Page 28 of Promise Me This Christmas
He wished he could kiss her.Every cell in his body wanted to be closer to her, to be connected, even with a simple kiss.But he was afraid of pushing too fast.They were sitting side by side and he was holding her hand.For tonight maybe that was enough.
He was rewarded when Larkin leaned her head against his shoulder.
“This is nice,” she said.
“It is.”He ran his thumb gently over the top of her hand, loving the feel of her skin.He wouldn’t push.He would take his cues from her.
But he was going to have to figure out how to deal with his growing fury toward Andrew.Larkin may not want to face her rapist again.
But he did.
Chapter Seven
Sunday, December 21
Feeding off allthe extra Christmas energy in the air, Robin was up early the next morning.So early that when Amy took him downstairs for breakfast, Jo wasn’t even there yet.Amy let him play with his toys while she prepared hot oat bran cereal and chopped some leftover chicken cranberry sausages.When she glanced out the window, all she saw was her reflection.Hair scooped up in a messy bun, face pale, eyes tired.She hadn’t slept well last night.Too much was riding on today going well.
A little sunshine would help.But the sun wouldn’t even rise for another two hours.Much as she loved Christmas, she disliked the short winter days in Montana.Maybe they should all take their cues from the bears and hibernate until spring.
“Good morning, gorgeous.”
Chet’s upbeat voice was an instant mood lifter.He entered the room in his usual outfit of jeans and a Western-styled shirt, and she instantly moved into his arms for a reassuring hug.With him by her side, she could handle anything.
He moved a strand of hair off her cheek, then kissed her.“Want coffee or a latte this morning?”
“I think I need a stiff Americano.”
“One of those days, huh?”He checked the machine to make sure it was loaded with the correct beans, then turned it on to warm up.
“I’m just feeling a lot of pressure.There have been too many missteps lately.I’m beginning to wonder if I’m cut out for this B & B business after all.”
“Hey.None of the problems were your fault.And they weren’t even big problems.Just minor inconveniences.”
“I’m the manager.Ultimately, I am responsible, Chet.And you know the standards at Bramble House are high.”She scooped up Robin and strapped him in for his breakfast.The toddler immediately grabbed a piece of sausage and stuffed it into his mouth.
“What I know is that Bramble House is a success and it’s down to you, and your staff, and how you all work together.The tea was a big hit last year and it’s going to be another success today.”
Amy loved that her husband had so much faith in her.She just hoped he was right to do so.She offered a spoonful of oat cereal to Robin, and, like a baby bird, he opened his mouth wide.
Chet set her Americano on the island, where she could reach it, but Robin could not.They both turned at the sound of the back door opening.Was this Jo?But instead her brother entered the kitchen.
“Good morning,” he said cheerfully.“You’re all up early.”
“You can thank Robin for that,” Amy said.
“And here I thought you wanted to get an early start on the day.Any coffee?”
“I’ve just put on the first pot,” Chet said.“Amy and I are having Americanos.Want one?”
“Nah, I’ll wait for the brewed stuff.”
“How was the chocolate workshop last night?”Amy asked.
“Not bad.Larkin did all the heavy lifting.I just sat back and looked pretty.”
Amy studied his eyes, looking for clues on how things were going with Larkin.“You really like her.”
“I do.And I hope the feeling is mutual.But there are some things from the past to sort through.”
