Chapter 10
KENNEDY
I'd spent the day exploring the property in my new hiking boots. I'd met Callum, who managed the inn, and spent time talking to Hunter, who was in charge of outdoor activities.
I was getting more insight into the guest experience and how the businesses were run.
Colorado was unique. The terrain was like nothing I'd ever seen before. I almost wished that Boone was here to talk about the property. I had a feeling there were stories that he could share. I enjoyed his company, even if he was grumpy most of the time.
It was disappointing that Boone didn't like my snow-room idea, but I couldn't let Boone's skepticism alter my opinion. I'd never gone wrong with taking risks. It was the out-of-the-box ideas that drew attention.
I was surprised that Boone offered to take me to Christmas Town and to dinner. Was he regretting his reaction to the snow-room idea?
I met Boone in the lobby.
He was leaning against the counter again, but there was no one working. As soon as I came into view, he straightened. "You ready?"
I smiled, curling my hand around his elbow. "I'm excited to see a town that revolves around Christmas."
"I heard you went hiking."
"Thank you so much for the boots. Hunter was a great guide," I said as we walked outside into the cold air.
He frowned. "Hunter took you around?"
"You inspired me to get the full guest experience. Not just hot tubs on balconies.”
He opened the truck for me, and I got inside. He seemed upset that Hunter had shown me around, and I wondered why he cared. I thought he hated being my tour guide.
When his door was closed, he turned to me. "I can take you around. Just let me know what you want to do."
I waved a dismissive hand in his direction. "You were working, and Hunter said he didn't have any tours today. It was fine."
"Call me next time you want to go somewhere."
I rolled my eyes, even though he probably couldn't see it in the dark. "I can take care of myself."
He glanced over at me. "You're a city girl. You're not used to the weather or the terrain."
"That may be the case, but I can figure it out."
"I'm sure you can. But you shouldn't have to."
I looked at his profile. "You're the protective type, huh?"
He frowned and glanced over at me. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"My friend, Jodi, has a theory about Miami men. They look great, wear the right clothes, and there's never a hair out of place. But they're also clean shaven and want nothing to do with the outdoors. She said I should find a mountain man while I was here.”
He huffed out a breath. "And I guess I fit the bill? If I chop some wood, I'm a man?"
I leaned forward. "Do you chop wood?"
A crease appeared on his forehead. "I have a woodburning fireplace in my workshop and the apartment above.
"I'm going to take pictures of you chopping wood. You know, to please Jodi," I was quick to add.
"I don't know how I feel about that. I'm starting to feel like a sex object."
I laughed. "You're not the type of man we run into in Miami, and I think I like it."
He shifted in his seat. "How am I different? Other than the clothes and hair."
"All the muscles and your rough hands. The way you handled me, like I weighed nothing."
He parked in a lot behind the Mistletoe Inn. "I'm glad you like it."
"I'm hoping that we can continue what we started.
You know, at your place, where no one can see us," I said quickly, a little nervous that I'd said it out loud.
Maybe I should have just let the relationship run its course.
If we hooked up, great. If not, I'd have to be okay with that.
But I wasn't a fan of leaving things to chance.
Even if that had been working great so far.
He arched a brow. "You think that's wise?"
"No one ever has to know. We enjoy our time together, and then we go our separate ways. It has nothing to do with why I'm here. We keep everything separate."
"If you think we can do that?"
I wasn't sure of anything but how compatible we were in bed. "I know I want you."
He ran a hand through his hair. "I can't argue with that."
I smiled. "Then it's settled. Now show me Christmas Town."
We met at the hood, and I wrapped a hand around his elbow again, letting him lead me around the quaint town. We paused at the square, admiring the huge, decorated tree and Santa's workshop.
"You want to grab a hot chocolate?" He pointed at a food truck with the sign Hattie's Hot Cocoa. "That's Rowan's fiancée's business."
"I'd love some. I think I've seen her sign in the inn."
"Yeah, we serve her hot cocoa there now. It's good." He lowered his voice. "Better than what's served at the coffee shop. Just don't tell Meg if you see her."
I smiled. "I'll be sure to keep it a secret."
The window opened, and a girl with long, straight brown hair leaned out the window. "Boone, what are you doing out? I never see you in town."
He gestured at me. "I'm showing Kennedy around. Have you met our designer yet?"
I was pleased he'd referred to me in a positive manner.
