Page 32 of A Newport Christmess

“That’s fine. It can sit in the house, unused, if you don’t want it.”

She huffed. “You’re ridiculous.”

I passed the boot display and stopped. “What size shoe do you wear?”

She crossed her arms and attempted a glare.

“Best guess it is.” Her low-top sneakers were tiny, so I grabbed the smallest pair of women’s snow boots I could see. “Size five/six. Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

She held her peace, and we continued to the counter.

“Is that everything?” Jim asked.

“Yep.” The display behind the register caught my eye. “Actually, can I get a pair of wool socks and those gloves,” I said, pointing to a gray wool ladies’ glove, “and one of those beanies?”

“Which one?”

I looked over at Quinn. “Do you have a preference?”

She dipped her head to one side, her glower impressively endearing.

“I think the black one would match her current mood the best.”

With a hearty belly chuckle, Jim rang up the items. “That’ll be two hundred and forty-eight dollars.”

“Two hundred and forty-eight dollars!” Quinn’s hand settled on top of mine as I attempted to pass Jim my card. A shock raced up my arm, likely from the unexpected chill of her fingers. “Landon, that’s way too much money.”

The pure look of sincerity in her eyes confirmed it wasn’t too much. In fact, if she wasn’t careful, she might be leaving here with several additional items. Man, was I doing a poor job at remaining neutral to her charms. “Bail would have been a lot more if you’d let Jim here call the police on me. Plus, I would have had a criminal record.”

A reluctant smile touched her lips. “Promise you won’t buy me anything else? I’m already indebted enough to you.”

“You’re not indebted to me.” If anything, with all the trouble I’d caused her, it was the other way around. I handed Jim my card, and he processed the payment.

“Here you go.” I shoved my credit card back in my wallet and offered her the shopping bag stuffed to the brim. “They’re yours to do with what you want, but if it were me, I’d probably put them on. It will be chilly out by the water.”

The depth of gratitude in her expression made it difficult to remain unaffected by her, but I couldn’t look away. “Thank you, Landon. Really.”

I drew in a slow breath and took a step back. It was hard to respond with her standing so close. “You’re welcome.”

“There you two are.” Nikki closed the door behind her and Kade. Her gaze dropped to Quinn’s bag. “Did you find something to buy?”

Quinn glanced at me, obviously uncertain what to tell them.

“She just got some winter gear, and I think she wanted to put it on quick.” I walked to meet them. “You know how it goes, living in California. Coats there are for fashion more than utility.”

Kade nodded. “That’s a fact.”

“Hey, Landon,” Nikki said. “I was going to get hot cider for our walk along the water, but I need help to carry them. Want to come?”

I eyed her suspiciously.

“Please,” she said, dragging up her bottom lip. “It will only take a minute, and Kade will stay with Quinn while she puts on her new … winter gear. Won’t you, Kade?”

“Happily.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Kade walked to join Quinn where she sat on a chair, removing her shoes.

“Impressive,” I said when Kade was out of ear shot. “Did you hire out or did you train him yourself?”

“Haha. Very funny.” She flicked her head toward the door. “You coming?”