“No, it’s the weirdest thing.” Derek removed his hat and shook it. “I couldn’t find a sign of him anywhere, and it’s starting to snow. Whatever his story is, he doesn’t belong outside all night.”
“You did what you could.”
“Maybe, but I hope he doesn’t cause any trouble.” His gaze drifted to the tables. “You brought these in?”
She nodded and shrugged. “It kept me busy while waiting.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Do you need anything else before I leave?” She rocked on her feet, hoping he’d address that peck on the cheek earlier.
“I’m good. Let me lock up here, and I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Don’t you need to move the tables?”
“Nah, I can stop in tomorrow and take care of it.” His keys dangled from his fingers. “It’s been a long day.”
Disappointed in his less-than-romantic attitude, she shuffled to the door. She had no reason for her expectations, no indication he felt more other than that innocent kiss and a handful of moments when their eyes locked. Perhaps it was for the best.
If she did move home, that would be a major life change, and she’d have to adapt to that before flying into a relationship. And if she decided to stay in the city, that would end things before they began. She had no intentions of having a long-distance relationship.
Who was she kidding? She’d already made her decision and had sent her boss an email. If that didn’t work out, she would step out in faith and start her own graphic design firm. If only her Derek dilemma had an obvious solution.
Dilemma, Brenna? Aren’t you acting slightly dramatic?
A little.
Sighing, she resigned herself to the fact she’d let the magic of Christmas get the better of her.
Derek opened the door for her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Why?”
“That was a pretty heavy sigh.”
“Oh.” She walked outside and stopped to watch the snow. “I hope I never lose the wonder of seeing snow float from the heavens.”
“It’s one of the most beautiful scenes to behold.” Holding her arm, he helped her down the steps. When they reached the bottom, he didn’t release her, rather slid his arm through hers and locked their hands.
So much for resignation. She shut down her internal debate to live in the moment. When they reached her car, she scrambled for something to say other than goodbye. Despite the cold, she didn’t want the night to end.
He stood still beside her, in no rush to leave either. “We make a great team.”
“Yes, we do.”
His arm slid from hers, but the broken contact didn’t last long. He reached for her gloved hands and clasped them in his. His voice dropped even deeper. “I don’t want to mess up our friendship again.”
“We were young, ill-equipped to handle our emotions and changing lives after graduation.” Her raspy breaths were visible in the air.
“And now?” Longing and hope filled his question.
“We’re older, wiser, and mature enough not to let a single kiss come between us.”
He brought her hands to his chest. “I won’t kiss you if a single one is all there is. Stolen kisses and friends with benefits aren’t what I want.”
Her heart thumped against her chest. “What do you want?”
“A relationship.”
“I…” She couldn’t form the words to express her sentiments. To tell him she wanted the same. That it had always been him, even when she ran from it. Instead, she lifted her face, moved her lips closer to his.
“Last chance,” he whispered as his mouth lowered to hers.
She answered by closing the distance between their lips.
A second-chance first kiss eleven years in the making.
