Page 26 of Holding Holly
I nod, taking Holly’s hand. “Let’s swing by my office for a minute.”
“Why?”
“Time for you to meet Kellan Wolfe.”
14
HOLLY
As I walk toward the corner office, a strange sense of calm washes over me. If somebody had told me two weeks ago that today I would be at my sexy older boyfriend’s Christmas party with a quarter of the town in attendance, I would have freaked out from an overload of nervousness.
But James knows exactly how to calm me down. He found a dress for me that looks great. He continually assures me that he wants to be with me no matter what. Heck – he’s going to donate part of his garage and garden to my crafting efforts.
There’s no doubt about it: he’s a keeper. A gorgeous, funny, slightly food-obsessed, mild-mannered (except in the bedroom), sexy-as-heck keeper.
So now, I’m going to have to be the least shy and quiet version of myself for the next hour and prove to James that I can be the girlfriend of the police officer in Old Hemlock Valley.
Wait. No.
James already believes in me. I need to prove it tomyself.
We reach his office, and I quickly tidy up the things I left in there, stuffing my clothes into the gift bag and tucking my purse and boots under the desk.
“What’s all this about?” I ask.
“It’s my annual bonus and gift. It’s always given to me by a different Wolfe on behalf of the town. I guess this year, it’s Kellan.”
The door is half open, yet there’s still a quick tap before it swings open. “Hey, James.”
“Kellan, great to see you sir. Happy holidays.”
They shake hands, then James turns to me. “I’d like you to meet Holly Barnett.”
“Lovely to meet you, Holly.”
“Wonderful to meet you as well.” I shake his hand firmly. “James has mentioned that your family is extremely involved with the town. I’m personally very impressed to see how much you all buy from the bakery, now that I’m working there. I thank you for your devotion to our cinnamon rolls.”
He gives my hand a quick squeeze before releasing it, laughing heartily. “The devotion is only this extreme during the holidays when we’re dropping in on everyone for coffee. Things will be more balanced in the new year, I promise.”
Shaking my head, I wave him off. “I hope not. All that cinnamon is detoxing my system. I’m going to be healthy as a horse living up here.”
He laughs again, nodding to James. “Little fireball, this one. I like her.”
James grins. “That seems to be the general consensus, yes.”
“So – you’re a baker,” Kellan says. “Where are you from?”
“Not just a baker. I’ve been a server in Kingsville, a long-term caregiver in Charlotte, a bartender in Nashville, and I make candles and hand-painted crafts anywhere I can find an art table.”
“Candles!” Kellan snaps his fingers. “That’s what I should get Mom next year. I’m always scrambling to find gifts she’d like.”
“Well, just give me a shout once the busy-ness of the holidays dies down for you. I’d love to design a whole set of candles with her favorite flowers, fragrances, dried fruit. Maybe cinnamon and orange slices for the holidays.” I shoot James a sideways glance. “I bet I could even embed tiny sugar cookies or candy canes if I could trust thatsomeonewouldn’t eat them all before I was finished.”
Kellan laughs again. “She’s already got you figured out.” He pulls an envelope from his inner jacket pocket. “Thanks for another great year, James. The entire town is grateful for all you do.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m grateful for the best job I’ve ever had.”
Kellan nods to both of us. “We can’t stay long. Family business. I have to drag my brothers away. Enjoy the party.” He turns to leave, then grins back at me. “Welcome to town, Holly. Have fun keeping this one on his toes.”