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I’d reschedule my flight and go home early. I’d see my sister and her cute baby, appease my mom,andfinish my book before Christmas break ended.
But if I was leaving, I intended on getting at least one sleigh ride. I needed some one-on-one time with the snowy woods around here. Even if I didn’t get the actual writing done, I’d be gathering data that could be used later.
And yes, I fully realized this meant also having some alone time with the inn’s sexy, surly sleigh driver, too.
BOONE
We’d founda replacement sleigh driver. So why didn’t I feel better about things?
I stood in the barn’s opening, warding off drafts of chilled wind and the flecks of snow that gusted toward me with it, and replayed my conversation with Troy.
His dad had a broken tibia and needed to have his hip replaced as a result of the fall he’d had. I’d sent apologies and condolences, and I’d assured Troy I’d find someone to fill in for his dad over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“So great, man,” Troy had said. “Thank you. I can’t tell you what this means and that you and Junie sent food for my mom. She’s dealing with so much, you know?”
“I think the time of year adds unnecessary stress,” I’d said.
Troy had laughed, but I wasn’t joking about that one.
After we’d hung up, even though I’d given Troy the reassurance that everything was fine and that I was happy to take on Troy’s scheduled rides for the day, the stress of adding two more jaunts this afternoon before the sun went down tightened everything inside of me like a ratchet strap.
“Hey, hey, Boone!” Junie’s voice reached me before I saw her climbing up the walk in my direction.
She was always so loud, so goofy, so not-caring about what others thought of her. I had to admit, she added a flare to the inn that guests loved.
But did she have to shout my name?
“Hey, cuz,” she said again, slightly breathlessly as she stepped closer.
Pink tinged her freckled cheeks, and her smile showcased a single crooked tooth in the front.
“I’m standing right here,” I said. “You don’t have to shout at me.”
“Someone’s in a good mood,” she said sarcastically, holding out the papers in her hand.
I groaned, knowing exactly what wasonthose papers. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Why would I be?”
I snatched the proffered papers and looked them over. Sure enough, guests had filled out wish lists.
Several of these people were also signed up to attend the Christmas Eve bonfire. Why in the heck did they want another sleigh ride if they were already going on one?
“I just talked to Troy, and I’m taking his clients today,” I said with a growl.
“Perfect!”
“Does nothing faze you?”
“I don’t see what the problem is. You work here.”
“The horses can only handle so much,” I said.
While that was true,Icould only handle so much, too. Most of the time, it was couples out to have a romantic afternoon, one I was forced to be a part of. I often overheard things—private things, sometimes, that made me throw up in my mouth.
“Not to mention the sleigh maintenance that might pop up. And yet you’re giving me more?”
Junie folded her arms and gave methe look. The one that said she wasn’t putting up with my attitude.
