“Well, it’s true.”
“Is this a bad thing?”
Her eyes glow. “No. Not at all.”
ten
KAYLA
“You never did saywhat you were doing for the holidays. We get a long break. What are your plans?” Nathan asks.
“Rachel told me that you never take the break. That you still come in even though everyone else is out.” I stand from my chair, needing to stretch. I got a lot done today. Little by little I’ve been getting this place organized. It no longer looks like a filing cabinet exploded inside of it anymore.
“This year is different.” His eyes follow me as I move a stack of folders. I’ve noticed that Nathan watches me a lot. I’m not sure if it's something he does in general or if it’s me. I like to watch people too, but you’d think I was twirling around here singing show tunes or something.
“This year is different,” I agree. “My mom is on a cruise. I’m supposed to go to my aunt’s, but I’ve been thinking of skipping it and spending it alone at home.” His face softens.
“Is it because of your dad?” I give him a half smile. I love the fact that Nathan remembers everything I tell him. That he actually listens when I talk.
“That’s part of it,” I admit. “This year feels different for some reason. I thought it would be best to watch a bunch of holiday movies and binge on all the sweets I plan to make.”
“That sounds nice.”
“A little lonely but maybe it will be good for me. I’m an adult now. I don’t live at home. I should be okay with being alone. I mean, you seem to love it,” I point out. “You still haven’t told me what you’re doing.” I try and get the focus off me and my sad plans. Plus, I’m curious as to how Nathan spends his free time.
“I have a cabin in Lancaster. I was thinking of going up there.” My mouth falls open. Everyone wants a cabin in Lancaster. It’s supposed to be one of the most magical places. There is a small little town that sits in the center surrounded by snow covered mountains as far as the eye can see.
“I bet it’s beautiful.” I let out a long sigh. My mind is already thinking about how fun it would be to have a cabin in the middle of nowhere covered in snow. You could cut down a tree from your own yard, put it up in your living room, and string it with lights. It sounds so relaxing to think about sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
“It’s quiet.”
I snort a laugh. I have no doubt that’s why he got a cabin. It has nothing to do with the snow or beauty. The main draw for Nathan is that it is away from civilization. He probably loves being there with only his thoughts.
“Does it have a fireplace? Do you chop your own wood? Is the cabin made out of logs?” I start peppering him with questions. “Wait. Show me pictures.” I walk over toward him. I expect him to pull out his phone, but he only watches me as I draw closer to him.
“You should come see it for yourself,” he offers.
“Is that a good idea?” Even though my first instinct is to say yes. I play it cool, leaning my hip into the table only a few feet from him. “You mentioned a few times today about people getting fired around here if they… you know.” I wiggle my eyebrows. He seems lost, not following my line of thinking. “Get it on,” I finally whisper.
He reaches his hand out, his thumb wiping the corner of my mouth. When he pulls it back, I see a small dot of icing there. He brings it to his lips and sucks it clean.
“No one is going to fire me,” he finally says. I lick my lips, still not sure this is a good idea. My body, on the other hand thinks it’s the best idea it’s ever heard. “How about you ride up with me tomorrow? I’m going to take some stuff up and come right back. I could use a hand, and you are my assistant.”
“Why are you going out there tomorrow? Christmas is next week.” We do, however, go on break soon. I noticed when I looked at the calendar that everything was blocked out after the holiday party. We don’t come back until a few weeks into January.
Disappointment had hit me hard when I realized that I’d have to go weeks without seeing Nathan. But then I’d remembered how Rachel had said he still tends to come to the office during break. I figured that even though I was off that I could still come in if he was working. Sounds like he won’t be here either.
“There’s a storm that is supposed to be rolling in soon, and I want to make sure the cabin is ready. I haven't been up there yet this year.”
“So you’ll need my help getting the files from the office up to the cabin?” I steer his answer to fit both of our agendas, wanting more than anything to say yes and go with him.
“Yes, I need you.” Why did he have to say it like that? I know he doesn’t mean it the way my mind wants him to, but it still lights up my insides all the same. I feel myself wanting to take another step toward him but stop myself.
“Bathroom!” I blurt out, turning and darting from the room. When I exit, I almost run right into Rachel.
“Are you running from him?” she asks with a laugh. Yes, but not for the reasons she is teasing about.
“Bathroom.”