Page 40 of Winter at Wishington Bay
‘You know what I mean.’
‘What would you like to talk about?’
He gave a shy look under his lashes as he reached into the box and grabbed a handful of baubles.
‘Nothing. I was just wondering if you wouldn’t rather be doing this on your own.’
I took one of the baubles he was holding and placed it on the tree, then repeated the action.
‘Absolutely not. It’s nice.’ I bumped my arm against his. ‘You’re nowhere near as bad company as you seem to think you are.’
‘I’ve not got Gabe’s easy manner. I feel like that’s a minus point.’
I looked up at him and shrugged. ‘That’s because you’re not Gabe. You’re you. And you have your own ways and manner, which doesn’t make someone else’s better or worse.’ I stretched up to hook another bauble on a branch. Nate gently took it from me and placed it where I wanted it. ‘Thanks.’ Without thinking, I wrapped my arms round one of Nate’s and gave a quick squeeze. ‘It wouldn’t do for us all to be the same, and there’s nothing wrong with you.’
Nate looked down at me hesitantly, a hint of colour showing through his light tan. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome,’ I replied quietly, meeting the intense blue gaze and trying to ignore the fizzing I felt in my stomach as I did.
‘Oh, that’s looking beautiful!’ Flora exclaimed, clapping her hands as she came around the tree to where we were standing. I let go of Nate’s arm and he stood back, straighter. For a moment there was nothing but Michael Bublé crooning about being home for Christmas to break the silence.
Flora opened her mouth and I gave a miniscule head shake to warn her not to say the words that were currently making her eyes twinkle. I knew whatever it was would only be a tease, but Nate’s confidence was fragile and I didn’t want Flora’s well-meaning words making him uncomfortable just as we seemed to be making a little progress.
‘Beautiful,’ she said again, looking at the tree and giving Nate a gentle pat on the arm before sending a private wink my way.
* * *
Having finished decorating Flora’s shop, we said goodbye and headed back upstairs to see Bryan. From his yawning squeaks and stretches, it was apparent he’d only woken up when I’d placed the key in the lock.
‘Lazy bones,’ Nate smiled at him as he scooped him up, the little dog wriggling with happiness as he nuzzled into his neck. ‘I guess I’d better get him back for his dinner.’
I nodded, surprised at how much I wanted them both to stay.
‘Thanks for today, Sophia. I had a good time.’
‘You’re welcome. Feel free to volunteer to be put to use any time you like. I’m sure we can find you some chores.’
‘I think I’d like that.’
‘I was joking!’ I laughed.
‘I wasn’t,’ he shrugged. ‘It’s nice to feel a part of something. It’s a long time since I felt that way.’
‘Well, if that’s what you want, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.’
He turned to go and I followed, bouncing off his back as he stopped suddenly and turned, his arm shooting out to steady me as I pinged backwards.
‘Sorry. I just had a thought.’
‘That’s enough to make anyone stop in their tracks,’ I grinned up at him. He gave me a patient look then smiled. It really was a waste it wasn’t seen more often.
‘Funny. I was wondering whether Holly and Gabe have a tree hiding away somewhere, and decorations?’
‘Holly had a fresh one last year but there should be a box of decorations somewhere.’ He nodded. ‘And I’m sure Greg at the grocer’s will be able to provide you with a tree. That’s where I picked Flora’s up from and he seemed to have plenty left. You sound like you have plans.’
He gave a small shrug. ‘I guess you’ve put me in a bit of a Christmassy mood and I thought it might be nice to have the house decorated too.’
‘That’s a great idea, Nate.’
