“Are you still up for caroling?”He hoped she said yes.She needed something to lift her spirits.
Holly shook her head.“I think I’ll just stay home this evening.I’m waiting for my grandmother’s attorney to call.”
“Oh good.You got ahold of him.”
She shook her head.“I called Mr.Price’s office but voicemail picked up.The message said he was away from the office for the holidays.I’m hoping he checks his messages and gets back to me this evening.”
He wondered if the man would check his messages.A lot of people would just let it go until the New Year.Colin made a mental note to ask around and see if anyone knew how to reach the attorney.
When they finished decorating the tree, he took a step back.“I don’t know about you, but I think we did a mighty fine job.”
She looked at the tree and nodded.“Not bad.”
It wasn’t a ringing endorsement, but at least she didn’t hate it, because if she did, he’d have taken off all of the ornaments and started over again.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go caroling?”he asked.
“I don’t, but you should go.I don’t want you to miss it because of me.”When he hesitated, she said, “Seriously.Go ahead.”
He shook his head.“I don’t want to go without you.”
“Thanks.But I am not up to it.”She turned to look at the tree.“I have some administrative work I should do before the shop opens tomorrow.”
He wondered if the work she had to do was that urgent or if she was just anxious to get him out the door.He didn’t want to leave her alone, but he was out of excuses to stay.
He stepped up behind her.“Are you sure you don’t want me to hang around?”
When she turned, they were mere inches apart.“I just need some time alone.”
He nodded.“I understand.”
And then he found himself reaching out to her and giving her a hug.At first, her body was stiff, but then she leaned into him.Her head came to rest on his chest.Could she hear the way she made his heart pound?
Her arms wrapped around his waist.He didn’t know how long they stood there in each other’s arms.As far as he was concerned, time could just stop.There was nowhere else he wanted to be.
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her he loved her.He had loved her for a long time.He just hadn’t been willing to admit it—even to himself.
The time had never been right for them—until now.He felt a fierce protectiveness toward her, even though he knew she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.It didn’t lessen his desire to be there for her.
What would she say if he told her he loved her?Would she smile?Would she kiss him?The words teetered at the tip of his tongue.
Or would she back away?Would she say that she didn’t feel the same way?He choked down the words.
It wouldn’t be fair to either of them to make such an important proclamation right now.She was already reeling from the fact that her biological parents were trying to steal the only home she had left.They wanted to rip away the business that her loving grandmother had left to her.
It wasn’t right.None of it.And that was why he had to be patient.He had to wait until her feet were once more on solid ground before he tilted that very ground with his words of love.
Holly was the first one to pull away.With a resigned sigh, he lowered his arms.He knew he should leave, but he hesitated.
“Is there anything I can do before I go?”When she shook her head, he asked, “Do you want me to pick you up a pizza to have whenever you get hungry?”When she once more shook her head, he said, “I wish you’d let me do something.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He wanted to say something to comfort her—to let her know that everything was going to be all right—but no words would come to him.With a resigned sigh, he turned to walk away.
He paused next to her.“Call me if you need anything.If you want to talk, I’m your guy.Any time.Day or night.Or if you need a food delivery, I’m your guy.Remember, I used to do that in college.I’m experienced.”He sent her a smile.She didn’t smile back.He took on a serious tone.“I just want you to know that I care.I’m here for you.”
“I know.”Her voice was so soft but not so soft that he missed the pain laced in her tone.“Thank you.”
