He only grinned wider.
Merry approached our table."Are you two lovebirds ready to order?"
I waved a hand between us."Oh, we're not?—"
"Absolutely.I'll take the stack of pancakes with sausage on the side," Ford interjected.
"Your veggie omelet," I said as I tucked the menu in the holder on the side of the table.
Merry nodded before walking away to put in our order.
"Why did you let her think that we were together?"I hissed.
He shrugged, seemingly unconcerned."People are going to think that anyway."
"Because you're forcing me to go on these dates," I hissed.
He raised a brow."You didn't have a good time at the movies?"
My shoulders lowered in defeat."No.I did."
A crease appeared between his brows."Who cares what anyone thinks anyway?"
I looked around at the crowded restaurant."You forget we live in a small town."
"Yeah, but this isn't Telluride.This is Christmas Town.It's a tourist destination with plenty of outsiders."
"It's got that tight-knit feel where everyone knows everyone else's business."
He nodded."I'll give you that.But then why do you care what they think?"
"I'm friends with them."
He raised a brow when Merry walked by with a carafe.
"Most of them.I'm not used to being the boss of anything.Apparently, some people chafe at getting along with people in charge."
"It's an adjustment being the one giving the orders; that's for sure.You have to set the tone for everyone else.They look up to you."
"Yeah, I guess that's it."
Our food came, and we dug in.
Ford cut his sausage and popped a bite into his mouth, chewing and swallowing before saying, "You're focused on the inn, which is a good thing.But if you're planning events around town, you should experience it."
That was something I hadn't thought of before."And you're the man to do it?"
He grinned."Now you're catching on."
He'd come up with a couple of reasons why we should go to these holiday events together.And I wondered if there was another one that he wasn't being upfront about.Did he want me back, and if so, how did I feel about that?
Chapter14
Ford
On Friday, I forced myself to walk Natasha to her door and say goodnight.I wasn't sure if she wanted me to go to her room, but I was determined to slow this thing down.I wanted to get to know the woman she was now and earn her trust.
It would be difficult since I'd let her down years ago.But I was hoping we could let go of the past and build something new.
