It’s been difficult to think past the holidays with all the work I have.
Now that it’s starting to wind down, and the natural end is leaving me with too many unanswered questions that I would rather not dwell on.
Greyson’s knees squeeze mine between them, and I look up into those pretty blue eyes. “What are you thinking so hard about over there?”
I suck in a big breath and let it sigh out of me. “About work. Naturally.”
He laughs softly. “Naturally.”
“After the festival tonight, I’ve only got the Christmas party at the Lodge left…”
“And your brain is working overtime to figure out what comes next.” He can read me so well, and I’m not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse right now.
I shrug and stuff a fat chunk of melon in my mouth to keep from having to say anything else.
Greyson’s hand finds mine, gripping it firmly as his thumb runs over my knuckles.
It sparks a different kind of heat through me.
One that’s hard to ignore when we touch. “You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
“Thanks.”
And although we eat in silence, I’m drawn to the way his mouth moves with each bite, far too familiar with how it feels on the various parts of my body.
His eyes light up when he meets my gaze, chewing slowly as if he can read my mind.
Yes, I’m having dirty thoughts…about you…very publicly.He doesn’t shy away from it, and when we get up to let another couple have our table, he merely leans in to whisper, “Later,” before he’s off to finish up a few things for the festival.
Working to catch my breath, I meander into the next stop, which I cannot avoid even if I want to.
25
DREW
It’s my parents’ bakery.
I’ll make it quick.
Inside is a whirlwind of families, children with powdered sugar, cream, and chocolate spread around their mouths.
It vaults me back to my childhood in here, hiding behind the counter and sneaking sweets until my mom found me.
Mom’s behind the counter, and she lights up when she sees me. It melts my heart a little bit.
Waving me around the back, I slip past the display case and give her a hug that has her swaying us side to side.
Nostalgia clogs my throat. Clearing it, I take a look around. “You’ve got some new items on the menu.”
“Oh, no. Just for today. It’s a special occasion.” Mom pins me to her side and gives me another squeeze. “You’ve done a great job with this. We’ve been busy nonstop since the tour started, which has made your father happy.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I think we’ll be able to afford that new oven after this.” Her grin is so big and genuine that I have to fight back tears, sharing her happiness with her.
She wanted me here during the holidays, but she hasn’t pressured me once to come back after Adam made me the job offer.
Dad will never be able to help himself. But I don’t see him.
