Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
SYANNE – DECEMBER 24 – MORNING
B loodshot eyes stare back from the mirror. Last night, after Reid and I spent two hours on his porch, bundled in blankets, watching the stars and waxing philosophical, I stayed up past 2:00 a.m. to make mint brownies. His mom’s recipe wasn’t difficult, but three layers made it time consuming. I look like a zombie, but it’s a fair price if these brownies lift his spirits. His veiled sadness tears at my emotions.
Not that I have feelings for him. That would be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. Even if I wanted to jump into a rebound relationship, Reid has sworn off dating altogether. Nope, we’re just two strangers who happen to be spending a few days together before we part ways forever. Purely platonic.
Except for emergencies , of course.
Sadly, no such crises occurred while star-watching. Though we did shift our blankets together to share body warmth, which might have distracted me from the wonders of the Milky Way a smidgeon .
A knock at the door pulls me from my reverie, and I hurry to answer.
“Morning.” I open the door to Reid, stifling a yawn.
“We’ve got just enough time to finish your bucket list before your sisters come.” He holds up a pair of ice skates, still wrapped in plastic. “I hope size seven works.”
“That’s perfect! How did you get them?”
“Would you believe I found them at guest services?”
“You’re amazing!” I throw my arms around him, inside his open coat. With my face against his chest, I hear his heart thudding in my ear.
I spring away, wishing the floor could swallow me up. “Sorry. I got over-excited.”
Reid tucks his chin down. “Sounds like an emergency to me.”
He pulls a goofy face, and we’re both laughing, the awkward moment forgotten.
Except I remember the hard planes of his chest.
We trek to the frozen pond, our conversation easy. As we sit to lace on our skates, Reid shares a story of Nanna playing a practical joke on her son, Reid’s dad.
“She sounds so much like Gramma.” I grimace. “In fact, it may not be a good idea for her to meet the grannies. If you think Nanna’s bad now, wait until she gets inoculated by the Underground Granny Matchmakers. She won’t stop until your bride is walking down the aisle.”
Why does that image make my stomach turn over?
“She can try,” he says, with a chuckle, “but it’s never going to happen.”
My insides do a happy dance, which leads to an onslaught of guilt. I don’t like to picture him married, but the alternative is worse .
“She’s not pushing me right now.” Reid stands and gives me a hand up. “Because she’s convinced that we’re falling for each other.” He shakes his head, eyeing me with a sideways glance.
What is he thinking?
“Did you tell her that’s ridiculous?” My voice cracks.
He blinks at me, like I’m crazy to even ask. “Something like that.”
His affirmation is a punch to the gut. Why does it hurt when he’s only confirming what I already know?
Fine. I admit I’m beginning to like him more than I should. I take a deep breath, determined to smother those feelings. “Let’s skate!”