Chapter Fourteen
It had been a great day.
Jillian smiled broadly Thursday afternoon. Not only had she completed the necklace and matching earrings for the fundraiser, but she had also put them up on display in her shop and five people had already bid on them. She’d set a starting amount, but it was bare minimum and she hoped people would be extra generous since all proceeds went to Harry’s House.
“What has you smiling this afternoon?” Suzanna asked.
Jillian paused. She was smiling? “I don’t know. I guess the week is going well.”
“Anything special?”
“No. And it doesn’t have to do with a guy if that’s what you were thinking. It’s just that the shop is doing well and so is our website. And the snow is falling—”
“Whoa. I have to stop you there. How do you equate snow to a good week?”
“Just because you don’t like snow doesn’t mean everyone feels the same way. I think it’s pretty. I’ve loved it since I was a kid.”
Suzanna shook her head. “I don’t know how you can like something that’s so cold and it makes a mess out of traffic. Oh, and it ruins my shoes if I forget my boots.”
“But it’s so tranquil when it falls. I just love watching the big fluffy flakes flutter to the ground. It blankets the earth in white, hiding the rough edges and smoothing things out.” When Suzanna continued to shake her head in disagreement, Jillian asked, “You mean you don’t like Frosty?”
“That’s not fair. Frosty isn’t real.” Suzanna moved to the front door and squirted cleaner on the glass. “I think we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on the subject of snow. So how’s your student doing?”
“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” Jillian pointed toward his pickup pulling up in front of Tangled Charms.
“Oh, I wonder what he wants.” Suzanna grinned at her.
“I’m certain it’s nothing like the thoughts going round in your mind.”
Before they could continue their debate, Avery was at the door. Suzanna pushed it open and greeted him a little too jovially for Jillian’s taste. He was going to think they were talking about him—they had been but she didn’t want him to know it.
He stepped inside and brushed off the flakes of snow. “It’s really coming down out there.”
“I know. It’s beautiful,” Jillian said as casually as she could manage because right then her heart was beating rapidly. They hadn’t seen each other yesterday. She had been busy finishing the earrings for the auction and he’d said he wanted to do some more work in his kitchen. “Did you change your mind about baking tonight?”
He shook his head. “Not unless you think the cookies weren’t right—”
“I thought they were perfect,” Suzanna chimed in.
Jillian sent her a dirty look. “She’s right. They were delicious. You should win with them as long as you keep your eye on the butter.”
“And don’t burn it like I almost did the last time I tried to make them. Gotcha.” He continued to stare at her. “What has you in such a good mood?”
His presence. Not that she would admit that to him. “I finished my donation to the Harry’s House fundraiser.”
“That’s great.” He smiled, making his eyes twinkle.
Her stomach did a somersault. “Would you like to see it?”
He nodded and followed her over to the display in the middle of the showroom. He stared into the lit display. “The necklace is beautiful. It would look really nice on you. Maybe you should wear it for promotional purposes.”
Not that she wasn’t tempted, but she would never do such a thing. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“You must have lots of this jewelry at home.”
“Actually I don’t.” When he arched a brow, she continued. “Everything I make is for the business. I figure one day when the business is secure, I’ll work on something for myself.”
“It’s too bad you have to wait that long. Maybe you should make something for yourself now. You know, a reward for opening the shop.”
“Maybe.” It was a nice thought, but she knew she wouldn’t do it. It wasn’t like she had anywhere to wear it since she’d sworn off men. “I’m sure you didn’t stop by to discuss jewelry. What did you need?”
“I was wondering if you were free tomorrow evening.”
“Did you want to get started on the next recipe?”
“I have something else in mind. I promise no recipes will be involved.”
Was he asking her for a date? She hadn’t been expecting this and she didn’t know what to say. Her mind told her to make any excuse possible to get out of it, but her heart was in direct contradiction.
“She’s available,” Suzanna interjected.
Avery smiled. “Is that right?”
Jillian stifled a groan and nodded. She had no idea what she’d just gotten herself into. “What should I wear?”
“Whatever. I just need your advice on something.”
“Advice? I guess I could try. What is it?”
“You’ll have to wait and see. You might want to bundle up. I’ll pick you up at, say, six. We can grab some dinner at FlintWorks.”
Was this really happening? Avery was asking her on a date? But then she recalled that he mentioned something about advice. Perhaps she’d once again let her hopes get the better of her.
