Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold #15.5)(21)

Right on time she heard steps on the stairs, then a knock at her door. She opened it to find Kenny standing there, looking way too good to be legal.

He had on a long camel-colored coat and a dark suit. He looked as if he’d showered and shaved. He smiled at her and stepped into her apartment.

“You look great,” he said by way of greeting.

“You, too.” She frowned as she noticed there were melting white flakes on his shoulders. “Is it snowing?”

He grinned. “Just started. Don’t worry. I have all-wheel drive.”

Because they were heading up the mountain. What if they got snowed in?

She allowed herself exactly four seconds to imagine herself and Kenny in a hotel room, with a fireplace and a very big bed. Then she gathered her “I’m a mother and I have to be sensible” thoughts and ignored the tempting, naughty ones.

The light snowfall became steadier as they headed for the restaurant. Near the resort, they passed a plow already doing its thing. So much for being snowed in, she thought with only a little regret.

The Gold Rush Ski Lodge and Resort had been decorated for the holidays. The bright lights were visible from the road. Kenny turned onto the property, then followed the signs to the valet.

The Christmas cheer continued inside the main building. There were several trees set up in the lobby, with garland around all the doorways. Carols played from hidden speakers and several of the staff sported festive Santa hats.

“It’s this way,” Kenny said, pointing to a long hallway.

She started in that direction. He put his hand on the small of her back. Even through her coat she felt the warmth and strength of his hand.

He was just being a gentleman, she told herself. She shouldn’t read anything into his actions.

Only a few more weeks, she reminded herself. She would see Kenny regularly through the toy drive and then he would be gone from her life. She would allow herself to be hopeful and even wistful through the holidays, right up until the New Year. Then she would return to her happy, busy, sensible self.

Henri’s was a five-star restaurant. Bailey wasn’t sure what, exactly, that meant, beyond the food being good. And probably expensive. She’s never eaten there before. In fact, she hadn’t spent any time up at the resort, except when she’d helped Dellina with a Score party there over the summer.

She had to admit the quiet elegance was very nice. A hostess took their coats, then showed them back to their table. Jack and Larissa and Sam and Dellina were standing next to it, talking.

The four of them turned and greeted her and Kenny. Jack and Sam surprised her by kissing her on the cheek. Her friends hugged her. They were all seated and a server appeared with a bottle of champagne and six glasses.

“There’s a lot to celebrate,” Jack said, his gaze locked firmly on Larissa, his fiancée.

“I’ll second that,” Sam added.

They toasted the holiday season. Bailey sipped her bubbly drink and tried not to stare at the bottle of Dom Pérignon—a champagne she’d only ever read about in books or seen in movies.

Kenny leaned close. “You eat red meat, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“How do you like your steak?”

“Medium rare.”

He grinned. “You get more amazing every time I’m with you. Want to split the chateaubriand for two?”

She’d seen it on the menu. It was a holiday special and cost more than her electric and cable bills combined.

“I’ve never had it before. I’m sure it will be great. Thank you.”

“You’re going to love it,” he promised.

They sipped champagne and talked about what was happening around town. Dellina was busy with several holiday parties.

“January second, we’re out of here,” Sam said, taking his wife’s hand in his and kissing her knuckles.

Bailey knew they were heading off to Australia and New Zealand for a three-week belated honeymoon.

“I’ll be back in time to finalize everything for your wedding,” Dellina told Larissa.

Larissa, a pretty blonde with an easy smile, shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. I have the dress and we’re all set for the venue.”

Kenny nodded approvingly. “You’re smart,” he told Jack. “No way you’ll forget your anniversary.”

Because Jack and Larissa were getting married on Valentine’s Day. It fell on a Saturday next February.

“Chloe’s excited,” Bailey said. “She’s never been a flower girl before. She loves her dress.”

The event was going to be an evening affair, here at the resort. Jack had already arranged for rooms for the entire wedding party, including Bailey and Chloe. Bailey was determined that she would be over Kenny by then. Maybe she would even be dating someone.

Although right now, that seemed impossible to imagine. Who could be nicer or sweeter or more fun to be with? Oh, those first few Kenny-diet days were going to be ugly, she thought. But not something she had to worry about now.

The server reappeared and they placed their orders. Jack talked about his new job at Cal U Fool’s Gold and Kenny mentioned a few clients. Talk turned to holiday happenings in town.

“We’re doing incredibly well on the toy drive,” Bailey said. “We’re going to fill up our trailer for sure.”