Chapter 26
Three days before Christmas, the bell that Kacey had recently installed over the front door chimed just after lunch.
Helen looked up from the kitchen island, hands dusted with flour from an early batch of cinnamon rolls.
She quickly wiped off her hands on a tea towel and headed to the front door to welcome her new guest.
Her stomach dropped when she saw him.
Mr. Sykes stood in the foyer, shoes polished, wearing an expensive suit and an overly friendly smile.
He carried a sleek leather duffel, the kind of bag that looked expensive but impersonal.
“Well, Helen,” he said, drawing out her name like they were old friends.
“We are together again. I couldn’t wait to get back to this charming little piece of paradise. ”
Helen wiped her sweaty hands on the front of her apron and forced a professional smile. “Welcome back, Mr. Sykes. We’ve got your room ready. I’ll just need you to sign in.” She kept her tone purely professional. She didn’t want to give him any wrong ideas.
“If you just follow me to the office.” She walked ahead, keeping her steps quick and steady.
She stepped around the desk and sat. She pulled up his reservation and printed the reservation paper off. She handed him a pen to sign in.
His gaze lingered a fraction too long, and the way his mouth curled when he handed back the pen sent a small chill up her spine.
“Thank you. You are in room two.” She pulled the key out of the drawer and handed it to him. His fingers brushed against hers making her stomach churn.
She quickly stood up and headed for the door.
As they walked toward the stairs, he made casual comments that were a little too personal. “You must be working hard to keep this place so perfect. Do you ever get any time to yourself?”
Helen kept her tone light but cool. “There’s always work to do around here,” she said, stepping aside so he could go up first. “Plenty to keep me busy.”
She waited until he disappeared up the stairs before pulling out her cell phone. She had a battery full and strong signal. She debated texting Rebecca about Mr. Sykes but talked herself out of it.
She sent a quick text to Carolina just to say hello, then slid the device into her apron pocket.
All she had to do was stay busy and out of sight of Mr. Sykes.
For the rest of the afternoon, she kept herself busy.
She finished up laundry, added a few more ribbons to the garland in the living room, set up the tea tray for afternoon cookies and swept off the front porch and steps.
For the rest of the day, she made a fresh batch of sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas canes and listened to Christmas music.
Later that day, as the Christmas lights glowed across the porch garland and Christmas tree, she felt steadier. Busy hands kept the unease at bay, but she couldn’t ignore the prickle between her shoulder blades.
Three days until Christmas. Three days until she could breathe easy again.