“At least let me help.”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Fine.”
“Thank you,” he said with a grin, grabbing a dish towel.
With the two of them working together, the mess disappeared in no time. The silence between them was comfortable, punctuated only by the clink of dishes and the occasional brush of their hands.
She zipped up her hoodie and grabbed her bag, not wanting to wear out her welcome.
“I should let you get back to your laundry,” she said. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“No worries.” He lowered his chin and pointed to the containers. “Please take this food home. I insist.”
She stepped into her boots. “I’m stuffed. Really.” Her voice raised into a holler. “Come on, Rory!”
The dog’s collar jingled like Santa’s sleigh when he ran toward her.
“When will I see you again?” he asked.
“That depends on you, Cary.”
He kissed her softly, and she caught a hint of marmalade on his lips. “Okay,” he said after a beat. “I’ll see you in Winnipeg.”
“I thought you wereconsideringit?” She narrowed her gaze, not believing a word he said. Dave used to make all kinds of promises only to break them.
“I’ve considered it.”
She turned up the corners of her mouth. “Have a safe flight, Cary.”
CHAPTER 14
CARY
Cary sorted his laundry and packed for the tour, still trying to figure out why she’d left so early. Was it something he said? Something he didn’t?
And seriously—what kind of person didn’t have any photos of their family? Or visit them for the holidays?
Oh right. Him.
Now he was flying to Winnipeg for Christmas, and he wasn’t entirely sure why. Tyler hadn’t seemed impressed by the sudden change in plans. Or by him, period.
He’d definitely blown it asking to take her picture. That was a rookie move. Emma had always begged him to post photos of her online—likes and comments were her love language. But Tyler? Tyler didn’t give a damn about fame. If anything, she looked like she wanted to punch it in the throat.
Still, he smiled at the thought of the croissants—cut horizontally, of course. He’d stocked enough food to feed the entire Lower Mainland, and yet she’d still shown up with a gift. That was sweet.
At least Ivan appreciated the leftovers.
And Rory. That ridiculous dog. Cary had always wanted one, but he blamed the tour schedule for not committing.
Now he wasn’t so sure that was the real reason.
He had a few weeks on the road—time to get to know her better through texts and late-night phone calls.
But he also needed to write. He needed a new song.
A hit.
A number one.
