Christmas In Delight: Delight Book Four Page 9

  “I’ll help ye.”

  She poured them both some whisky. Two chairs had been placed in front of the fire and she motioned for him to have a seat. She handed him a glass and sat in the other chair. “I enjoy entertaining, but I’m always relieved when it’s over.”

  He sipped his whisky, savoring the peaty goodness of it. “’Tis quiet.”

  “That’s the best part. Hostess duties are done and I usually sit here by myself. It’s nice to have some company.”

  The crackling of the fire was the only sound. He had to agree it felt good to share this quiet time with her.

  “Where did they go?” he asked.

  “Gavin and Amy?”

  “Aye.”

  “To Amy’s house. She wanted to introduce Gavin to her dog.” She glanced over to him and smiled.

  “Will they be back?”

  “I don’t think so. They’ve got something going on there and I can’t imagine it’s going to stop tonight.”

  He wished to change the subject. If they kept on the topic, he was afraid of what might happen. “Do ye have children, Avery?”

  “No. I wanted children, but then my husband died and I haven’t given it much thought since.” She tipped her head and cast her gaze upward as if searching for something. “I think I might be a little old for that now.”

  He didn’t think she was too old. If she were his wife, he’d gladly give her bairns if that was what she wished. He finished his whisky and she poured him another.

  “Thank ye.”

  “You know, this is really nice. Sitting here with you like this, I feel so comfortable.”

  He felt the same. It was as if he’d known her before. Something about her spoke to his soul. It rarely happened that he would meet someone and feel something for them right away, but it was that way with Avery. He’d been careful not to give any indication of it, although his resolve was slipping the more time they spent together.

  “It’s getting late. I should get to bed.” Avery rose and stood by his chair.

  He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.

  “Good night.” She smiled down at him and he so wished in that moment that he was like Gavin. He could stand and she’d be in his arms in an instant, but would it be right? He couldn’t do that to her. He couldn’t do it to himself.

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I think I’ll clean up tomorrow morning.” She left him sitting by the fire where he stayed until there was nothing left to do but sleep.

  Chapter 10

  Cleaning up the night before would have been the smart thing to do, but she’d wanted to spend time with Conall. She’d hoped the night might end differently than it did. He’d kissed her hand. She’d hoped it would be her lips.

  “Good morn.” Conall appeared in the doorway of the kitchen.

  “Good morning. How did you sleep?” She turned to face him, leaning back against the sink.

  “Well.” He scrubbed his fingers through his hair and stifled a yawn. “Gavin did no’ return.” The smile on his face was a pleasant surprise.

  Avery gave him what she hoped was a sultry smile. “I’m sure he stayed at Amy’s. She wouldn’t let him wander back here on his own.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “She did no’ have to.” He adjusted his stance to lean in the doorway. “There have been times when I’ve kicked his arse out.”

  “Annoying, is he?” Avery laughed at this. She handed Conall a towel. “You can dry if you like.”

  “Ye make me laugh.” He chuckled. “I’d be happy to dry.”

  She directed him to the pile of freshly washed pots and pans. Everything else was in the dishwasher.

  “Ye rise early.” He picked up a large dutch oven and began drying.

  “When you run an inn, there’s no sleeping late. You never know when a guest will need something or when someone may need a room.”

  “Ye’ve no guests now.”

  “You’re a guest.”

  “I prefer to be a friend.”

  Was he flirting with her? “I can use all the friends I can get.”

  “So I am one then…good. Do ye like living here?”

  “I love it. It’s my home and the people of Delight are my family. I could never leave.”

  “I wondered if ye ever thought about traveling through time. Ye ken where the cave is and ye could do it if ye wished.”

  “We all could now that we know it’s there, but I’d be afraid to. I wouldn’t know anyone if I went alone.”

  “Ye’d ken me. I’d show ye the Highlands. They’re a sight to behold.” His eyes lit up as he spoke of his home.

