“Me either.” He set the box and ornaments down, then pulled her to him. “But I can’t ignore what’s happening.”
“The store will always be between us.”
He jerked away, and she wished she’d kept quiet. She’d ruined a perfect moment by bringing up the issue out of her control and indirectly placing blame on him. Busy berating herself, she didn’t realize he’d come back to her.
Soft strains of Christmas jazz played, a new addition to the scene.
She swallowed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Dance with me.” He held out a hand, waiting for her to accept.
“What?”
“Forget about the store and any other reason this doesn’t make sense.” His fingers folded over hers, and he gave them a pointed stare before locking gazes with her. “I don’t have all the answers, but I know this—you and me—is right. And if we have to take our time to explore it, then so be it, but don’t cut if off before it begins.”
Her head spun and her heart leaped. Convinced she’d fallen asleep and entered a romantic dream, she took full advantage of the situation before she could awaken. She moved closer to him, leaving her hand in his. When she leaned her head against his chest, she felt his relieved sigh, then the beating of his heart.
Nothing else mattered. She’d found the one with whom she belonged. No matter the circumstances, the obstacles they faced, this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. She’d never been more certain in her life.
They swayed to the hum of saxophones and pianos. Silent words spoke in their steps as they moved in perfect rhythm. The lights from the tree twinkled, more pronounced as the sun lowered and darkened the room.
Reality set in. As much as she’d love to stay where she was, her family expected her at dinner. She broke away with great reluctance. “What time is it?”
His gaze shifted to a clock above the mantel. “Six.”
“Oh no.” She pressed a palm to her cheek. “I should have been at my parents’ an hour ago.”
“I’m sorry, I should have paid attention.”
“Don’t be.” She smiled shyly. “It was worth every second of being late.”
His mouth curled into a grin. “I’m glad.”
He grabbed their coats and held hers while she slipped her arms through the sleeves. “Ride with me?”
She didn’t have to think twice. She zipped her coat and followed him to his car.
He paused by the passenger door before opening it for her. “A Jedi.”
“Huh?”
“That’s what’s on my ornament. I loved Star Wars. Now you know.”
She burst into laughter and dropped a kiss on his cheek before sliding into the seat. Getting to know Gabe would keep her on her toes.
Chapter Eight
Gabe ran a hand through his hair. His muscles tensed with mounting frustration. He’d promised Cora a solution, but he hadn’t found one yet. Even though it had only been three weeks, he wanted to present the answer as a Christmas present.
Her lease didn’t end until February, and they hadn’t discussed it further, but February loomed ahead of them, threatening to shatter their new relationship.
He wanted to believe it wouldn’t matter, but it would, even if she said it didn’t. His inheritance was the elephant in the room. Could he give it up to save her business and their fledgling relationship?
After a lot of prayer, he didn’t think so. Uncle Frank left the building to him, when he could have easily left it to Cora. For whatever reason, his uncle wanted him there, and he would honor those wishes.
If it came to Cora not understanding that, then they weren’t meant to be.
He only prayed it wouldn’t come to that.
