He looked around at the twinkling lights and garland. “It’s…yes. Excessive.” He must’ve seen my face drop. “And cheerful. Holly and Max decorated the tree.”
I followed his gaze to where it stood in the corner. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never had a real tree.”
“Why not?” His brow furrowed.
I shrugged. “My aunt thought they were messy. We had a tabletop plastic one, about a foot tall.”
“The forest beyond town has perfect trees,” he said, as if this were a problem with an easy solution. “We could cut one down that would fit in your hotel room.”
The casual “we” made my heart do a little flip that I immediately suppressed. He was being polite.
“That’s sweet, but I’m only here for a few weeks,” I reminded him. “I’ll be gone the day after Christmas.”
Something in his expression shifted, and I realized I’d inadvertently reminded us both of the temporary nature of my stay.
“Right.” His tone came out more businesslike. “You’re here to fulfill a contract.”
“Yes, um…yes.” I stared down at the table.
Jessi returned with our food, saving us from the awkward moment. The aroma rising from my plate made my mouth water.
“Lavon sent some specials for you both to try.” She set down an additional small plate with what looked like appetizers. “Let me know what you think.”
She left, and I realized Becken and I were officially having dinner together. Not a business meeting or a working lunch. Dinner.
“You don’t have to eat with me just because I don’t understand the menu,” I said, worried I was imposing. He could’ve had other plans.
“I was going to eat anyway. Might as well have company.”
We ate in peaceful silence for a few minutes. The food was incredible—rich and flavorful in ways I couldn’t describe.
“This is amazing,” I said after swallowing a particularly delicious bite. “What exactly is drundeg again?”
“It’s similar to what humans call wild boar, but with a thicker hide and tusks.” He demonstrated with his fingers near his own tusks, which I found oddly charming.
“Do you miss the food from the orc kingdom?” I asked. “This must taste like home.”
He smiled, a genuine expression that transformed his entire face. “It does. Lavon’s been experimenting with surface spices, but the base flavors are exactly right.” He paused. “It’s been longer than I expected since I’ve tasted anything that reminded me of home.”
His smile did something warm and liquid to my insides. I took a sip of water for distraction.
“So what brought you to Lonesome Creek?” he asked. “Besides the consulting contract.”
“The professional opportunity offered here,” I said automatically, words I’d used with other bosses before. “I’ve been working on rodeo operations for years. This is my first major independent consulting contract.”
“Most rodeo consultants have riding experience.” It wasn’t quite a question, but I heard it anyway.
“I know all the technical aspects,” I said. “None of my prior jobs required me to ride, though I suppose I could’ve asked if they minded. I didn’t grow up riding like some people. My aunt and uncle weren’t exactly the type to sign me up for riding lessons. They were more the here’s a book, entertain yourself kind of guardians.”
I hadn’t meant to reveal that much. Something about his direct gaze made honesty too easy.
“Orcs raise younglings differently,” he said. “Children belong to the community, not only their parents. Everyone helps teach them.”
“I’m sure it’s nice having so many people invested in your well-being.”
“It has advantages. And complications.”
I sensed there was more to that statement, but before I could ask, children’s voices broke through the noise of the saloon. A small group gathered near the tree and were singing “Deck the Halls” with more enthusiasm than polish.
