Page 10 of A Newport Christmess

“It’s not a big deal,” I said, ever the pacifist—unless I was threatening strange men in their own house with an iron skillet. “And I’m happy to stay somewhere else now that he’s here.”

“No. Don’t be silly. His house is big enough for you both, and it sounds like you’re already using the space. It’d be a pain to move all of your stuff now.”

It certainly would be, but Landon’s scowl made the effort a preferable option. Besides, I couldn’t sleep in the same house as a man I didn’t know—despite how the thought of his being close by was oddly comforting now that I was pretty sure he wouldn’t murder me in my sleep. I swallowed my trepidation. “Really, it wouldn’t be an inconvenience—”

“I’ll sleep in the first-floor apartment,” Landon interrupted, leaning toward the phone. “Unless you’ve also rented it out without telling me.”

“Nope.” Nikki’s voice was light and cheery. “But remember, the groomsmen are going to be staying there the week of the wedding, so we might need to reassess the arrangements when I get there.”

Landon grunted his answer.

“When was the last time I told you how much I love you?” Nikki said to her brother. “Because you are my favorite person in this whole world.”

Kade’s muffled voice returned, his tone teasing, though his precise words were still undistinguishable.

Nikki laughed again. “Fine. A close second to Kade. But I couldn’t do this without your help.”

The crease on Landon’s brow disappeared, and his expression softened. “I’m glad you’re aware.”

“Speaking of,” Nikki continued, “it’s my understanding that Quinn has never been to Rhode Island. Make sure she doesn’t spend all her time working. She needs to see Newport at Christmastime. It’s like a dream, Quinn. You’ll love it.”

In a blink, Landon’s scowl was back in full force.

My head started shaking before I could even form an excuse. I had no intention of forcing Landon to take me sightseeing around Newport, especially when he’d made it blatantly obvious he didn’t want to. It was bad enough I had commandeered his entire house and forced him to the apartment downstairs. “I actually have lots to do if I’m going to get these gingerbread houses done in time, but thanks for the thought.”

“When you need a break, please take it. Landon is happy to show you around our hometown. Aren’t you, Landon?”

He didn’t meet my gaze this time. “Of course.” Though he’d agreed, his tone really said: ‘I’d prefer the crazy woman put me out of my misery with the skillet.’

“Well then, I’ll come see you both as soon as Kade and I arrive. In the meantime, Quinn, let Landon know if you need anything. He’s the best of the best.”

“And not a murderer?” I asked, mostly joking.

Nikki laughed. “Definitely not a murderer.”

He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “We’ll see if that changes when you and Kade get here.”

“Oh, Landon. Play nice in front of our guest. We wouldn’t want her thinking you’re a disgruntled host.”

“Too late for that,” I teased, only to realize it came out sounding more sincere than playful. This time, I avoided looking at Landon.

In the quiet that followed my comment, I could make out Kade’s voice telling Nikki they’d arrived wherever they were headed.

“Okay,” Nikki said. “I need to go, you two. But try to have a little fun, and we’ll talk soon. Love you, Landon. Bye, Quinn!” She made a kiss sound into the phone, and then the line went silent.

Hesitantly, I lifted my gaze to Landon’s less-than-pleased expression. “I’m sorry I thought you were a murderer.” I paused. “And I’m sorry for taking over your house. Had I known—”

“It’s not your fault.” He said it as a fact, not a reassurance.

“But I feel bad. I’m really fine to sleep in your rental downstairs.”

His gaze scanned the cluttered counter again, then drifted to the table. “Won’t you need to spend most days in my kitchen anyway?”

Of course he’d want to be downstairs where I couldn’t infringe on his privacy. “It doesn’t need to be this one, just a kitchen. Like I said, it wouldn’t be too hard to bring the stuff down—”

“Really, it’s fine.” He shoved his beanie back on his head. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

Unsure how hard I should press the matter, I returned the skillet to the overflowing sink and followed him to the door.