Page 77 of A Newport Christmess

“Obviously.” He chuckled. “But that was awesome what you had going on there. I could feel the sparks from here.”

My whole body was blushing, if that was even a thing. It sure felt like a thing.

Landon helped me down off the counter and took hold of my hand, leading me toward the door. “Tyler, this is Quinn.” He flicked his chin at Tyler. “Quinn, Tyler Baker.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” I set my free hand around Landon’s forearm so I wouldn’t have to shake Tyler’s hand. My whole body was still trembling from Landon’s kiss, and Tyler seemed like the last person I’d want to know that.

“It’s nice to meet you. And Landon, buddy”—Tyler’s hand came down hard on Landon’s shoulder—“it’s been a long time. Thanks for letting me crash here.”

“Of course. Nikki wouldn’t have it any other way.” His words seemed to carry an additional meaning.

“She’s the best.” He clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “So I’m assuming by the heated moment I just walked in on, I’m the first to arrive?”

Landon nodded. “And your timing couldn’t be better. Actually, it could have been better, but I have a load of things out in the truck I could use some help carrying now that you’re here.”

“What are those?” Tyler glanced behind us at the table. “Gingerbread mansions?”

“They’re the centerpieces for Nikki’s wedding, so don’t touch them, or she’ll murder you.”

“Got it.” He stepped closer to inspect them, lifting his hand in the air as if to show he was being careful. “Oh, wow. Look at the detail on these things.” He leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “I wonder how long it took for someone to make those. It’s incredible.”

“Quinn made them. And they’ve taken her weeks.”

Tyler’s gaze flew to me. “For real?”

I nodded.

“Wow. Not only beautiful, but talented.” He straightened and started back toward us. “Landon always gets the good ones.”

Landon’s hand tightened around mine. “Here. Let me show you where you’ll be staying downstairs. Then, you can help me carry in the rest of the stuff.” He turned to me. “You’ll be okay?”

“Yeah. I’ll start on Rosecliff.”

He let go of my hand and turned to follow Tyler out. A moment later, he reappeared in the doorway, strode over to me, and gave me a parting kiss that made my toes curl and my breath catch.

* * *

Soon the whole house was overrun with men. They all seemed nice enough, even Tyler, but I couldn’t help but feel like my presence put a damper on their party. The loud laughter coming from downstairs would likely be up here, too, if I hadn’t set up camp in the middle of the room. As it was, guys would wander through, checking the fridge and cupboards, before heading back downstairs to congregate.

“What would you think about moving the finished gingerbread houses up to my room ... well, your room?” Landon watched at my shoulder while I slowly plodded along on the decorating of Rosecliff Mansion. “I’m worried they’re going to get damaged somehow.”

I put down the piping bag on the plate. “Yeah. That’s fine.”

“Anthony,” Landon gestured to an athletically built guy rummaging through the fridge. “Can you help me carry these upstairs?”

“Sure.” He closed the fridge door empty-handed.

“All but this one,” Landon said, pointing to Rosecliff. He looked at the house they were going to start with. “Is there a special way to do this? Or do we just carry it by the cardboard under it?”

“The cardboard should be thick enough to support it. I used a few layers.”

As they picked it up, I held my breath, but the transition went smoothly. “Here, let me go upstairs and clear a space for it.” Upstairs, I moved a few of my things off the long dresser in the master in time for the guys to walk in with the gingerbread house. “Right here.”

They headed down again, and I waited for them upstairs until all three gingerbread houses were safely delivered—two on the dresser and one on the desk.

“Sorry to have you do that.” Landon came to stand in front of me when Anthony had gone, his discerning gaze taking me in. “You okay?”

“I’m just feeling bad.”