“I’m okay if you say yes, Avery. I just wanted to be the first because I’m selfish like that. You’re perfect.”
I chuckled as I gazed into his eyes, wondering where this might all lead. As he kissed me again, I knew for a fact that I’d be staying the night here. It was too cold outside and unsafe, and I wasn’t done with Charlie.
CHAPTEREIGHT
BEN
I watched as Avery finished covering some bushes with Christmas lights, her face set in determination. I knew that she’d decorated several times here at the lodge and her experience was invaluable this time of year. She’d worked hard to finish up and with Thanksgiving in just a few days, the timing was perfect.
We also workedwith her mom inside and that looked incredible, with a large Christmas tree just to the right of the fireplace with chairs set around it so guests could enjoy it. It was ten feet tall and decorated with white lights and traditional ornaments in reds and greens with a country feel to it.
They werea breath of fresh air compared to some of the other seasonal workers.
There were also lights around the front desk and garland, as well as on the main staircase. It was spread out throughout the lobby but didn’t look overdone and I had the Merchant women to thank for that.
Besides being such a big help,Avery had been fun to work with. She was chatty and funny as you got to know her, and one of the most easy-going women I’d ever known. It made working with her great and I kept thinking about how I’d push for more.
She wasmy best friend’s little sister and so forbidden, but also beautiful. Between her looks and her wonderful personality, I found it harder to resist Avery with the more time we spent together.
Besides,if Charlie and Jack were pursuing her, why couldn’t I? We all agreed that we were comfortable with the idea and that it needed to stay between us. Jefferson could never know about any of this.
I just didn’t knowwhere to start. We wrapped it up as I looked around, eager to see everything later tonight. “Great job, Avery. You’re a lifesaver,” I told her as she offered me a brilliant smile.
“I’ve decorated herea time or two.” She joked as she brushed her hands on her jeans. “I think it will look great later tonight.”
“It will.I can’t wait. How about lunch now that we’re done? There’s a great place down the road I’d love to take you to,” I offered as she glanced at the lodge.
“You don’t have to.I can just grab something inside.” Avery tilted her head at me as she looked me over.
“I oweyou after everything you did. This place has the best chicken and dumplings you’ll ever taste, and I’ve been craving them. Let me treat you to say thank you for everything.” I grinned at her, hoping that she wouldn’t deny me this. I needed some time alone with Avery to get to know her one on one.
“I don’t thinkI can argue with that dish, though it’ll never be as good as Mom’s.” Avery laughed as she checked her braids. “We’re dressed okay for it?”
“Yes. It’s casual,”I assured her as I reached into my pocket to find my keys. “I’ll drive.”
We walkedout to my old Bronco, and I opened the door for her, glancing around the parking lot. Jefferson might protest if he saw this, but I knew he was busy planning some party in the large space that we rented out.
I madesure Avery settled in before closing the door and walked around to my side. Starting the engine, I buckled in and checked that she did the same before backing up to head to the main road.
It wasbeautiful as we pulled out into traffic. The snow settled on the ground and the trees took over the landscape on the right. I loved Peaks and never had the desire to leave after Jefferson mentioned this job to me.
Avery didand likely would again, so I needed to make this work while she was still here.
I drovethe few miles down the road, pulling into Cara’s Cafe and parking near the door. I opened both doors for Avery as she thanked me and asked for a booth by the window so we could overlook Mirror Lake while we enjoyed the meal.
Once we orderedsome hot coffee and two orders of the dumplings, I took Avery in with curiosity. “What made you decide to be a pastry chef?” I asked her after she’d sipped her coffee.
“I grewup baking with my grandma and my dad. Mom helped us, too, and we made so many of Gram’s old recipes from Germany. There were so many cookies that I loved helping with, and I still have those recipes. Once we made a gingerbread house when I must have been around seven, I looked at baking as an art.”
Avery’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, and her smile was bright. “From there, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I found the school in New York City and loved it there. It’s so different from here and I thought I’d make it big.” Sadness filled her voice and I frowned, holding my cup in my hand.
“Why are you here, Avery?”I asked, just knowing that something happened back home.
She playedit off as a long holiday break, but I could see that it was much more than that.
“My ex lostthe business I’d been working at through poor money management. It would have been a successful restaurant and got excellent reviews, but he got greedy. Once that ended, I didn’t have the cash to stay in Brooklyn. I came here and rent my apartment to friends for a while.” Avery shrugged.
“It’sholiday season anyway and I’d more than likely be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love the holidays in the city but they’re special to me here. It’s where I grew up celebrating and I hold the memories close to my heart.”