Taming His Montana Heart(51)
Twice they went to the restaurant. Shaw said he didn’t want to pretend she wasn’t becoming important to him. She demonstrated her agreement by kissing his cheek, a gesture she had no doubt others took note of. After dinner, he walked her to her vehicle and enveloped her as much as possible considering their heavy coats. Their kisses lingered and kept her aware of her body until long after bedtime.
They didn’t go to each other’s place, didn’t so much as discuss the possibility. She had no doubt that if they did, it wouldn’t be to share a meal or talk about their day, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to make that move—or maybe the truth was, she was so ready she didn’t know how to handle her emotions.
One thing she did know—Shaw deserved more than what she’d told him about her mother’s death. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about that tonight, she assured herself as she entered the room dominated by the aromatic Christmas tree. Tables full of holiday foods and drinks had been set out, and the fireplace was blazing. Considering the heat it gave out, she was glad she was wearing one of the two dressy blouses she owned. A Santa who looked suspiciously like a bearded and padded Nate Quaid sat in an oversized chair to the left of the fireplace with a line of children waiting to sit on his lap. Nate’s fiancé Alisha stood near Santa handing out wrapped gifts.
Haley waved at Alisha. Even though she felt closer to Echo and Kolina because the two women lived at Lake Serene, she was looking forward to when Alisha’s cabin across the lake was accessible by car.
She’d given serious thought to Shaw’s offer of a job managing the rental boats. Knowing she’d be employed full-time was both reassuring and a little unsettling. Was she really ready to put down roots? It wasn’t that she didn’t want to live here, she did, but Shaw factored in—a lot.
In fact he was the main consideration and the great unanswered.
Shaw had said he’d hook up with her here, but the room was so crowded she couldn’t tell if he’d arrived. The promotional team had gone all out in inviting the public to Lake Serene for a traditional Christmas. Every room and cabin had been rented and she’d had to turn away a number of people who’d wanted to spend part of Christmas Day snowmobiling. Daron hadn’t been crazy about having to work tomorrow, but Shaw had sweetened things by telling all employees they’d be paid double.
“Are you ready for the twenty-fifth?” Shaw asked from behind her. “It’s going to be a long day.”
Instantly alive, she leaned back against his chest and tightened her hold on the tin of gingerbread cookies. So much for being chilled from the short walk from the parking lot. Just like that, she was more than warm, and turned on.
“I’ll let you know once it’s over.” She managed to say.
“Just don’t call early to complain.” His breath penetrated her hair and reached her scalp. “My Christmas gift to myself is to sleep in.”
Thinking to glare, she started to spin around. He stopped her by wrapping an arm around her collarbone from behind. She couldn’t say she was relaxed, not with him so close, but there wasn’t anywhere she’d rather be or anyone other than him she wanted to spend tonight with.
“I’m going to call every fifteen minutes starting at five in the morning.” She warned. “How come you get to sleep in?”
“I’m the boss. Everyone serves at my pleasure.”
That wasn’t true since he worked as hard if not harder than anyone here. “We didn’t say anything about exchanging gifts,” she said. “But this”—she held up the tin—“is somewhere between a present and just because.”
“Thank you. This”—he brought his other arm around so she could see the small gift-wrapped box he was holding—“is somewhere between Christmas exchange and a housewarming.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“Neither did you.” His voice was so darned seductive she wasn’t sure she trusted her legs to continue to hold her. “How about we slip into my office? Hopefully no one will notice.”
She didn’t care what anyone thought as he took her hand and led her into his office. He closed the door behind them, placed the gifts on his desk, and studied her with his arms folded across his chest. This was the first time she’d seen him in slacks and a dress shirt. Whatever he wore was perfect—naked even better.
“You do things to me,” he said in a near whisper. “I love that blouse. The yellow is so darned feminine. Holding you like I did out there—I’m not sure it was wise. Haley, I want you so much.”
She licked her lips and dug her nails into her palms. She was very, very aware of the cleavage the blouse with its tiny buttons revealed. “I want you too.”
There it was. The admission made. Both saying the same thing. She felt strange inside, kind of electrified. As if she was about to step out into space. With him around, she wouldn’t fall. She’d fly.
Taking him with her.
He slid closer then stopped. “I’m going crazy wanting to kiss you, but if I do, I’m certain I won’t be satisfied with that.”
Let it go. Tap into the woman inside you. “Neither will I.” She indicated her balled hands while wondering if he knew how incredibly hard talking had become. The electrical sensation grew. Much more and she wouldn’t be able to think or speak.