“I think I’d stand in line with you.” I kept my tone light, but I felt the same way. “Avery is a great person who didn’t deserve that. She’s done a good job here and I’ll keep an eye on her. She’ll be safe here.”
On another note, I realized we might not have met the way we did had things been different. Who knew what life had in store for you on any given day?
“Thanks for listening and keeping this quiet. I like to have someone to talk to.” Jefferson clapped me on the shoulder, and I nodded, assuring him it was no problem.
We parted ways, and I took my notes to the office to get them backed up, typing quickly as I thought about Avery. I couldn’t help but wonder about our date we talked about, as well as the dessert she mentioned.
When I headed outside to get the new decorations up, I saw Avery turn right onto one of the more private paths and disappear. I glanced around, following her when everyone around me seemed to be too busy to notice.
“Hey, you,” I called out as she paused to look back at me.
“Hi, Ben.” Avery greeted me with a warm smile as I approached her, feeling a thrill when I realized we were alone. “How are you?”
“Doing great. I just got out of the meeting about the upcoming event,” I told her as she nodded.
“I wanted to check some of the lights over here. I heard they weren’t working last night.” She pointed to the right, and I licked my lips as I took in her beautiful face.
“I’ve been thinking about dinner. Are you free this Friday?” I asked her as regret passed through her eyes.
“I just made plans with my friend, Luna. we’re going to catch up that night but I’m free on Saturday night. How does that work for you?” Avery asked, making me smile.
“It’s a date.” I glanced around again, listening for voices. When it sounded like we were alone, I took Avery’s hand and pulled her into a thicket of trees.
“What are you doing?” She asked with a giggle as I pressed her into the trunk of the largest tree. I slipped my hand around her neck and stared into her eyes.
“This,” I told her before leaning in for a soft kiss. Avery eagerly responded as I pulled her closer, tasting the mint on her lips. I knew that we’d be left alone here and deepened the kiss, wishing our date was tonight rather than this coming weekend. “I’m looking forward to our date,” I told her in a whisper before I brushed my lips across hers gently.
“So am I,” Avery whispered back, and I slid my hand down the side of her body and under the hem of her shirt. I touched the bare skin of her back as she shivered, wanting to touch Avery everywhere.
Though the news about why she left New York wasn’t a secret to me, I sensed Jefferson’s concern about Avery going back. I didn’t want that either, but she didn’t move here with plans to stay.
I just never thought I’d get so attached to his sister so fast. That wasn’t in the plans, and I hated hiding my feelings for her from Jefferson. I’d never done that before, but he couldn’t find out about this, or anything else Avery did while she was here.
We kissed for a long time before pulling away for some air. Avery smiled and licked her lips as she stared at me. “Should we get some work done, boss?” Her tone sounded light, but I saw the need in Avery’s eyes.
“I don’t want to, but I suppose. We do need to add some decorations around this place.” I kissed her one more time, pulling slowly away with a sigh. “Want to help me add some lights to the main entrance?”
“That sounds good. This place needs to look good.” Avery smiled and straightened the beanie that bore the name of the lodge on it should anyone have questions.
We listened for a second and stepped out from the trees, making our way down the path. I glanced at her, seeing her rosy cheeks and the balm that she put on her lips as she walked. “That’s what tastes so good?” I asked, as she looked at me with a small nod. Avery chuckled, and we headed to the storage sheds to get what we needed, driving them over in a truck parked there for heavier items.
I watched her work, looking at her ass more than I cared to admit. Avery focused on her job when she worked, but I wondered how much she thought about her future.
Was she worried like her brother and, more than likely, her mom was?
We worked through the afternoon, setting up trees and Christmas figures before taking a break for lunch. A few of us went to the lodge restaurant and grabbed a big table, laughing and talking through the meal.
I sat across from Avery so there wouldn’t be any suspicion about the two of us, but I still watched every expression that crossed her face. She met my eyes a few times, offering a small smile before focusing on her food or the soda she sipped throughout the meal.
I had to come up with something good for our date and thought about it for the rest of the day, as we all worked. I checked inside to see that Valerie was wrapping empty boxes to put under the tree, making them vibrant and classic as she finished everything off with a bow.
What would she think about what her daughter was up to while she was here? Valerie Merchant seemed to be supportive of her kids and not judgmental, but this situation was a lot to handle.
Of course, she had Jefferson for a son. He dated Polly throughout college and, apart from drinking some, didn’t get into a lot of trouble. Avery seemed to be a good girl and focused on her goals. I felt there might be some wild times for her living in the city, but could they be anything like her life was here in Lake Placid?
Couldshe walk away from everything here if she got the right job offer?
I didn’t want to think about it.