Page 8 of Single Dad's Christmas Gift
“It’s actually my dad’s favorite. So, I’ve watched it like, a hundred times.”
“Your dad has good taste. The movie is colorful, hilarious and heartfelt. It’s about friendship and growing up. It’s one of those movies that anyone, whatever their age, can relate to.”
“That’s exactly what he says. We’re a big movie family. So, we take turns deciding what to watch. Dad always wants to watch Toy Story.”
“You sound like you miss your family.”
“Not as much as last year. This is my second academic year in Blossom Ford; I’m getting used to being away from home.”
“Garnet City is only a few hours away. You can easily visit it on weekends.”
“That’s right. The snow is becoming heavier, isn’t it?”
Why do I have the feeling she’s changing the subject? I wonder what made a young woman like Layla, who seems to love her family, move to Blossom Ford? She clearly loves her job, but could have easily found a teaching post in her hometown.
Everyone in town seems to think something made her leave Garnet City, but no one knows what. Whilst her face is an open book, she’s clearly good at keeping secrets.
“It’s windier too. It’ll probably clear up soon. There was nothing on the forecast about the bad weather. But the trees look amazing.”
I gaze at the towering pine trees on the sides of the highway. They’d make a pretty picture for a postcard.
“I think more snow is on the way,” I say after studying the sky.
CHAPTER FIVE
Layla
I CAN’T BELIEVE I fell asleep. The first thing I realize when I come to is the car is stationary. Then, a delicious scent of spicy musk hits my nostrils. I open my eyes and freeze. Fallon is inches away from me. I only have to lift my head a little and we’ll be kissing.
His eyes are stormier than I’ve ever seen them and they’re fixed on my lips. He wants to kiss me. My heart thumps so loudly, it’s all I can hear. He stares at me, a question in his eyes.
I move closer, giving him permission, hungry for his touch.
A loud noise distracts me. Fallon glances at the window of the truck. Someone is knocking on the car window. Fallon returns to his seat and rolls the window down.
“Are you dropping off the knitted goods for the orphanage and homeless shelter?” An elderly man asks after greeting us. “I’ll show you where they are going and help you unpack,” he says when we nod.
It’s so cold outside that I reach back in for the scarf and beanie I took off earlier.
“A storm is coming. You want to get out of here as soon as possible, or you’ll get caught in it. It’s just as well you have the right car to drive in this weather.”
He guides us through the door of a community center and leads us to a small room in the back of the building. Another man is there, moving boxes to one side of the room.
It only takes a few minutes for the four of us to unload the truck.
“Thank you for bringing these. They’ll make nice holiday gifts. A lot of folks will be mighty glad to get them,” the elderly gentleman says. He hands Fallon two large cake tins. “Give this to your mom; she’s expecting it. My wife made it. She used to knit all the time, but now her fingers can’t cope with it. It’s for everyone in the knitting club. We could give you a cup of tea, but I think you’d be better off leaving right away if you want to get home today.”
“His wife started the knitting club. She’s from Blossom Ford, moved here when she married,” I say after we drive away.
While unloading the truck, I forgot what happened earlier. Now I’m enclosed in the truck with Fallon; it’s all I can think about. I’m sure Fallon was going to kiss me. And I wanted him to. Badly.
In that moment, all I could think about was touching him, feeling his skin against mine. I’ve fantasized about him touching me, but that’s all it was. Never did I believe I’d have a chance to actually kiss him. Now it almost happened; I think I’ll go insane thinking about it.
When did he become attracted to me? He’s shown no signs. Was it a spur-of-the-moment thing? Maybe something made him horny, and I was there. Should I pretend it didn’t happen?
I glance at Fallon. What’s he thinking? He’s leaning forward, assessing the sky.
I look ahead and really take in the conditions of the road. While I was worrying over the moment between us, the snowstarted falling faster. The wipers are going at full speed, but it’s becoming harder to see.
