“She’s never an imposition.” But Lily rocked back and forth on her feet, weighing her choices.
However,Jesse was right, like it or not. With her baby and the wedding, the last thing Lily needed was someone in her personal space, something I understood all too well.
I flipped my gaze between the two of them.“I’d hate to impose on you, Jesse, I can get a motel room.”
“Have you seen the motels here? They haven’t been updated in sixty years, and I think most still have the same original furnishings.” He walked to the door and lifted my bags. “I have the space, and it wouldn’t be an imposition at all.”
My heartbeat quickened. I didn’t know this guy from Adam, but he had already come to my rescue once. However, was he safe enough to stay with for the night?
I sent a quick look to Lily, who leaned in close. “He’sa good guy. Recently divorced. He’s been in Cheshire Bay for years.”
Really?“I don’t remember a Jesse though.”
“That’s because he bought the old William’s place a few years back. Renovated it too.”
“And the wife?”
She lowered her voice even more. “Couldn’t handle small town life.”
I nodded.Small towns were a complete 180 from a city life, that’s for sure.
“I trust him, as does Eric.We’ve hung out on the beach many times before.”
Searching my body and soul for any alarm bells, I gave inwith a gentle sigh.
“Don’t worry. I won’t say anything toCharlie.” My sister patted my arm.
My head bobbed in a way I hoped sheunderstood the importance of keeping her mouth closed.
Not that Charlie would care.
Not anymore, but still.
Heading toward the door, Igave a quick wave to Lily as she locked up.
“I’ll call a repairman in the morning, and we’ll have you back by tomorrow night.” She gave me another hug, and a small kiss graced my cheek. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Get inside. You don’t want to catcha cold before your wedding.”
She saluted me with a giggle and hopped over to Eric’s place – her place. “Why don’t you drop your stuff off and come back over for a Christmas drink or something.”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
I walked down the short sidewalk and joined Jesse. “So, I guess we’re temporary roommates?”
“Guess so.”He winked. “You don’t snore, do you?”
“Oh god, I hope not.” The very thought was embarrassing, and now I was terrified of making the unladylike sound. Good thing I’d brought a book to read, so I could stay up late and not fear any kind of deep sleep.
“I’m just kidding. The walls are fairly soundproof.”
We walked past Eric’s house and his neighbour before stopping in front of Jesse’s.
I hadn’tpaid any attention on my drive in, but Jesse’s place was covered in Christmas decorations. Although the lights weren’t turned on, judging by the number of strings and hanging stars, he could give Clark Griswold a serious run for his money.
Lily’s house didn’t have a speck of Christmas, which suited me just fine, as I didn’t celebrate it anyway. But this? Jesse’s was way over the top. And if the outside was this grand, what was the inside like?
On second thought, maybe my sister’s couch would be better.