Page 75 of A Newport Christmess

We caught up to the group as they started up the stairs. When we reached the top foyer, the group moved into another large, open room. A giant Christmas tree sat centered in front of a large window, its white lights the only light in the room besides the candles.

Quinn’s gaze darted about the room. “What a beautiful tree. And look at all the decorations. It’s so festive.”

“We’ll enjoy it from back here,” I said, taking a few steps back and pulling her with me. “I don’t want tonight to end in another Benadryl overdose.”

“Oh, good call. I almost forgot, and I’m not sure how I’d manage to get my decorating done with another six-hour nap forced in there.”

I actually tried to pay attention this time as the tour guide talked about the uses of the room and the modern updates different owners had implemented, but it was pointless with Quinn still latched onto my arm, nodding her head and smiling up at me excitedly every few minutes as the woman spoke.

When the group continued forward, I planted my feet.

“What are you doing?” Quinn asked, sending a worried look in the direction of the group disappearing through the far door.

“I thought you might like a few more minutes in here—without all the people.”

She bit at her lip. “Will we get in trouble?”

I shrugged. “Some things are worth a little trouble.”

She laughed but seemed to relax at my nonchalant attitude. “This really is amazing. Ghosts or no ghosts, I think I could spend a night here, soaking this in. Not too close to the tree, of course, but right here. Or maybe on those couches right there.”

We stood in the silence, Quinn enjoying the scenery and me enjoying Quinn.

After a minute, she looked up at me. “Your turn. If you had a visit from one of Dickens’ Christmas spirits, what would you want to be shown?”

I hesitated, nervous my answer would be a little too forward after her confession earlier. But just because I’d told her I’d give her time, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t be upfront with what I wanted. I needed Quinn to know that I was here and willing to give us a try whenever, if ever, she was ready. “I’d want to be shown what I could do to win you over.”

She stared up at me with those large blue eyes, her gaze darting to my lips, and her body unconsciously leaned closer to me. My hand came to her face, and she drew in a slow inhale, her chest rising and falling in time with mine.

“We should keep going,” I whispered, my voice coming out hoarse. “And, for the record, it’s not because I want to. It’s because I meant what I said about giving you time.”

Even if it took every bit of willpower I possessed not to kiss her.

* * *

“Do you think this will be enough?” Nikki glanced over the stash of food and drinks I was about to haul inside from the bed of my truck.

I grabbed out two boxes of soda and stacked them on a package of water bottles. “Considering the guys are only going to be here a couple of days, and most of that time we’re scheduled to be places, I’d say it’s more than enough.”

“Okay.” She checked her watch. “I have to run. I’m meeting Irene over at the Airbnb in half an hour to make sure everything’s good to go.”

I started toward the door with my load. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Oh, Landon.”

I stopped in the doorway and looked back at Nikki.

“Quinn is coming to the bachelorette party tonight, right?”

“She said she was planning on it.”

“Good. Sophia is going to bring her dress by, so I’ll have it there. Do you think you’ll have time to drop her off before you have to leave, or should I have Julie come grab her?”

“I can drop her off.”

Nikki smirked. “Of course you can.”

I heaved a breath. “I know you might not believe me after my confession—why I asked Quinn to be my date for the wedding—but the truth is, I really do like her. And you’re right. She does deserve to be treasured. I want to be the one who gets to do that—to treasure her. So whatever you have planned in that matchmaking brain of yours, please know that my feelings are genuine, and I’d very much appreciate it if you didn’t interfere.”