Hattie's gaze shifted to me, and she smiled. "I haven't met Kennedy yet, but I've heard things."
"All good, I hope."
She chuckled. "You're shaking things up around here, which is always nice. It's great to meet you, Kennedy. I hope you're enjoying your stay."
I smiled. "Oh, yes. Colorado is very different from Miami."
"You mean it's cold?" Hattie teased.
"There's so much open space, and the view of the mountains is something I don't think I'll ever get used to," I admitted.
Boone looked at me as if he was surprised by my answer. "Can I get two hot chocolates?" he asked Hattie.
"Coming right up." Hattie moved away from the window.
"I didn't realize that you liked Colorado so much," Boone said to me.
"I don't think we've talked about it that much. Other than to point out that I'm from Miami and it's so different from here." As if that was all that mattered when it came to his assessment of me. I was a city girl and couldn't possibly enjoy all Colorado had to offer.
"Huh," he murmured.
Hattie set two to-go cups on the counter, and Boone handed her cash.
Hattie placed the money in her till. "What are your plans for the night? We've been enjoying the skating rink. It's one of the newer additions to Christmas Town."
"We haven't decided yet. Is ice skating the draw now?" Boone gestured at the rink.
"Now that Christmas is over, the crowds seem to have migrated there. Santa still makes an occasional appearance at the square, but the light trail is closed for the season."
"I'm sorry I missed the main holiday season. I bet it's magical here that time of the year." I sipped my hot cocoa.
Hattie's eyes flashed with joy. "I hope you're able to visit then. It is really the best time of year."
Another customer appeared behind us.
"It was nice to meet you, Kennedy. Enjoy your night," Hattie said.
We moved closer to the rink. There were couples holding hands and little kids pushing skate trainers to help with their balance.
"You want to try it?" Boone asked me.
"I thought we were supposed to see the town itself." I was here for research after all. If we went ice skating, that would take the entire evening.
"If you want to get a feel for a place you have to partake in the festivities."
"If you think I should, then let's do it." My heart rate picked up. "But you should know, I've never been on skates."
Boone nodded. "There's a first time for everything."
I appreciated that he wasn't irritated with me or hadn't mentioned how I'd once again showed my city-girl ways. And I secretly enjoyed that I was experiencing this for the first time with Boone.
He handed me his cup. "I'll grab the skates."
I sat on a nearby bench and waited for him to pay for our skate rentals. He must already know my size since he'd guessed right on my hiking boots. When he returned with two pairs of skates, he knelt in front of me, sliding off my shoe.
He helped me maneuver my feet into the stiff boots and adjust them so that they were snug. Then he sat next to me and secured his skates.
I watched nervously as others made their way to the gate for the rink. How was I going to skate on ice? I was going to make a fool of myself. This was crazy. I should have stuck to the tour of the town. That was safe. There was no way I could get hurt walking on steady ground.
Boone stood and held his hand out.
I licked my lips. "I can watch you for a bit."
His eyes crinkled at the corners. "No can do. I said I'd take you skating."
My nose pinched. "I've never skated before. It's going to be a disaster."
"But you might have fun," he drawled as if he was amused by my reluctance.
I let out the breath I'd been holding.
He raised a brow, his hand still outstretched. "Do you trust me?"
My heart softened because I did. He'd taken care of me in more ways than one. So I placed my gloved hand in his. "Yes."
He grinned as he assisted me to stand.
It was awkward walking on blades, but when we reached the gate, my heart was beating wildly. "What if I fall?"
"You probably will," he said matter-of-factly while we watched a seven-year-old fall on her butt, laughing as her friend pulled her up.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"It's the law of averages. You've never done this before, and it's ice. You're going to wobble and most likely fall. But you'll get back up again, and I'll be there to help you."
I loved the idea of him staying by my side. "Don't leave me."
"I won't." He stepped onto the ice, turning to face me. "Now it's your turn."
"Here goes nothing," I murmured as I took one tentative step onto the ice and immediately wobbled.
He pulled me into his chest and said into my ear. "I've got you."
I shivered at the tickle of his breath across the shell of my ear. Those words settled deep in my soul. I always took care of myself, but it was nice to have someone by my side, protecting me and caring for me.
He kept my hand in his and put his free one on my lower back. "You ready to push off?"
I nodded shakily.
"We're going to stick to the edge so you can grab onto the wall if you need to. But I'm here on the other side."