?”
“The local hardware store was out of stock, so I ordered one on-line. But the damn snow storms delayed shipping.”
“Crap.”
“Exactly.”
He bit his lower lip. “I wished I knew how to fix stuff. I’d like to help you.”
I smiled at the sincerity in his voice. “It’s okay. It’ll all work out.”
“You always say stuff like that,” he grumbled. “I’m afraid I don‘t share your optimism.”
“I like to think if I expect the best, I’ll get the best back. Good thoughts bring good things.”
“Really?” He chuffed. “Then why is Ethan dead?”
I stiffened and tried not to overreact to his tactless words. I also didn’t respond because I was afraid of what I might say. I held his gaze, feeling a little angry, but trying to keep it in check.
His jaw tensed. “Shit. Sorry. I don’t know why I said that.”
“Seems like an odd thing to just blurt out.”
He winced. “I’m sorry. I was just talking without thinking.”
I clenched my hands into fists. “You think everything would be better if I was Mr. Doom and Gloom?”
“No.” He closed his eyes briefly and opened them again. “I’m really sorry.”
“Because I could be like that. Easily.”
“I know.”
