Page 170 of Holidating
As usual, the drive flies by. Anytime it’s Nicolette in the passenger seat, that’s bound to happen. When they reach the Ironwood Hotel, he lets the valet park the car and mentally kisses another forty bucks goodbye. But he doesn’t know if those heels are comfortable and isn’t about to make her walk a couple blocks in them.
Before the valet can drive away, Damien pulls a large box out of the back of the Jeep. “This is for you,” he tells Nicolette, handing hera small but elegant sampler box of Dylan’s caramels. “And the rest of these I have to drop at the concierge desk before we go in to dinner.”
A flicker of doubt crosses her face. “Okay, sure.” She stashes the sampler box in her bag.
Hmm. Her reaction was a little odd, but he doesn’t say anything. He leads her past a pair of double doors that slide silently open for them and enters the lobby. It’s sleek, but also warm, with honey-colored wood everywhere, and floral arrangements made from birch branches.
Fancy.
He locates the concierge desk and carries the box in that direction. It’s staffed by an attractive woman in a dark green blazer. “Good evening. These caramels are from Dylan Shipley. He said you’d know what to do with them.”
“Of course, sir. And welcome, Ms. Overland. I didn’t know your family was onsite tonight.”
Damien turns to Nicolette in surprise. She’d been trailing behind, almost as if hiding. “Um, no,” she says sheepishly. “Just here for dinner.”
“Very well,” the concierge says smoothly. “Always nice to see you.”
“Likewise.”
Damien, relieved of the box, takes her hand and leads her toward the restaurant’s door, but then pauses before they reach it. “Nic? Something you forgot to tell me?”
She’s blushing. “My father built this hotel about five years ago. I’m sorry.”
His heart plummets. “Your father…and your ex?”
“No, just my dad.” She shakes her head. “He couldn’t believe that Burlington didn’t have a luxury hotel, so he, um, fixed that. He has a lot of events here, so I’ve been to this restaurant before. I should have said something, but you were excited about this place.”
“Ah.” He laughs suddenly. It seems obvious now that there was no way he could take her anywhere she hadn’t already been. “Would you rather go somewhere else, though?”
“No,” she whispers, putting both her hands on his forearms. “It reallyisthe best restaurant in Vermont. But the only times I’ve everbeen here were with my uptight family. Never with you, or anyone who ever gave a crap whether I had a good time.”
Oh.
“So let’s have a nice meal, and screw the rest of them.”
“I like how you think.” He leans in to kiss her on the forehead before taking her arm again and leading her into the dining room.
CHAPTER 15
SOUNDTRACK: PIANO MUSIC AND NERVES
“And these are our pâtes de fruits, compliments of the chef,” the server says two hours later, placing a tiny silver tray onto the table. “We have cranberry, lingonberry, and plum. Can I bring you anything else at all?”
Damien eyes the little jellied candies with a handsome smirk. This is the third or fourth dish that’s appearedcompliments of the chef. “I don’t see how there’s anything left in that kitchen that you haven’t already brought us, except the check. I won’t need to eat again,” he declares. “I don’t mean tonight. I mean ever.”
The server grins. “Very well, sir.”
She glides away, and Damien picks up one of the jellied candies and pops it into his mouth. He studies Nicolette with fond eyes. “I have to say that it’s been interesting dining with royalty. You’re a fun date, Overland.”
She feels herself blushing and takes another small sip of wine. She’s already had enough, and the bottle is still half full. “Here,” she says. “Drink some more of this, because I shouldn’t.”
He covers her hand with his. “Can’t, darling. I’m the driver. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Oh.” She lets out a jittery breath. “Does it get old being the driver? Always the one who has to be responsible?”
“Well, sometimes. But it’s a role I chose,” he reminds her. “And for you? It’s a pleasure.”
Her heart flutters. Hell, her whole body flutters. But there’s also a shiver of nerves that goes along with it.
