Page 15 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

“What?” I freeze at his touch and turn to look at him.

His expression is serious. “Will you have dinner with me tonight?” he asks.

When I hesitate, he says in an endearingly mournful way, “I’m so far from home and you’re my only friend.”

Astonished laughter bubbles in my throat. “You’re so full of shit.” When he grins, my own lips twitch in spite of myself, “You have no shame, do you? You’ll just say anything to get your way.”

He drags me closer to him by his hold on me and settles his hands on my waist. “I’ll take that as a yes, then. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

His proximity makes me want to whimper, his body hard against mine, making me feel fragile. I can feel his breath on my face and a shiver runs down my body.

“I have never wanted anyone l

ike I want you,” he breathes the words out.

after a brief pause where our smiles have vanished only to be replaced by this intense electricity between us, he says in a wondering tone, “I’m usually a very rational man. You just drive it out of me.”

“Don’t blame your stupidity on me,” I manage, feeling his words wrap around me in their thrall.

His lips curve slightly but there is this undeniable heat between us, “I will have you in my bed, Clara Winter. And you’ll come willingly.”

My mouth is dry at his calm declaration and I can’t even muster up a retort.

The sound of the kitchen door opening has me jumping away from him.

Aunt Helen looks out at us. “There you two are.” She pauses and her eyes gleam. “I wasn’t interrupting anything, was I?”

“No. No you weren’t!” I half shout, rushing past her into the house.

However, Finn isn’t one to let go of something so easily, I find out, because he calls after me, “Don’t forget our date.”

I have to refrain from childishly shouting back, ‘It’s not a date!’ but that will just make me look bad at this point, and I really don’t think that is necessary.

I quickly go and get dressed.

Ten minutes or so later, I come downstairs only to see my aunt sitting with Finn who is now wearing another one of his suits that he seems to have an endless supply of. “Where are you going?” I ask, curiously and

Finn just gives me a vague smile, not offering up anything.

“Sweetheart, eat some breakfast before you go,” my Aunt urges.

I shake my head at her. “I really don’t have time. I have to do some prep at the diner and then let Stacy start the day.”

Aunt Helen gives me a concerned look. “Going to the bank today?”

I nod, wearily. “Have to tell Will that I won’t be needing that loan anymore.”

I feel her sympathetic gaze on my back and I hunch up my shoulders, defensively. “It’s all right. It would have meant more work anyway.”

She leans over and gives me a kiss on my cheek. “Come by my shop after the bank and I’ll brew you some tea.”

“I will.” I grab my purse. “Also, tell Aunt Vee to take a look at the garden. I saw some weeds that need pulling. That’s more her thing than mine. Later, Finn.”

Finn lifts his mug of coffee in farewell. “Later, Darlin’.”

“It’s Clara,” I mutter.

The whole day is spent with me on my feet and I don’t even manage to get that cup of soothing tea that I’d been looking forward to since morning.

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