He'd somehow manipulated me into being his plus-one this holiday season, and I wasn't mad about it.I was less sure about being able to keep my hands to myself.If we were interacting all the time, it was bound to happen again.
But my body was on board with that idea.
On Friday night, I'd agreed to go to the movies with Ford at the tiny theater in town.I met Ford at the inn's front counter because I didn't want it to feel any more date-like than it already did.Since it was a casual date, I'd worn jeans, a red sweater, boots, and a jacket.I'd taken a little extra care with my hair and makeup.I didn't know exactly where this evening would lead, but my imagination had us both naked.
The logical part of my brain vowed not to let him walk me up to my room.That was the key.I couldn't let him inside.He'd walk me to the door, and he'd go on his merry way.I'd already checked, and there was no snow in the forecast.No reason for him to stay overnight or come up to my room at all.
Feeling proud of myself, I took his offered elbow as we crossed the street to the historic movie theater with its ticket window on the sidewalk.There were a few people ahead of us, so we waited in line.
Ford paid for our tickets, and inside, he insisted on getting hot chocolates and popcorn.We settled in the middle of a row to watch the black-and-white movie.
We shared the popcorn, our hands brushing every so often, and when we ran out, he got up to get a refill.
Ford had always been a gentleman, but this wasn't a date.I was here as his friend who wanted him to enjoy the holiday season.
For once, he was home and not deployed somewhere.I had no idea what his holidays had been like in the military, but here, he could enjoy everything the season had to offer.I should be happy to assist him with that.
He returned with more popcorn, and I focused on the movie.When the credits rolled, Ford gathered our trash, and we made our way to the door.
"You want to get dinner at the diner?I'm kind of hungry."
"Two popcorns didn't fill you up?"I quipped.
He rubbed his belly."I'm a growing boy."
"I can attest to the fact that you're full grown—" I broke off, my face heated.
He flashed me a cocky grin."Oh, can you?Are you sure you don't want to test that theory again?Get another look and cop a feel."
I smacked his arm as we walked outside into the cold.He threw an arm around me, pulling me into his side as we walked toward Merry's Diner.
He opened the door to the diner.The hostess ushered us to the last booth, and we removed our coats, sitting across from each other.
"You've been to a holiday movie, and now you're eating at Merry’s Diner.What else is on your list for the season?"
"I already mentioned the holiday light trail and the tree lighting.But what else is there?"
"We're having that parade here in town."
He snapped his finger."Didn't you say something about a holiday ball at the inn?"
I nodded."Every Saturday."
"We should go to that."
I shook my head, neither of us bothering to look at the menu."Nope.Not happening."
"You would make me miss out on a holiday ball?"he asked, incredulous.
I rolled my eyes."I doubt you want to go to that.Women get dressed up in ball gowns, hair, makeup, the whole thing."
"We're doing it.Tomorrow?"
"I thought we were going Christmas-tree shopping."I'd do anything to get out of going to the dance.I'd never gone to one myself.
He nodded seriously."Tree this weekend.Ball next weekend."
"My weekends are filling up fast," I said sarcastically.
