"That's kind of amazing."
Natasha smiled up at me."I thought so too."
My heart skipped a beat.They weren't just running a business; they were creating an experience.Between the holiday spirit and community outreach, they had something special here.And I was proud to be part of it.
Eve continued talking, but I was hyperaware that Natasha was standing next to me.That this renovation just got a whole lot more complicated, because I was entwining my life with hers.It wasn't a good idea, but I couldn't help myself.
I was helping the kids and promoting the business at the same time.This was what Cooper and my brothers would want me to do.If it brought me closer to Natasha, then it was an added bonus.
Chapter7
Natasha
I'd managed to avoid Ford for most of the week, opting instead to communicate with him via email.Thankfully, he wasn't coming in and out of the front door during the day, so he was easy to dodge.
I was more than a little surprised that he'd agreed to come to the toy drive kickoff, more so when he'd requested I help him shop for toys.
I thought he'd get busy and end up sending in a monetary donation.To my surprise, he texted me the next day and asked if we could go shopping on Sunday.
On the weekends, Aspen worked the front counter, so I didn't have an excuse to say no.
Ford said he'd pick me up in his truck since he had more room to store toys.I was uneasy about spending time with him outside the inn.We shouldn’t see each other outside of work.
It was invading the personal territory I wanted to avoid.I greeted Aspen, then waited for Ford by a bench at the back entrance of the inn.When he pulled up, I opened the door and climbed inside the cab, which was warm.The radio played holiday tunes.
"You could have waited for me inside."
"It's a nice day."It was sunny despite the chill in the air.
He pulled away from the curb."Did you bring the list?"
"We can focus on the younger kids if you want to buy toys.The older ones want electronics, headphones, that kind of thing."
He flexed his hand on the steering wheel."Sounds good to me."
Being in the cab of the truck reminded me of when we dated in high school.He'd drive me to and from school, to football games, and the movie theater on Friday nights.Back then, he took up less space.
He glanced over at me."I thought we could hit the toy store and then grab lunch before we head home."
"I just have to be home in the afternoon.We have a town-hall meeting tonight to discuss the parade," I said, easily grabbing onto an excuse not to spend the rest of the day with him.We were getting into dangerous territory as it was, being together this morning.
He glanced over at me and asked, "Are you planning one?"
"It's one of the new events we'd like to try, but we want to make sure the shop and restaurant owners are okay with the idea.It will shut down Candy Cane Lane for a bit, which makes it difficult for holiday shoppers to move around.I don't know how they'll react."
"When you bought the town, were the shops and restaurants already open?"
"For the most part.The lingerie store is new, and we've had a request to open a bookstore."
He shifted slightly in his seat, glancing over at me."How does that work?You decide who to give leases to?"
"We kept the existing leases and approved the addition of the lingerie shop, but one of the owners isn't happy about that decision.Bill thinks the stores should be family friendly.But we cater to couples and families."
His brow furrowed."Why a lingerie shop then?"
"When Angela pitched the idea to us, it made sense.She has themed products that match the holidays, candy canes on panties and gingerbread lotion.And we offer a princess package at the inn where you can spend the day at the spa, get your hair and makeup done, and even be fitted for a gown to attend the holiday ball, complete with lingerie."
Ford waggled his brows."Do you have any of this lingerie?"
