Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
HOLLIS
When we finish with breakfast, I have Candy go up and get her boots and coat. I want to show her around town. I don’t give a shit what Kindred wants right now, but having that all off my chest is a relief.
Over breakfast, I hadn’t asked Candy how she got here or why she chose my home.
We both know that unspoken question is hanging in the air.
I’m going to let her go at her own pace for now.
It’s hard to pump my own brakes. I have always been an all-in-or-out personality, but there are things I can do behind the scenes.
That way when she’s ready, I’ve already got everything handled.
It should be no surprise to me that when a woman caught my attention, I’d be the same way.
All of this should be irking me, but it’s not.
In fact, each new little thing I learn about her only sinks me further.
I recall my father saying he knew the moment he met Mom that she was the one.
She’d been a waitress that wouldn't give him the time of day.
He wore her down, and once he had her, he never let go.
I want to beat the shit out of this Max.
The only thing he is good for is sending Candy running to me.
That reminds me to pull out my phone and fire off a few texts.
Candy Gwendolyn Snow is a somewhat unique name.
My resources shouldn’t have a hard time finding out information.
I’d rather her tell me on her own terms, but I also need to be able to protect her.
“Are you sure you want to take me around town?” Candy asks when she strolls into my office. “I’m sure you have work or whatever.” I’m noticing that she worries that she’s in the way or being a bother. I want her to bother the fuck out of me and stand right in my path.
“This town pretty much runs itself. Then there is Kindred.”
“Why isn’t she mayor, then?”
“I asked the same thing. She doesn’t want that responsibility. I think she’s got other plans in mind for her future.”
Kindred loves this town. It's a part of her.
She doesn't say it, but I know she wants the rest that goes with that.
Married with kids and a white picket fence.
The thing is, I don't hear of her dating, but who is she going to date?
A local? I think if the man for her was local, they would have been together long ago.
“Well, I hope whatever it is, she gets it. She’s so sweet.”
“And a pain in the ass.”
“I can see that.” A sweet giggle leaves her. “The water thing was pretty funny.”
“I’m glad I could let her check something off her bucket list.” That makes her laugh harder. The sound causes my chest grow warm. “Come on.” I hold out my hand to her. She takes it.
“We’re not walking?” Candy asks when I open up the passenger door to the gator I pulled out while she went to get her things.
“You’re pregnant, and the cab will keep you warm.”
“This is like a fancy golf cart.”
“This handles better and won’t get stuck.” She slides in. “And it will keep you warm too.”
“You know, I might be pregnant, but I can still walk around.” Candy smirks playfully.
“I’ll park it when we get to the center of town. The driveway is slick. I think someone is coming today to fix the heat sensors in it,” I tell her before hopping in the driver's seat and heading down the drive and into town.
The way her whole face lights up when she sees something she likes is sweet as fucking hell. From the bits and pieces I’ve picked up from her past, you’d think she’d be jaded, but she’s not.
“This town is full-on Christmas.” It’s what we’re known for.
“It is. That’s the draw. It’s the town’s busy season. Come spring, it will lighten, but many still come out for the shops and bakery. There will also be a farmers market until summer.”
“I love that. What about summer?” Good, I need her to love it here, but if the city is where she wants to be, then so be it.
“That’s our time. The summers are slow and peaceful. Allows the locals to do a reset.”
“This is the kind of place you could raise kids.” More of the tension I’ve been holding over her leaving lessens. This is the plan.
“It is.”
“But you don’t want kids.” She says it casually, but I catch her trying to read my reaction out of the corner of her eye.
Maybe I wasn’t sure before she showed up in my life, but now that she has, there isn’t a single doubt in my mind about wanting kids. I want them, unequivocally. Starting with the one she’s currently carrying.
“What makes you say that?” Have I done anything to give her that impression, or worse, does she not see me as the fatherly type?
“Last night. You said it.” I think back, and it hits me. I let out a low chuckle when I realize what she meant.
“I said Kindred and I wouldn’t be having kids.”
“Oh.” Those eyes of hers light up again. “That makes sense.”
“I’m glad we got everything out in the open, and now there won’t be any more misunderstandings.” Candy wrings her gloved hands together. I’m not trying to upset her; that’s the last thing I want.
I park the gator, ignoring the glances from the locals. I’m sure word is spreading like a blizzard by now. Soon the whole town will be coated in the news. I reach over and grab her hands.
“No rush.” I give them a squeeze.
“I don’t want you to be mad at me.” She says it so softly I barely hear it.
“Never.”
“You can’t know that.”
“I do.” Slowly, I lean in. Candy’s eyes widen a fraction before falling closed, letting me know she’s more than okay with me kissing her. I brush my lips against hers; the kiss is slow at first. She feels like home.
My hand moves to cup the back of her neck, her silky hair brushing against it. I skim my tongue over the seam of her lips, and they part for me so that I can deepen the kiss.
I take my time wanting to savor every second of her taste as I slide my tongue across hers, exploring. When she starts to kiss me back, a rumble comes from deep in my throat. Pure fucking heaven is the only way to describe the sensation.
Candy’s fingers grip my shirt through my open coat.
My whole body is tense and aroused. My heart pounds, knowing this moment is only the beginning.
When I lift my head, Candy’s eyes are still closed, her lips are turned up into a smile, and those cheeks are a pretty pink again. She really is precious.
“Wow,” she whispers, her eyes fluttering open. “Are all kisses that sweet?”
“I wouldn’t know, but I believe it’s you that makes them sweet.” I brush my mouth against hers again before making myself pull back. “We might have an audience.” Candy gasps, glancing around. Most are doing well at pretending they are busy and not watching us.
“What are they going to think?”
“They’ll adore you. You’ll find this town can be protective of their own.”
“I’m not their own.”
“Once upon a time I’d have said the same, and now look at me.” I chuckle. “I think they voted me in as mayor because I wasn’t one for small talk or trying to get to know everyone. They cornered me.”
“That’s funny.” She giggles. "But I meant about my being pregnant and kissing the mayor."
"I don't give a shit," I tell her, and it's the truth. One thing I have never let rule my life is what others thought about me. Candy nibbles on her bottom lip. "But you care." She nods.
"I shouldn't, but I can't help it."
"With your coat and sweater, I don't think anyone will be able to tell. And if they can, there is no way someone would ask a woman if she is pregnant unless they are sure."
"Good point."
I smile. I feel like a king every time I can take away one of her fears or worries. It's addictive, and I plan on doing it for the rest of her life.
"Let's go see the town." I hold my hand out to help her. It's always snowing this time of year here, even if it's actually not actively doing so. It blows off the mountains that surround most of the town.
I keep her hand in mine as we make our way down the sidewalk. "These shops are adorable."
"We can go in." I nod toward Sugar Plum Boutique. It's one of the many holiday stores in town that sells decorations. It's more for tourists.
"No, it's fine. What would I do with Christmas decorations? I'm not even sure I have a home anymore."
"You have a home." I fight to keep the anger out of my voice.
I want to kill that asshole, Max. He'd done this on purpose.
Backing her right into a corner so she's helpless and has no choice but to rely on him.
I very much think the baby is a part of that plan.
Another way to try to trap her and manipulate her.
I'd be shocked if he actually wants the baby at all.
“And one that we need to decorate. Did you forget we have a party coming up?” I remind her.
“You don’t have a tree.”
“Bet there is one in there.” I nod toward the store. There is a place down the street that sells real ones too. “We could make a whole night of it. Decorating the tree and making holiday snacks.”
“That sounds dreamy.”
Good, I plan on making sure she gets all of her dreams.