“Problems at work?” I try not to let too much of my disappointment seep through in my words.
“I’m sorry. I’m not going to be able to go. There’s an issue with a big client at work, and my team can’t handle it on their own.”
“That’s okay.” My voice sounds more chipper than I feel. “I’ll just start in on all the things I need to get done. It’s probably for the best anyway.”
Carter pockets his phone and steps forward, resting his hands on my hips. “Are you sure? I feel awful.”
I set my hand on his chest, disappointed I can’t feel his muscles through his winter jacket. “Of course. You go do what you need to do.”
He kisses the end of my nose. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“You don’t need to make it up to me.”
“As soon as I’m done with this, yule be mine.” He grins and arches an eyebrow. “See what I did there?”
I chuckle. “Very punny.”
He laughs and gives me a chaste kiss. “I’ll come find you when I’m done.”
“Looking forward to it.”
He squeezes my hips and heads back up the stairs.
But he doesn’t come find me until well after dinner because the issue was more involved than he expected. I’m disappointed but tell myself it’s not the end of the world.
Chapter Twenty
CARTER
Ifelt like an ass for having to ditch tobogganing with Ashley a couple days ago, so I’ve been working in secret to finish what I envision for her website. She probably thinks I’ve forgotten about it since I haven’t brought it up since I got all her passwords and the information I needed. But I’m hoping to wow her when I present it to her. Which is in about five minutes, unbeknownst to her.
Steph and Doug are due to fly in tomorrow, so today is my last opportunity before the chaos begins and Ashley is completely distracted by her twin sister’s wedding.
I told Ashley I had to work this morning, but I’ve been putting the final touches on everything and making sure it’s perfect so that I can bring down my laptop at lunch and show her what I’ve been working on.
After I unplug my laptop and close it, I head downstairs to find Ashley. She’s in the dining room, polishing silver. I remember her saying that Steph wanted to use some of their grandmother’s serving ware for the dinner after the ceremony.
She looks up at me then smiles. “All done with your work stuff?”
“Yeah. Do you have a minute?” I hold up my laptop.
“Sure, what’s up?” She sets down the platter and cloth.
“Let’s go to the great room. C’mon.”
We sit on the couch side by side. I set up my laptop on the coffee table in front of us. The fireplace has a small fire going, and holiday music plays through the TV. The room smells like cinnamon as always.
“I finished up working on my proposal for your website. I actually built a whole strategy on how I think you can improve your visibility online and draw in more people to your B&B. I’m ready to show it to you and see what you think.”
Excitement glitters in her eyes. “Really? I thought maybe you got busy because you hadn’t mentioned it.”
I shake my head. “I’ve been working on it. Took this morning to finish it off.”
She gestures to the computer. “Let’s see it. I’m excited.”
“All right, but remember you have to be honest with me. Tell me your honest opinion.”
Ashley rests her hand on my knee and squeezes. “I promise.”
