I’m about to throw my fresh snowball when she gives up trying to make any and starts throwing snow patties at me.
“That’s cheating!” Grabbing her outstretched hand, I pull her to me and throw her down onto the white blanket before dropping beside her. I listen to her hiccupping laughs as I figure out how to tell her about dinner and how to invite her.
“You’re doing that silent thing you do when something is on your mind.”
Turning my face to hers, I find her watching me with a wide grin on her face.
“That was my dad on the phone—”
“Is he okay?” she asks before I can continue.
“Yeah, he wants me to meet up with Drummond to get the contract signed before I head back to New York.”
“Oh.” The disappointment in her voice makes my chest tighten. “Of course, you should…you should be focusing on work, not—”
“Come with me? Daphne made dinner reservations, and she even got tickets for a carol concert at the town church.”
“Adam, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I was his wife’s party planner…I-I…” Amelia looks up at the sky as though she’s avoiding making eye contact with me.
“You don’t have to come, but I would like you to. The snow has stopped and—”
“We’re leaving soon,” she finishes with sadness downturning her pretty features.
“Would you like to join me for dinner and more Christmas traditions?”
“When you bring up Christmas traditions, how can I say no?” Turning her fresh smile to me, she starts making a snow angel as she adds, “I’d love to join you.”
“You mean jingle, right?” I tease her, and just like that she’s laughing again.
That laugh that makes me want to inhale all her damn happiness until it’s vibrating inside me too. Bracing myself over her, I content my yearning by breathing in her every exhale as she blinks up at me. Before Amelia can look away, I crush my lips to hers, kissing her slowly while I savor the tang of the champagne on her tongue and the hum of her sighs.
Although I can’t give her more than this, I’m nowhere near ready for a goodbye.
8
Amelia
As the cab pulls up outside the little rural pub, my mind drifts back to our last pub date here. A smile spreads across my face, and by the way Adam’s eyes darken, I assume he knows where my thoughts have gone as I glance over the road to the telephone box. He sends me a salacious grin and lifts my hand to his mouth, placing a soft kiss on my knuckles and causing butterflies to fill my belly.
After paying the driver, Adam slides out of the car, walking around to my side and helping me out too.
“Those heels are an accident waiting to happen,” he says, taking in my Christian Louboutin diamante stilettos with a cynical shake of his head.
“These shoes are stunning and deserve to go to the ball, thank you very much!” I knew we were getting a cab, with little walking involved; wearing them to complete my ensemble was a no-brainer, especially now the snow has eased. He chuckles at my response and pulls me in for a quick kiss.
“I agree.” He winks with his grin higher to one side. “But I think they’ll look better on their own.”
“Easy, darling, it’s going to be a long evening for you,” I tease him as he pulls away, taking in his fill.
Running the top of my foot down my calf, I swallow down the sudden cold that envelops me.
Damn weather always ruining my fun!
The wind is icy, and a shiver rolls through me, but Adam notices and wraps his arm around me, pulling me close as we make our way toward the entrance.
The pub is just as cute as I remember with twinkling lights hanging in the windows and a holly wreath on the old wooden door. It would make the perfect Christmas card. Once inside Adam gives them the party name, and a young server leads us to our table by the fire. We’re the first ones here, and I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve met Louis and Harriet before. I think it’s the idea of the outside world touching our little fantasy. Until now, it’s just been us. Our perfect little fairy tale. Now reality is making an appearance, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it.
Adam, ever the gentleman, helps me out of my coat before pulling out my chair for me and taking the seat beside me. His eyes rove over my dress, an off-the-shoulder, royal blue velvet number that clings to me in all the right places.
Giving me one of his sinful smirks, he leans into me and whispers, “Apt that you’d wear blue when it’s going to be the color of my balls by the end of this evening.”
A less than ladylike snort leaves me as a waitress comes over and Adam orders a bottle of wine. The soft melody of Christmas carols plays in the background while we play footsie under the table. I’m starting to wish we’d stayed in, but I know tonight is important for him business-wise.
“If you could be a reindeer, which one would you be?” I ask as the question pops into my mind, my lack of filter evident. I can see the shock on his face before he chuckles.
“Random. Uh. Rudolph, I guess? He’s the most successful and gets the most recognition. You?”
Shaking my head at his lame choice, I say, “I think Comet. I like the idea of being a comet shooting through the night sky.”
He smiles and leans in to drop a kiss on my lips. “You have definitely lit up my night sky.” I swoon internally until he goes and ruins it by adding, “But you’d totally be Vixen.”
A loud giggle tumbles from me as I swat his chest playfully, blushing at memories of what followed our last date here.
Leaning forward to press my lips to his, Adam pulls back and stands so abruptly, I’m momentarily stunned.
“Louis. Good to see you again,” he says to the man who I missed making his entrance. His whole demeanor has changed. He’s in businessman mode now; gone is playful Adam.
“You too, Adam. You remember my wife, Harriet?” He motions to his side, and Adam nods, shaking her hand. She glances down, and recognition lights up her face.
“Amelia! What a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?” she asks as she rounds the table and engulfs me in a hug.
“I…”
“She’s my date,” Adam announces, as everyone takes their seats.
“You’re seeing each other?”
“We are,” he confirms, and I feel myself bristle at the lie falling so easily from his lips.
“Oh what a small world! Louis, you remember Amelia? She organized my Christmas party,” Harriet tells her husband, who nods politely and offers me his hand.
After we’ve taken our seats and ordered our meals, Adam and Louis dive into business talk. Harriet and I might as well not be here. Adam in business mode is something else. Gone is the cheesy joke-telling, dirty-talking ice-skater, and in his place is a driven, passionate businessman trying to close a deal. His eyes don’t stray from Drummond, and he makes no move to touch me. Harriet must sense my thoughts as she reaches for my hand across the table.
“It doesn’t get any better,” she laughs, and I look at her in confusion.
“What’s that?”