He quickly departed and Jillian refused to discuss it with Suzanna. She didn’t need anyone else putting ideas in her head. She had enough of her own.
*
There was a heap of clothes on the bed.
Jillian had changed outfits five times until she settled on faded jeans and a light pink button top that Suzanna had given her for Christmas. Jillian had been saving it for a special occasion. She wore her hair straight down and she’d paid particular attention to her makeup, even adding some mascara, which she only did for special occasions.
She grabbed her white winter coat with the big faux-fur-trimmed hood, lined boots, and pink gloves. That should keep her warm and the combination didn’t look bad together either. Not that she was trying to impress Avery or anything.
Knock. Knock.
He was early again. She started to rush to the door, but then slowed herself, not wanting him to think she was too eager about their plans.
When she pulled the door open, the smile slipped from her face. “Mom, what are you doing here?”
Her mother’s brows drew together. “Who exactly were you expecting?”
Busted. “Avery.”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “You’re certainly seeing a lot of him these days. Do you think that’s a good idea?”
Jillian retraced her steps away from the cold air and away from her mother’s comments that had dampened her good mood. Her mother followed her, sending the door shut behind her. Jillian made a point of not arguing with her mother, but this was different. She didn’t understand why her mother was always down on Avery.
Jillian turned to her mother. “Why is it that you can like Glenn but not Avery?”
“It’s not a matter of liking one man more than the other.” Her mother pressed her lips together and glanced away.
“Why are you so against Avery? This isn’t new. You’ve been this way even when I worked for him. What did he ever do to you?”
“It’s not what he did to me. It’s what he did to you.”
Jillian pressed a hand to her chest. “To me?”
Her mother nodded.
“But I don’t understand. What did he do to me?”
Her mother frowned at her. “You surely don’t think he didn’t notice how crazy you were for him. No man is that oblivious.”
Jillian had the same thoughts, but she always shoved them aside or told herself she was letting her imagination get the better of her. “So what are you saying?”
“That if you are going to let yourself get pulled back into his world, you need to know his intentions upfront.”
Jillian didn’t want to hear this again. She’d been telling herself that she was over him—that she had nothing to worry about.
“You’re worried about nothing,” Jillian told her mother in what she hoped was a reassuring tone. “I already told you, I’m over him.”
Her mother sent her an I-don’t-believe-you look. “Jillian, I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t love you. I just don’t want you to set yourself up to get hurt again.”
Jillian told herself that her mother was just being overprotective, but even she was having a hard time buying that story. Her mother would be the first one to cheer on this relationship if she thought it would lead to marriage. So was her mother seeing something that Jillian had missed?
*
Dinner was nice.
Perhaps too nice when he was aiming for an evening with a little more spark.
Avery maneuvered his pickup in the direction of the Crooked S ranch. He chanced a glance over at Jillian. She’d been chatty about the Bake-Off all through dinner at FlintWorks, but now that they were alone in his vehicle, she’d grown quiet and appeared lost in her thoughts.
After all Jillian had done to help him prepare for the Bake-Off, he felt guilty for dragging her away from her work and consuming so much of her time that he’d arranged for a special surprise for her. He’d planned every detail. He just hoped he hadn’t forgotten anything. But most of all, he hoped Jillian enjoyed it.
All around them was a winter wonderland. A blanket of snow covered most everything. Winter had settled in and didn’t look as though it would be leaving anytime soon. Though springtime was his favorite time of the year with the warmer temperatures and everything springing to life, there was something magical about a snowy evening.
When they approached the turnoff for the Crooked S Ranch, he slowed down. He wheeled the pickup into the two ruts in the snow. He’d made arrangements with Blake a couple of days ago to have everything ready when they arrived. To his surprise, Blake was more than willing to help him out.
“Avery, what are we doing here?” Jillian turned to him.
“You’ll find out very soon.” As much as he wanted to speed down the lane, he had to take his time with the snow and ice.
“Why are you being so mysterious?”
He shrugged. “Why not? Don’t you like surprises?”
“Sure. I like them when I know what they are.”
Avery laughed. “You do know that’s a contradiction, right?”
“What is?”
“Enjoying surprises only if you know what they are. If you know what it is, it’s not a surprise.”
“Fine. You win the debate. Just tell me what it is.”
He rounded the big red barn and pulled to a stop. “See for yourself.”
