Free Broken Resolutions by Olivia Dade Page B

lot,” he said. It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the whole truth, either.
    “Obviously.” She rolled the cart into the workroom. “Okay, that’s about it. The rest of the food can stay out overnight. I already put the strawberries, champagne, and cheese in the refrigerator. I think we’re ready to go.”
    She picked up a fluffy parka and began to thread her arms through the sleeves. He took over, holding it for her and settling it around her shoulders.
    “Thanks,” she said, smiling at him.
    His heart turned over in his chest. The parka dwarfed her petite frame, making her seem even smaller than she already was. She looked adorable. His arms itched with the desire to hold her, squeeze her through the inches of down and weatherproof fabric. But he held off, knowing they needed to leave the library before he did something he’d regret.
    “No problem.” He searched for his own coat, finally locating it slung over a chair near the library door. “How does Sallie’s Diner sound for food?”
    She shrugged, zipping up the parka. “Fine.”
    “I’ll follow you to the restaurant. I want to make sure you get there safely, since the roads look ugly.”
    He dug in the pocket of his coat where he usually kept his truck keys. Not there. Not in the other coat pocket, either. Turning out his jeans’ pockets, he unearthed his wallet, a plastic-wrapped mint, and a tissue. Still no keys.
    “Problem?” she asked.
    “I can’t find my damn keys.” Frustrated, he looked around the library, searching for somewhere he could conceivably have left them. “I just don’t know where else they could be.”
    “Maybe your mom took them accidentally?” she suggested. “Do you want to call her?”
    “Good idea.” He took out his cell and tapped the screen a few times. As soon as his mother answered the call, he started talking. “Hey, Mom, I was wondering—”
    “This is not a good time, John McKenzie Williamson,” Brenda said, her tone stern. “I’m busy.”
    “But—”
    “If you’re trying to convince me not to have sex with Carl, you’re too late. He’s a speedy old devil.” Jack heard a low masculine chuckle in the background. “Good, though. Very good.”
    He shuddered. “No. That’s not why I called. Please, for the love of God, don’t tell me more. I just can’t find my keys. Did you grab them by accident?”
    “No,” Brenda said. “Are you still at the library?”
    “Yes. And not likely to be going anywhere else unless I find the damn keys.” He sighed. “I’ll call Roadside Assistance. Sorry to bother you.”
    “No problem. I hope you find your keys and get home safely. Love you, honey. But unless you’re bleeding to death or on fire, don’t call again.” Brenda hung up on him.
    Shaking his head, he looked around the library for Penelope. Where had she gone?
    He heard a door slam, and then she returned to the workroom. Her flats and parka were covered with snow, and she was shivering.
    “Why did you go outside without me?” he asked, pulling her into his arms. He rubbed his hands up and down her back through the fluffy coat, trying to warm her.
    “I wanted to get my car started so it would be less cold by the time we left. And I was going to clear off some of the snow from the windshield and side windows.” Her voice was muffled against his chest.
    “I’d have cleaned your car,” he said. “There’s no need for you to catch a chill. Your shoes and dress are pretty, but they’re not going to keep you warm in a snowstorm.” He took her cold, stiff fingers and sandwiched them between his own warm hands.
    When she huddled closer to him, he smiled. “I have to admit, though, you were extremely quick about it. I only talked to Mom for a minute. You’re little, but you’re fast.”
    “Thanks.” She raised her head from his chest. Snow had melted on her face, making her cheeks shine and her lashes spike. He brushed the wetness away, patting her face dry with the sleeve of his