  “I’m sure they are, but I like my creature comforts and I don’t think I could live without them.” He seemed disappointed in her answer. “I mean, it would be nice to have a guided tour, but I wouldn’t want to stay.”

  He finished the last pan and she put it away.

  “I doona ken what to do with meself here in this time.”

  “If you lived here, there would be plenty for you to do. You can go fishing in the summertime, hiking year-round, skiing in the winter months. You’d meet people and make friends. There is so much to see and do, especially when it would all be so new to you.” She thought she’d like to be the one to show him all those things. She’d envied Kirsten, Billie and Crystal for that very thing. “We could go do something fun today if you like.”

  “I should wait for Gavin to return.”

  “Are you worried about him? He’s a big boy and Amy will make sure he’s okay.”

  “He’s me wee brother. ’Tis me duty to take care of him.”

  “I doubt they’ll be back any time soon. Come on. Say yes.”

  He hesitated for a moment, but then said, “Aye.”

  “Good. I’ll get my things.” She hurried to her room to get her jacket and put on her boots before meeting him in the lobby. “Let’s go out the back way.”

  They passed through the kitchen and once outside, Avery grabbed a sled she hadn’t used in years from the back porch. She kept it handy for any little ones who stayed at the inn who wanted to play in the snow.

  Standing with his hands on his hips, Conall tipped his head and raised an eyebrow in her direction.

  “We’re going sledding. Come on.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her.

  “Let me take that.” He took the sled from her as they wandered down a meandering path behind the inn. Before long they came to a snow-covered hill.

  “What do you think?” she asked.

  “Of what?”

  “The hill. Are you ready to have some fun?” She had pushed herself outside of her comfort zone. She wanted to experience this with him as a way to break down the barrier he seemed to have in place. The one that she assumed wouldn’t allow him to get too close for fear of what might happen.

  Avery set the sled, an old Radio Flyer she’d had since she was a kid and her father had before that, on a flat spot just before the hill dropped off. She sat and beckoned Conall to sit behind her, which he did.

  “Now what do we do?” His voice was close to her ear, tickling it as he spoke.

  “Don’t tell me you’ve never gone sledding before.”

  “I’ve slid down a hill or two, but no’ on anything as grand as this.”

  “This isn’t grand, believe me. Hold on.”

  The feel of his arms wrapped around her waist and his legs resting next to hers sent a thrill through her. Using her feet to propel them, she scooted the sled forward. And then down the hill they went. Avery shrieked with joy as Conall laughed and hooted. It felt so good to be someone other than a responsible adult in this moment. As they neared the bottom, they sailed over a large rock in their path and tumbled into the snow.

  Conall landed on top of her, staring down into her face. “Are ye hurt?”

  “Not at all. You?” She couldn’t feel happier as she lay there smiling up at him.

  He didn’t answer her. Instead he gently brushed the snow fr
om her cheeks before dipping his head and kissing her. Avery wasted no time in wrapping her arms around his neck. She returned his kiss tentatively at first, but then with passion as she allowed herself to just be in the moment. It was what she’d wanted last night and what she’d hoped for this morning. Her wish had come true and it was better than she’d dreamed it could be.

  An icy cold bit of melting snow made its way beneath the collar of her jacket, but she wasn’t about to let it spoil what was happening between her and Conall. When they finally came up for air she asked, “One more time?”

  He rose and took her hand, pulling her up and into his arms. “Only if it ends the same.”

  “I think it will.”

  Conall took her hand as they trudged back up the hill. Avery had forgotten what a hike it was to get back to the top. She almost fell a few times, but Conall always made sure she didn’t. Finally nearing the top, he lifted her in his arms and carried her the rest of the way. He set her down on the sled he’d been dragging along behind them.

  “Are ye ready?” He sat behind her as he had before.

  “Let’s go.” Avery was still thinking about what had happened between them. He couldn’t see it, but the smile she wore said everything anyone needed to know about how happy she was.

