“I can guarantee she knows more than you realize. Give her a few days. Then try again. That’s the best advice I can offer. She’ll still be here.”
“You don’t know that.”
The look she gave him made it clear she didn’t agree with that sentiment.
Two thoughts battled within him. He could stay and force Wynter to talk to him. But shoving his love down her throat could still choke her. Or he could do as Nora suggested and give Wynter space to breathe. The latter was far more terrifying than he wanted to admit.
But as he turned toward the window to watch Wynter trudge up the front walk, he knew he couldn’t keep hurting her. He couldn’t keep suffocating her. Wynter needed the freedom to find her own way, even if that meant running away from him again. Even if it went against everything he believed.
Marcus nodded resolutely and headed for the door.
Wynter gasped when he opened it and stepped outside. One word escaped her lips in a whisper. “Marcus.”
“Hey, Wynter. I was just leaving.” He glanced over his shoulder toward Nora. “Let me know if you need anything else, will you?”
Nora smiled faintly at him. “Of course, sweetie. Thanks again for shoveling.”
“Always.” He touched the brim of his hat, then ducked around Wynter, making sure not to brush against her. He couldn’t risk it because if he did, he might not be able to control himself and end up pulling her into his chest for a crushing hug.
“Marcus?”
He froze at Wynter’s voice, but he didn’t turn.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Then he continued to his truck.
26
WYNTER
Grams sighed for what felt like the hundredth time.
It wasn’t one of those soft sighs meant to settle a person. It was a heavy, all-consuming, and obnoxious sigh that grated on Wynter’s nerves.
She knew this was coming. Ever since that night at the Christmas party, Wynter expected her grandmother to pull her aside and try to convince her that she needed to be more patient. More understanding.
The worst part about it was that Wynter was strugglingnotto be those things.
Marcus might not have understood her very well, but she knew him better than he probably knew himself.
He was the kind of man who looked at the glass as half full. The world was his oyster, and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t accomplish. When he wanted something, he went after it without a second thought to the risks. And maybe she was a little flattered that he’d set his sights on her. Maybe she wouldhave been if his motives weren’t questionable. His personality being what it was, his desire to jump in with eyes shut made her nervous.
And yet, she admired his courage. There were parts of her soul that longed to throw caution to the wind and accept the fallout for any and all bad decisions.
Unfortunately, those parts of her weren’t strong enough.
She scowled harder at her laptop, determined not to let Grams get the better of her. There were only a few more full days of work before the company shut down for the year. Only a few more days before Christmas.
Instrumental versions of her favorite Christmas songs played in the background, and Grams had lit a candle that made the whole house smell like spiced apples. It would have been a good, quiet evening alone if Grams would stop with the obvious sighing and shuffling across the room.
She had a book in her hand, but she was definitely not reading it.
Grams sighed again.
Wynter rolled her eyes and finally lifted her head. “Is there something you want to say to me?”
Grams snapped the book shut and set it aside. “Actually?—”