Jillian didn’t say a word for a moment as her gaze took in the sight before them. “We’re going for a sleigh ride?”
“We are.”
“But I thought you needed to get my opinion about something.”
Of course she’d remember that part. “I do. But you have to get in the sleigh before I ask you.”
She turned a suspicious look in his direction.
“What?” And then he thought of something to tempt her. “I even remembered to bring a thermos of hot chocolate.”
“You did?” Her eyes lit up. “Why didn’t you say that first?”
He laughed. “I wonder what else I can get you to agree to in exchange for hot chocolate.”
“You’ll never know.” She opened the door and hopped out. She turned back to him. “Well, come on. The horse is waiting.”
He didn’t have to be invited twice. He cut the truck engine and climbed out. With the keys pocketed, he followed Jillian to the sleigh. Blake was standing there waiting for them. A big grin covered his face as he handed over the reins.
“Thanks,” Avery said. And then softly he added, “I owe you.”
“That you do.”
They climbed in the sleigh and then Avery covered Jillian with a heavy lap blanket. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, clutching the thermos. “I am now.”
And then they were off, gliding over the snow. The snow muffled the sounds. And though the moon was hidden behind the clouds, it was still bright out. As they made their way through the field, Avery glanced over at Jillian. She was nestled beneath the plaid blanket and still clutching the thermos. She looked stunning. He should have brought her out here a long time ago.
“What are you smiling about?”
Jillian’s voice drew him from his thoughts. “Who’s smiling?”
“You are and you know it. So what’s up?”
“Nothing. I’m just enjoying the evening.” It was so much more than that, but he really didn’t want to risk ruining this moment. He’d worked so hard to pull it together. He wanted to savor their time together.
For a while they glided along in silence. He had a particular destination in mind. It didn’t have a name. It was just a spot where you could see for miles. And at night, it was like visiting a planetarium with all of the stars twinkling overhead.
“Are you warm enough?” he asked.
She nodded from inside her big, fuzzy hood. “I’m perfect. This is amazing. Do you take the sleigh out very often?”
He shook his head. “This is my first time. I usually come out here on horseback.” He slowed the horse to a stop before turning to Jillian. “I wanted to do something special for you. A way to thank you. You’ve always been there for me and my family, whether it was helping me with the Bake-Off or being the best nanny in the whole world.”
“You…you really think that?”
He’d obviously done a lousy job of communicating his thoughts in the past. He would have to do better going forward.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear before.” He stared into her eyes. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my family.”
His gaze dipped to her lips. They were shiny and full. And he was overwhelmed with the desire to kiss her again. So what was holding him back?
They were all alone on this snowy evening. And as he’d come to discover while he was planning this evening, it was a very romantic setting. If he were ever to have a chance with her, it would start beneath the starlit sky. But should he risk it? Should he put himself out there again?
It wasn’t like he was asking her to marry him. It was a kiss—a simple, no-strings-attached kiss. It was a starting point.
He rested his arm over the back of the sleigh. His heart started to pound hard in his chest. He’d kissed a number of girls over the years on the rodeo circuit and he’d never put this much thought into it. But none of them had meant as much to him as Jillian. He leaned toward her.
Suddenly Jillian raised the thermos between them. “Hot chocolate?”
He settled back in his seat. Had he read the signs wrong? Was he that rusty where women were concerned?
She undid the lid on the thermos and poured the steamy cocoa into the plastic cup. She held it out to him. “Looks like we have to share.”
He accepted the cup and took a drink. He could feel the warm liquid as it moved down his throat and settled in his stomach. It must be colder out here than he’d thought.
He handed back the empty cup. “Are you sure you’re warm enough?”
She nodded. “I am. This lap blanket is super warm. Here.” She adjusted the blanket so it could cover his legs too.
She was so close to him that he caught a whiff of her strawberry shampoo. His fingers itched to reach out and see if her hair was as silky smooth as it appeared.
Tempting fate once more, he moved his hand. As she leaned oh so near, smoothing out the blanket, his finger wrapped around a long blond lock of hair that had slipped out of her hood.
And then he had a most unwelcome thought—Glenn. Avery didn’t know how involved those two were, but enough that Jillian had kept the bouquet of flowers from him. And Glenn seemed intent on keeping her.
So that left Avery here poaching on another guy’s girl. That was something he refused to do. When she turned a questioning gaze his way, he realized that he could no longer act on his thoughts of kissing her. And then he realized he still had her lock of hair wrapped around his finger. He immediately released it and lowered his hand to his side.