  Off down the hill they went for a second time, somehow avoiding the rock and coming to a smooth stop much farther down the hill and across the flat at the bottom.

  “Darn, no rock this time.” She peeked back over her shoulder at Conall.

  “We doona need a rock.” He toppled over sideways, taking her with him. This time she was the one on top gazing down into a face she was coming to want to see a whole lot more of.

  “Well, are ye planning to kiss me?” Conall’s mischievous grin was irresistible.

  She had no choice. Nothing was stopping her and why would it? She was a grown woman who could kiss a man if she wanted. And she wanted.

  Amy rolled over in bed, gazing down at the face of a sleeping Gavin. Otto had taken to him right away. That was all she needed to know. Her dog was a very good judge of character. If he didn’t like someone, then she steered clear. Gavin had been a hit with Otto. As a matter of fact, Amy had to wiggle her way in between them on more than one occasion.

  Gavin opened his eyes and looked up at her. “Good morn.” He stretched his arms overhead before rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

  “Hi.”

  “Yer beautiful.” He touched her lips with his finger.

  Amy was speechless. It wasn’t often she heard those words come out of a man’s mouth. “Thanks.” Funny thing was that she felt beautiful. It wasn’t something she thought about…ever, but today was different. And it was different because of the man in her bed. He actually looked at her like she was beautiful. She’d been a tall, skinny girl growing up and the boys made fun of her mercilessly, so she had always had a hard time believing that anyone would think her pretty. Gavin made her feel she was and it wasn’t just in words. He treated her like she was the most special woman on earth. Reluctantly, she thought about getting up. “We should get something to eat. I have to be at work in an hour. I’m opening the shop today.”

  Gavin propped himself up on his elbows. “I’ll come with ye.”

  “You don’t have to. You can go back to the inn if you want to sleep more or you can stay here.”

  “I can no’ sleep more. I’m awake. I’ll come with ye.”

  “I have to work this time. No more rolling around in the stockroom.”

  The disappointment on his face was comical, but Amy did her best not to laugh. “We can come back here later.”

  The disappointment vanished and the smile returned.

  “Darn it!” It was Amy’s turn to be disappointed. “I have to meet with the ladies for dinner. We’re finishing up the wedding plans. I forgot all about it.”

  “I’ll wait for ye at the inn.”

  “Good thinking. Okay. We’ve got to get going. Get that cute butt of yours out of my bed and get dressed.”

  He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back down.

  “Gavin, as much as I’d love to spend all day in bed with you, today can’t be that day.” Why did she have to be sensible, adult Amy? She’d give anything to be able to stay home in her nice warm bed with this nice warm man. But she was a shop owner and if she gave in to her desires, she’d find herself out of business before long, or at the very least, Sue would probably hate her. “Come on.”

  “As you wish.” He took her hand and bringing it to his lips, kissed her palm. “I would do anything for ye, Amy. All ye need do is ask. All that is mine I would give ye. I offer ye me heart.”

  Those words were exactly what Amy wanted to hear. Her feelings for him were being returned in kind. Gavin threw the covers off and stood up with his back to her as he gathered his clothes. Amy took the moment to admire what she was seeing. He was not only gorgeous, he was a work of art in her eyes. The muscles of his strong back and shoulders flexed and relaxed as he got himself dressed. It was sad that he had to put a shirt on, but Amy conceded that it was cold and he needed it.

  “Why are ye still sitting there?” Gavin turned his head to see her staring. “Have ye nothing better to do?” he teased.

  “There’s nothing better to do. Only things I have to do.” Amy made a face that expressed her feelings about leaving their little nest to go out into the cold and then spend all day helping customers. “Ordinarily, I like going to work, but not today. You’ve ruined it for me.”

  “Have I now?” He chuckled softly.

  “You’ll have to make it up to me later.” Coming up behind him, she gave his bottom a whack.

  “Gladly, lass.” He had her in his arms before she could move away. Not that she would have.

