Free It's Not Christmas Without You (The Holloway Series) by HelenKay Dimon

what?”
    Shawn’s face went blank. “I don’t—”
    Just when she thought the evening couldn’t get stranger. “I think Shawn means hike.”
    “Ah. I thought you meant trees.” After spreading most of the remaining butter on his last piece of roll, Austin put it on the small plate in front of him.
    “You really climb trees?”
    “It’s my job.”
    Shawn threw back his head and laughed. People at the table next to them stared. When no one joined in this time either, he immediately sobered. “Wait, you’re not kidding?”
    “Have the shoes with the spikes in them to prove it.”
    Austin made the job sound simple. She knew differently. He risked his life because he thrived outdoors and had a love of nature in his blood. Another love passed on from his father. She’d never been anything but proud of Austin’s work and his dedication to it. He didn’t let fear or weather or anything else stand in the way of doing a job. She envied his laser-like focus.
    “Austin is an arborist. He checks the health and placement of trees. He often works with the utility company, sometimes with government entities and private landowners.”
    “Interesting.” Shawn shifted in his seat and leaned in with that just-between-men look. “I do some high adventure activities myself.”
    Carrie debated leaving the men alone to fight this out. They didn’t need her. Not with all the testosterone pumping around them.
    “At the museum?” Austin asked, managing to sound serious as he did.
    “On the weekends. Kayaking and hiking, that sort of thing.”
    One of Austin’s eyebrows lifted. “I’m impressed.”
    “There’s a group of us that goes out with a guide.”
    The brow dropped. “Not as impressed now.”
    “We go through training.”
    “That sounds safe.”
    Between the sarcasm and clanking of glasses, she had just about enough. “Austin.”
    He didn’t ask “what did I do” but it was there in his expression. “What? Safe is a good thing.”
    If Shawn was offended by the macho display or circular conversation, he didn’t show it. He stayed engaged. “You prefer things a bit more risky, I take it.”
    “Some things. Other things I want consistent and sure.” Austin’s voice dipped low and husky as he talked.
    The tone licked at her. She swallowed a few times, trying to break the sudden clog in her throat. “Are we still talking about climbing?”
    The corner of his mouth kicked up. “No.”
    “Maybe I should leave.” Shawn mumbled his comment but was already standing up.
    “Sit.” She pointed at the chair and didn’t stop until Shawn dropped back down. Then she turned to Austin. “Why did you really set this up? Other than the thing about me sitting with both of you and coming to some revelation.”
    “Thought I could help break the ice.” Austin nodded in Shawn’s general direction. “Help a guy out.”
    “I do really need to use the restroom,” Shawn said.
    Austin made a tsk-tsking sound. “Let the man get up, Carrie.”
    She didn’t know if Shawn was being honest or just matchmaking, and she didn’t have the energy to figure it out. “Fine.”
    Austin waited until Shawn was out of hearing range to talk. “The rolls are pretty good.”
    When he reached for another one, she pushed his arm against the table and held it there. “This isn’t a date.”
    “Maybe you’re not trying hard enough.”
    “You’re not getting it. I’m not seeing anyone else because I don’t want to, not because I haven’t had the opportunity.”
    He flipped his wrist and slipped his fingers through hers. “That should tell you something.”
    The warmth of his hand against hers made her sigh. “It’s my choice.”
    “And?” He rubbed his thumb against the back of her hand.
    Her nerves jumped around with each sweep of his finger. “Whatever point you’re trying to make, whatever you think this scene will prove, I don’t think it’s working. Shawn and I are friends and will only ever be friends.”
    Austin