Free Christmas at Evergreen Inn by Donna Alward Page B

the dark depths, as if he recognized she was making an effort. When his lips curved up a little, she suddenly didn’t feel like skipping out on Christmas anymore. The problem hadn’t been the holiday, she realized. It had been being alone. Last year she’d been hurt and it had been terrible and inconvenient and humiliating, but what she remembered most was being alone.
    But Todd was here now. They didn’t have to take things fast, but he’d forced her out of her self-imposed Grinchy Mount Crumpet. Why should she turn her back on the whole season? Why should she let something bad have that much power over her life?
    Standing in the middle of the cozy store was an odd place to have such an epiphany. It was as if a weight had suddenly been lifted off her shoulders. Maybe the problem hadn’t been Jason. Maybe it was that she’d tried to get through the memories by boycotting the holiday. Now she realized the best way might be to actually immerse herself in it.
    â€œI’ll buy it on one condition.”
    â€œAnd that is?”
    She picked up the ornament and dangled it from her finger by the satin ribbon loop. “If I buy an ornament, I need a tree to put it on. And I might need some help putting up said tree.”
    â€œDoes this mean you’re actually getting some Christmas spirit?”
    She raised an eyebrow. “I think what you’re asking is if your little ploy worked.”
    His grin widened.
    â€œShut up,” she advised, winking at him. “Okay. You win. Hot chocolate, shortbread, and hand-painted ornaments. God, I’m so weak.”
    â€œNot weak. You just needed some incentive.” He’d taken off his gloves and his hand rested on her jacket sleeve. “It’s going to get better from here on in, you know.”
    Was it such a bad thing that she was starting to believe him? Getting involved with someone—trusting someone—was scary. She’d really been burned. And yet, for the first time in months, she had the desire to try. To take a risk, even one as small as putting up a Christmas tree and opening herself up to feeling again. Excitement and anticipation—two things she hadn’t thought she’d have this season—started to fizz through her veins.
    â€œThe fact that I believe you is kind of huge,” she said. “And I think I’d like to pick up a few more things, if you don’t mind.”
    â€œBy all means. I wouldn’t dream of standing in the way of holiday spirit.”
    To her surprise, Todd left her alone to shop. He went to talk to Rick for a while, and she browsed the shelves, picking up small items but glancing over at him frequently. Their earlier proximity to each other had fanned the embers of attraction, but now he was giving her space and instead of cooling the fire, it only stoked it further. She couldn’t stop looking at him. Even as she chose some holiday candles and a table runner, she was aware of where he was, the twinkle that always seemed present in his dark eyes, the way his lips curved up in a smile, which was most of the time.
    Damn. Todd Ricker was one of the most positive people she’d ever met. She needed more of that in her life.
    Maybe what she needed was more of him.
    When she’d finished her purchases, they both pulled on their mittens and headed back to her cottage behind the inn. Todd shut the door behind them and pulled off his hat, leaving his dark hair in cute little spikes. She pulled off hers and got the feeling it was standing up all over from static.
    â€œYou need a tree,” he observed as she put her shopping bag down on a chair.
    â€œI have one. It’s a bit late to get a decent real one anyway. I have a pre-lit seven-footer in my storage closet.”
    â€œWell, it’s better than no tree.” Todd grinned. “I mean, just getting you to put one up is a major thing.”
    â€œYou’re going to stay to help, aren’t