  “I am going to be so late opening the shop.” Tipping her head up, she placed a seriously dangerous kiss on his lips. It was a kiss that said, I can’t wait to do this again later.

  With apparent reluctance and one more quick kiss, Gavin let her go. “Get yer clothes. We’ve a shop to open.”

  The pub was quiet, but it was still early. The snow over the past few days would be good for skiing, but until people made it up their way, only the locals would be enjoying themselves in the evening.

  Avery and Amy came in followed by a gust of wind that snuck past before they could close the door.

  “Brrr…” Avery hurried over to the table where the other ladies waited for them. Amy was right behind her.

  “Hey, ladies.” Amy took her coat off and hung it up on one of the strategically placed coat racks around the room.

  Billie emerged from the kitchen with a giant pot of stew. “It’s nice having a full kitchen back there now.” She set the pot down in the center of the large round table. “Is everyone here?”

  “I think so.” Rose filled bowls with the stew and passed them down the table along with napkins and utensils.

  “Drinks?” Billie asked. “I’ve got a nice cabernet that should pair well with the stew.”

  “Sounds good.” Amy smiled at the curious faces staring back at her around the table. “What?”

  “Nothing.” Cassie looked down at her bowl.

  “Something. Did I forget to brush my hair? Why are you all staring at me?” She wasn’t sure why, but she was feeling a bit paranoid.

  “No reason.” Cassie glanced up at her and then Avery. “It’s just that you look so happy.”

  “Do I?” They knew. They all knew.

  “Yes, and now that I look at her, so does Avery.”

  Amy turned her head to look at Avery. “She’s right, you do look happy.”

  “Amy, please,” Avery whispered through gritted teeth.

  “You’ve been…” Amy whispered back.

  “The stew is delicious,” Avery said, obviously trying to change the subject.

  “We’ll talk later.” Amy hadn’t been the only one enjoying their new visitors.

  “Are we all set for the wedding?” Ca
ssie asked. “I’ve got the barn set up for the reception.”

  “Aren’t you on top of things,” Billie said.

  “I hate to wait until the last minute. It stresses me out,” Cassie admitted.

  “Crystal, you must be so excited. In a few short days, you’ll be a married lady.” Amy put her fork down. If she was the one getting married, she wasn’t sure they’d be able to hold her down because she’d be over-the-moon excited.

  Crystal looked dreamily skyward as she spoke. “Meeting Payton on that day in the woods was like a gift from above. I can’t wait to be his wife.”

  “A Christmas wedding! It’s going to be so much fun,” Avery gushed.

  “I’ve seen them on those Christmas movies on television, but actually having one in our little town is like a dream come true.” In Amy’s mind, Christmas was the perfect time for a wedding. It was a mix of her favorite time of year with something she’d always wanted. Maybe next year.

  “Rose, are you all set with the cake?” Cassie asked.

  “I am. No worries there.”

  “We hired a caterer from Reno to take care of the food at the reception. I want everyone to be able to enjoy the celebration,” Crystal said.

  “What about your dress?” Billie asked.

  “I’ve got my final fitting tomorrow and my sweet little girl and mother will be joining me to pick up their dresses.”

  “I can’t wait to see them. You’re going to be a beautiful bride.”

  “The men, of course, will dress in their kilts. They were all fitted for their jackets, which have already arrived. We’ll have them try them on tomorrow to make sure they don’t need to be tailored.”

  “What about music?”

  “I’ve got a friend who lives in the Bay Area. Her sister has a band. Maybe you’ve heard of her. Elle Carrera.”

  “Oh, yes! I love her music. It’s amazing that you could get her.” Amy was a huge fan, especially since she’d changed her musical genre from pop to Celtic rock.

  “She’s married now and just had a baby, so she’s staying close to home. I feel pretty lucky. Her husband Hamish is from Scotland. He plays in the band, too.” Crystal set her napkin down on the table.