“That’s why I’m sharing my answer with you. To avoid any confusion.”
She swallowed back a rush of emotion. “Okay….”
“I also want to be clear that, even if there’s more I might want to share” —his dark eyes flashed —“I understand why you and I are here. We’re here for professional reasons. We’re here towork.”
“Right,” she said, trying to catch up.
They’d almost reached the barn. Eva had her phone up, filming their return.
With a start, Penny realized she was still sitting extremely close to him and immediately shifted to her original spot on the bench.
“So while we’re working,” Daniel said, “I promise I’ll keep my focus on the work we’re here to do. Fully and solely.”
“Of course,” Penny said. “Thank you.”
But the feelings coursing through her weren’t about gratitude, she realized as the sleigh came to a stop. Though Daniel had been admirably clear in sharing his thoughts and intentions, her own feelings were suddenly —not.
CHAPTER 11
After climbing out of the sleigh and thanking Bessie and Jeremiah, Penny and Daniel headed with Eva to the farmhouse, their boots crunching on the gravel, with Eva supplying running commentary about how great the sleigh ride looked on video and how much fun she was having. As they climbed the porch steps, a glance through the farmhouse’s brightly lit windows showed that plenty of folks had already arrived.
They pushed open the front door and were greeted by the enthusiastic hubbub of a crowded room having a good time. Across the living room, the big Christmas tree was holding court, its branches bursting with decorations and tinsel and lights, the star at its top nearly brushing the ceiling.
Penny led Eva and Daniel into the study to shed their winter gear.
“I’m going to circulate,” Eva announced as she tossed her coat over a chair. “I need establishing shots. I’ll find you.” Phone in hand, she marched off.
Daniel chuckled. “That young lady knows her mind.”
“That she does,” Penny said with a smile.
Daniel picked up the box of apple butter he’d temporarily set down when he took off his coat. “I should bring these to the kitchen.”
“After you.” She followed him through the crowded living room, smiling at folks she knew, before pausing at the dining table to admire the plates of sweet and savory treats. The table was loaded with tempting choices —cranberry brie bites, stuffed mushrooms, pigs in a blanket, spinach artichoke dip, and more — along with plates of beautifully decorated Christmas cookies that looked particularly appealing. She smiled as her gaze landed on a freshly baked apple pie. She leaned closer and breathed in, enjoying the aroma.
“Penny,” came a familiar voice. She turned and found Holly carrying a stack of dinner plates in her arms, nodding toward the table. “Can I ask for your help with…?”
“Of course. Hand me the plates while you….”
“Perfect.” Holly passed her the stack of plates, then quickly moved various treat plates on the crowded table to make more room.
With a spot cleared, Penny set the plates on the table. “This okay?”
“Perfect.” Holly pulled Penny in for a quick hug. “Welcome!”
“Thanks for having me. Glad to be here.”
“I hear you and Danny just met Bessie.”
“We did,” Penny said. “I’m so glad Bessie’s here. The kids are going to love her.” She glanced around. “Speaking of kids, where’s little Joshua?”
“With Grandma and Grandpa upstairs, getting changed. They’re taking him to the barn for a sleigh ride and then —I’ll be super-impressed if they pull this off — they’re going to try to get him to go to sleep at his normal bedtime despite the noise downstairs.”
Penny laughed. “An ambitious project. I wish them luck.”
“They’ll need it. Speaking of projects….” Holly gestured toward the kitchen, where Daniel was unpacking the box of apple butters. “How’s your new gig?”
“Fine,” Penny said, keeping her tone matter-of-fact. “Smooth sailing so far. He’s making an effort to be clear about what’s going through his head, which I appreciate.”
