Page 53 of Just Add Mistletoe

Austin grinned. “I think she’s looking out for her friend Lori.”

“Lori doesn’t factor into this decision.” When he saw the disbelief on Austin’s face, he continued, “I mean, she’s definitely a good part of Everly Falls. But there are many good things about this town. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.”

Austin’s smile appeared again. “I get it. You’ve only known each other a few weeks. But when you know, you know.”

Malcom wanted to get off the subject of Lori—if he confessed anything, he had no doubt it would make it back to Everly, then the entire friend group. He couldn’t do that to her. They’d kissed last night, and he was pretty sure she wanted that development to stay between them. “How was it when you met Everly? You’re not originally from here.”

Austin finished another bite of his food. “I definitely wasn’t looking to move out of my own town. My daughter had a good situation and routine with my parents helping out. I hadn’t realized what Jessica was missing out on without having a mom around. And me—what I was missing out on. Until we met Everly. Things fell into place after that.”

“That’s great,” Malcom said. “You guys are wonderful together. And you’ve been great to me. So thank you.”

“It’s not a problem,” Austin said. “You’re a good man. And it’s plain that Lori sees it too—and all her friends.”

Malcom wasn’t sure if he’d ever received so many compliments at once.

“I guess we’ll see you tonight?” Austin asked.

“I’ll be there,” he said. “But keep this idea of mine between us for now. I don’t want to set up any expectations in case things don’t pan out.”

Austin nodded and set his napkin on the table. “No problem.”

After they parted ways, Malcom walked back to the building site and his trailer. He hadn’t driven his truck, preferring towalk. Take in the sights of the town that he was thinking of staying a while in. Maybe. Time would tell. Before the dinner with Lori and her friends, he wanted to reach out to the construction crew—let them know that he was trying to find a way to keep them employed. He’d need their patience though.

Everything seemed to be happening at once, and he wasn’t sure he could pull it all off. In the middle of all his swirling thoughts, there was Lori. And their kiss last night. It had been on the edge of all of his decisions today. Austin had probably been right. Lori was definitely part of this decision. At least the decision to find a place other than a trailer to live in.

There’d been no communication between them since saying goodbye last night. What if she regretted things? What if she regretted him? His life was a chaotic mess right now, and she didn’t even know about the bankruptcy.

He pulled out his phone to call her, or maybe text her. She deserved an update.

But he’d rather see her and talk to her in person. Would the shop be busy now? There was only one way to find out.

When he reached the shop, he paused at the window display decorated for Thanksgiving. It made him smile to think that Lori was probably wearing a turkey-themed shirt or something with a cornucopia. He wondered what her earrings would be. Then he wondered if she ever wore the same earrings twice.

The bell jangled when he opened the door, and seconds later, he was greeted by Marci.

“Oh, hello, there,” she said with a wide smile. Her red hair was held in place by a dark green headband that matched her green sweater. “Looking for Lori?”

Before he could answer, she called out, “Lori, he’s here.”

He’s here?Did he not need a name?

“I think I’ll take my lunch break now,” Marci continued. She flashed Malcom a smile. “She’s in the storage room.”

Then Marci was gone before Malcom could even get a single word in. He stood for a moment after the woman sailed out of the shop. Then he heard footsteps and turned.

Lori had appeared, a roll of orange ribbon and a pair of scissors in her hands. “Oh, hey.”

Her expression was calm, but her eyes were curious, questioning even. She wore russet-brown overalls, a long-sleeved shirt, and yes . . . earrings that looked like miniature autumn leaves.

“Hey,” he said.

The air between them seemed to pause. He wasn’t sure what the right thing to say was. Was she happy about last night? Regretting it? Were things different in the light of day?

“How did the lunch with Austin go?” she asked.

She didn’t make a move to walk any closer, but he didn’t like the distance between them.

“It went great, actually.” He took a few steps, closing the distance. Her chin lifted, and her eyes remained on his, her gaze steady. He liked that.