“Daddy, can we watch a movie with Mallory?” Charlotte looks from my face to Mallory’s.
“Not tonight, it’s getting late. It’s almost time for bath and book.”
Char pouts before Mallory adds “I had a great time tonight with you Charlotte.” Mallory smiles at her before finding my eyes, “and with you as well Jake, don’t worry.” She winks.
“Which hotel are you staying at? Let me drive you.” I stand and help Char get all bundled up again. “I parked behind the bakery.”
“Ah,” she nods, “well it is getting dark. I suppose a drive would be warmer than walking. I’m at the quirky one down the street.”
“Gotcha. Alright ladies, let’s go.” I take Charlotte’s hand and she reaches for Mallory’s. It clearly surprises Mallory as she looks directly at me first, her wide blue eyes not blinking. As if silently asking that it’s okay. But then in a heartbeat she wrapsher hand around Charlotte’s and the three of us head back to the bakery.
Walking down Main Street like this fake family should feel weird and confusing. And yet, it feels like the most natural five minutes of my life.
We arrive at the bakery and walk through to the backlot. I get Char in her car seat as Mallory buckles up in the passenger seat.
“Just in case she asks you,” she whispers as I drive, “I did tell Charlotte I’d make her waffles if you said yes.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”
We pull up to the hotel and I park the car. I turn around and Char is passed out. Snoring loudly. I leave the car on and in park, but I get out to walk Mallory to the front entrance. She misses one of the stairs and I catch her. I hold her a moment longer than needed. We don’t speak right away. Under the warm glow of the white Christmas lights strung up, I take in Mallory’s features.
“Thanks for a great time,” she mutters as I lean down, I cup her face softly. Her rosy cheeks darken ever so slightly.
“I had a wonderful evening Mallory Morin,” I lightly kiss her lips. She inhales, parting her lips and letting my tongue slip in. I deepen the kiss as she wraps her arms around me. She bites my lower lip and it sends a shiver down my spine. The height difference is a little inconvenient, but I can’t get enough of her.
Her nose is cold pressed against my face, and I can feel her hands roam my back.
Way too many layers between us.
I pull apart, we’re both breathing heavily. I run my thumb over her bottom lip.
“I should go,” I murmur, wanting to stay in this moment longer.
Her eyes scan my face but her hands don’t leave my body.
“I should go,” I reply as I let my hand fall.
“Yes,” she bites her lower lip, “I had a lovely night. Thanks Jake.”
“Another time perhaps?” I step backwards, putting a smidge of space between us. She looks at the car.
“Maybe. Goodnight,” I repeat the goodnight and watch as she walks into the hotel.
I wish we could spend more time together. But I need to get Char home and to bed. That’s the thing about being a parent, the kid comes first. Always will.
But maybe there could be room for another person? A middle ground of sorts.
Chapter 5
Mallory
After a restless nightI still can’t shake the memory of that kiss from Jake when he dropped me off. I may have gotten five hours of sleep max. No where near enough for being social today. I take a hot shower and pull on another warm, cozy and colorful outfit combo. I look over the festival website and finalize my singles activities before I leave the warmth of my hotel room.
I head out on foot to the bakery so that I can start my morning off with a chai tea latte and another delicious pastry or two. My Saturday afternoon is now booked with a wood carving lesson at the lodge on the other end of Main Street. Then after a short break to mingle, I’ll be going to an early cocktail hour with other singles. Maybe I’ll be bold and try ice carving tomorrow.
I wonder if Jake knows wood or ice carving. He certainly has the muscles for it.
The idea of him splitting firewood while shirtless pops in my head and I instinctually run my finger over my lips. As if his kiss from last night still lingers, his essence on my skin.
