“Love it.”
“Then maybe as time goes on the bond will only get stronger. You’re up for that?”
“Is this an interrogation?” I volley but lightheartedly.
She laughs then scans the room before her gaze falls on me again. “Maybe or maybe not. I just love to see two people with a clear connection letting it grow. It doesn’t seem to scare you that he is a bit older or has kids, right?”
I think about it for a second, because nobody has confronted me in this way, but I have no hesitation either. “No, it doesn’t. Should it?”
“If it isn’t an issue for you then not at all.”
Reaching forward, I pick up the remainder of my cookie. “But you know we’re kind of keeping everything on the downlow, right? I mean, I’m almost finished here at the Dizzy Duck, although it never really crossed my mind that he is kind of my boss.” My head tips to the side, and I wince. “It’s more we have a few factors, so we need to be sure before being more open.”
Harlow sputters then throws a thumb over her shoulder to the empty reception desk. “Trust me, reception is well aware what shenanigans are happening between Holden and you. Staying ambiguous can only last for so long. Plus, what the hell? You’re staying in his house?”
My finger whips up. “Only until the water is fixed at the guesthouse he rents out… which he might have turned off on purpose.”
She roars with laughter. “Ha! No way is that ever happening. Besides, then you would just become his neighbor. Want my advice?” She slides a little closer to me, prepared to speak softer.
“I think you will give it to me anyhow.”
“Just continue the living situation as it is, then when it’s clear there is a serious next step in the relationship, you’re already where you need to be. Besides, you’ve already tested the co-habiting with his family. Don’t need to practice on that part.”
My lips purse out, acknowledging that her plan is worth pondering. I just want to repeat the obvious. “First we just need to be… us.”
Harlow begins to stand, while she throws the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “All positive thoughts. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a Zumba class to attend. Cookies and Zumba is just how I roll.”
I raise myself up and off the couch too. “That sounds like a slogan for a t-shirt.”
“Totally, right? See ya soon.”
We both say goodbye as I walk to the reception desk, slightly unnerved when Stuart has a day off. It’s just not the same. Jane puts in the effort, but she seems to fret about little things, as if she’s scared that she will be fired any moment. Before I can be polite to say hello, a hand that I’ve become familiar with touches my elbow.
“I believe you need to update me on the last of the guest rooms and the timeline for completion.” Holden sounds way too playful, even though his sentence is a fact.
Turning, I’m faced with his smoldering gaze. “Is that so?”
“Completely.”
“You’re going to have to wait. I want to make a few calls.”
“I’ll live.”
I cross my arms over my chest while I give him a wry smile. “Oh gee, I was greatly concerned.”
He steps closer and that thin layer of sensitivity creates a wall between us, and I believe he knows that. “Caring, as always.”
“You should really be more professional here,” I tease him.
But then our moment of flirtation is subdued, and we just stand in the presence of one another, still synced together and unable to part.
He drags a knuckle across his jawline. Holden always has a little bit of short stubble on his chin, and I love it. It only adds to the flaming look he has.
“Thanks for handling school lunches this morning. I’m kind of thinking they prefer yours over mine.”
I lick my lips. “I do make a mean cashew butter and jelly sandwich.”
He stifles a laugh. “Maybe tonight after they go to bed, we can open a bottle of wine?”