Jillian straightened. “There. Isn’t that warmer?”
Oh yes, he was definitely warm now. He cleared his throat. “Um, yes. Yes, it is.”
She smiled as though pleased with his answer. “Would you like some more hot cocoa?”
“Sure.” He didn’t want it. Not really. But it would give him something to do with his hands. He glanced up just then and noticed that the snow clouds were parting and the moon was visible. “Look at that.” He pointed toward the sky.
The moonbeams lit up the earth around them, reflecting off the fresh layer of snow. It was so bright out that it was almost like daylight.
“This is so beautiful, like a postcard,” Jillian said. “Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”
This was his chance to convince her that she had other choices—other than Glenn. When she turned back to him, he dipped his head and caught her lips with his own. His heart was pounding so loud now that it echoed in his ears.
Her lips were smooth and warm. Desire pumped in his veins. He longed to devour her with a passionate kiss, but he used all of his restraint to move slowly.
She didn’t move as though surprised by his kiss. Surely she couldn’t be that surprised. Could she?
And then she pulled back. She avoided his gaze. “We shouldn’t do that.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why and then he remembered Glenn. Was it really possible she still had deep feelings for that guy?
“Sorry.” He wasn’t sorry. Not really.
“I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s just that—”
“Don’t.” He couldn’t bear to hear about Glenn. “I shouldn’t have done it. Can we still be friends?”
“Of course.”
He needed to smooth things over and not leave it at this awkward juncture. “Thank you again for helping me with the Bake-Off. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.”
“I’m sure you would have managed.” She handed over a fresh cup of cocoa.
“I don’t think so.” Having this generic conversation after what had happened between them felt so strange. But refusing to give up his newfound connection to Jillian, he continued. “I checked out the online videos and they just didn’t work for me. But you’ve taught me a lot.”
“I did?”
He nodded. “You taught me that you don’t have to follow the directions exactly but you can take chances and switch things up.”
She smiled broadly. “I’m glad you think I helped. I hope you’ll think the same thing when we tackle the cake phase of the competition.”
“Whoa! Slow up. We’ll deal with the cookies first.”
“Are you ready for the first round of the Bake-Off tomorrow?”
He took a drink of the cocoa, enjoying the warm, rich taste. “I guess I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be.”
“Just do it like we went over in the kitchen and you’ll be a shoo-in to win.”
He almost choked on another mouthful of cocoa. He swallowed hard. “You are certainly a dreamer.”
“No. I’m serious. I liked the changes you made to the cookie recipe.”
He handed her back the empty cup. “I wouldn’t have even known I could do that if it wasn’t for you.”
“I guess we make a good team.” Jillian poured the rest of the cocoa in the cup.
This was the moment for him to vocalize the one thing that he’d come out here to say to her. “I agree. I know that after you quit working for me that our friendship…well, we didn’t see each other much. I’m sorry I let the distance grow between us. I hope this time we’ll not lose contact again. I enjoy our friendship. I hope you feel the same way.”
She didn’t say anything at first, as though she were processing his words. “I would like that.”
“Good.” With the cocoa all gone and the chill in the air starting to seep in, it was time to turn back. “We should get going.”
“Oh. Do we have to? It’s so beautiful out here.”
“Blake will be waiting for us so he can secure everything for the night.” Avery found himself disappointed they had to call an end to the evening. He’d enjoyed it much more than he’d ever imagined, even if the kiss hadn’t ended as he’d planned. “We can do it another time.”
Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Sure. You name the time and I’ll make it happen.”
With a big smile on her face, she said, “I’ll hold you to it.”
And so he got the sleigh turned around and they headed back toward the barn in a peaceful, friendly existence. There was something about her that drew him in. He didn’t know if it was her undeniable beauty or something much deeper, like the quiet strength she exuded. But Avery couldn’t help but feel he’d missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime—not just indulging in a passionate kiss beneath the moonlight but also having a chance to build a real relationship with Jillian—a chance to kiss her every day for the rest of her life.
As soon as he realized the direction of his thoughts, he halted them. Theirs was a case of bad timing. First, he was tied up learning to be the guardian of his siblings. And now that he was free, she was involved in an on and off relationship with Glenn. Frustration balled up in Avery’s gut, dimming his good mood.