“It was late, and the new renter in the condo next door had thrown a rager.” She closed her eyes, reliving the fear that had stapled her hands to the steering wheel. “I could see through the front window. There was a fistfight, but it looked like people had placed bets. They were screaming at the men, encouraging them to pound the life out of the other.” She opened her eyes, allowing the giant pine tree in the corner with the twinkling lights and bright ribbons to wash away the darkness that had seeped from the open condo door. “Several guys were out front. When they saw me pull in, they nudged each other and sort of stood at attention, like they were ready to rush me. I couldn’t move. I knew if I got out, bad things were going to happen. I closed my eyes and prayed. And then there was Cliff, at my window, knocking lightly. He walked me to my door and then sat on my porch until the cops showed up. I just felt so safe with him, so cared for, that I wanted … more. I ended up leaning against the inside of the door while he was on the outside, just to be close to him.”
She allowed the feelings she’d had that night, the sense of being cherished and prized, to wash over her. Her eyes lifted, searching for Cliff. This time, when they connected, she didn’t look away. A current built between them, as if they were still sitting on opposite sides of that door, yearning to remove the barriers and finally touch.
“Hello?” Celine waved her hand in front of Diana’s face, yanking her out of the moment. “What’s he do for a living?”
“Oh.” She smiled. “He’s an electrician.”
Celine tsked. “That explains the flannel.”
“I like flannel. It’s nice to cuddle up to.” Not that she’d had the opportunity, but now that she’d said the words, the idea was as enticing as one of the gourmet chocolates on the treat table.
“So’s cashmere, darling.” Celine popped a mini marshmallow in her mouth. “Oh my gosh! I bet your parents are freaking out!”
Diana shifted, glancing at Sadie, who was looking at her as if she was trying to figure her out. Diana tucked her hair behind her ear. “I don’t care if they are. Who I date is my choice, not theirs.”
Sadie leaned her head back, her eyes knowing. She’d put the puzzle together in record time. Hopefully she’d keep her mouth shut and let Diana go on with her scheme. Otherwise, she’d have a lot of explaining to do. The need to run away pumped adrenaline into her legs.
“Celine, you’re good here, right?” Diana confirmed. “I’m going to hang out with my guy.”
She wove through the throng, greeting distant aunts and uncles. Mom had told them this was a record year as far as turnout went. Some of the old-timers thought it was their last chance to travel before the aches and pains of old age kept them closer to home. The feeling of family was thick in the air.
The sly glances people threw in Cliff’s direction didn’t escape her attention. He stood out in his flannel, but as far as she was concerned, it was a good thing. All the cable-knit sweaters and button-up shirts blended together. She liked that Cliff was his own type of man. “Hey,” she said softly as she linked her arm through his. There were several sets of eyes on them, including Sadie’s, and she needed to put on just enough of a show to dislodge a few puzzle pieces while not alarming Cliff. The balance was delicate, but she was confident enough to lean close.
“You’re Uncle Al was just telling me about his ideas for city council. Says he’d like to run next year.” Cliff’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
Diana pinched his side in warning. He wasn’t supposed to talk politics with Uncle Al. She gave him an are-you-trying-to-start-something look that would have frightened woodland creatures away. “That sounds like an interesting topic of conversation,” she said through a smile.
Cliff’s shoulders bounced with silent laughter.
“You wouldn’t believe their stance on backyard chickens. It’s absolutely ridiculous,” threw in Uncle Al.
Diana pasted on a smile. They were in for a discussion on the benefits of composting and natural fertilizers for sure. She pinched Cliff again. He lifted one cheek in a daredevil smile that had her heart somersault.
Suddenly, the lights and the music went out and the room went dark. There was a collective gasp, and then conversation stopped. The heater clicked off and a brush of cold air raced past her arms.
A child whimpered.
Cliff’s arm went around her, pulling her into his side in a protective gesture. Her breath caught at the unexpected feelings that arose. Being in his arms was a heady experience, and her knees went weak. She leaned into him.
A moment later, someone had their phone flashlight on. Others followed, and the room buzzed with concern and panic. Would they need to leave for the weekend? Where would they all stay? How long would the heat last?
“Hey! Hey!” Celine yelled over the din. The lights swiveled to land on her, and she held up a hand so she wasn’t blinded. “Diana’s boyfriend is anelectrician. Maybe he can fix it.”
Cliff’s arm dropped the second before the lights landed on them. Diana sagged and then caught herself. She ran her hands down her thighs.Oh shoot. Oh shoot. Oh shoot.Celine had labeled him her boyfriend. Cliff turned to her, but the lights were all behind him and she couldn’t read his expression.
Dad appeared at her elbow. “Well.” He sounded gruff and tired. His hair was standing on end as if he’d pulled off a stocking hat moments before. Her parents had worked for a month to get the cabin ready for this party. He hadn’t met Cliff because he’d been running errands for Mom all afternoon. “Come on, then. I’ll take you down to the electrical room.”
Diana reached for Cliff’s hand to hold in the dark, but he pulled out of her grasp. A cold whisper of rejection made her shiver, wishing she was within the protective circle of his arms once again. She tossed out the idea. She was going to have to explain what she’d done—bringing him here under false pretenses. Cliff wouldn’t want to speak to her ever again. The thought made her sadder than she was prepared for, and she followed her dad and Cliff into the basement with a sense of dread.
Chapter 8
Cliff
Cliff entered the electrical room, holding his phone above his head to get the lay of the land. It was a standard setup, exactly what he would have installed if he’d had this project. Man, he wished he’d been able to wire this place. The finish electrical alone would have paid for his condo.
His head swirled—the wordboyfriendcoming around several times. His stomach had hit the floor at the same time his heart had leapt. He loved the wordboyfriend. Had lovedbeinga boyfriend. Having a girlfriend was one of the singular best experiences of his life. Women were absolutely amazing and giving creatures. He suddenly wanted that.
At the same time, he was upset that Diana hadn’t corrected the misunderstanding. If it was a misunderstanding. Being considered the boyfriend would explain the frosty reception that afternoon.
