Christmasland - Anne-Marie Meyer Page 0,31

doubt myself.

“Did you enjoy breakfast?” I asked as I focused on the trail in front of us. I didn’t want her to see that a lot of my hopes rested on what she was about to say.

She chuckled. I was getting used to the sound. It was soft and low, and it sent shivers across my skin. I’d never realized how rewarding a smile and laugh could be until I heard hers.

“I did.” Then suddenly, she leaned in. I tensed as I waited for her to rest her head on my shoulder, that was how close she was. “Thank you,” she whispered before moving back to her seat.

My heart was pounding so loud that I could hear it in my ears. I swallowed as I willed my body to return to normal. She was just thanking me for breakfast. I was the idiot who’d allowed myself to hope that something different was going to happen.

That wasn’t why I was here in the first place. I wanted to give Beatrice the Christmas she never got as a kid, not get her to fall for me. Plus, I wasn’t in a place where I could entertain the thought of any kind of relationship.

I was broken, and from what she’d told me about her past, the last thing she needed was a broken man. I needed to be okay with that.

If I wanted to do what was best for Beatrice, I was going to get control of my emotions right now. Before I did something I regretted and negated all the good I was doing for her.

She deserved better, and I was determined to give her that.

No matter what.

12

Beatrice

“Let me get this straight, he offered to help you bake for the competition?” Em asked as she followed me around our room.

I frowned at her use of air quotes when she said offered.

I wasn’t going to lie, I was on cloud nine since our breakfast. Ethan was especially doting when we got back to the inn, helping me out of the sleigh and allowing his hand to linger for a moment longer than was appropriate if we were just friends. He didn’t meet my gaze to verify what I thought as I stood there holding his hand, but I wasn’t going to read into it.

After all, I was trying take a page out of Em’s book and just allow myself to enjoy what was happening as it happened. There was no need to obsess about whether Ethan experienced the same zaps of electricity that rushed through my hand from his touch. Because it didn’t matter. I was here, and I was going to allow this vacation to roll out as it needed to.

I sighed. “It’s not a big deal. It’s just a baking competition. You’re making it sound like he made a declaration of love or something.” I gave her an annoyed look, but if she saw it, she didn’t acknowledge it.

“He’s good,” she said under her breath.

That comment caused me to stop. “What does that mean?” I asked as I stared her down.

Em studied me and then shook her head. “Never mind.” She blew out her breath. “I’m excited for you. You’re going to have fun.”

I stared at her for a moment longer and then nodded. “I know. I’m trying to relax and enjoy myself. And I think Ethan can help me do that.”

“Of course. Then that’s what you need to do.”

I glanced at the clock. I had five minutes before I needed to meet Ethan downstairs, so I hurried to slip my shoes on. “Behave while I’m gone, okay? Once the baked good is out of the oven, I’ll find you so we can head into town. The bake-off starts at one.”

Em gave me a stiff salute, and I just laughed as I made my way over to the door and stepped out into the hall.

The inn was quiet except for the soft Christmas music that played over the speakers. I sighed as I paused in the foyer and glanced around. The smells, the sounds, all of it was growing on me. Christmasland was turning out to be exactly what it boasted it was. A place where time stilled and the holidays flourished.

“Are you looking for something?” Carol’s voice sounded from behind me.

I startled and turned, pressing my hand to heart. “Oh, you scared me,” I said.

She gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry. They don’t call me feather foot for no reason.” She motioned toward her reindeer slippers.

“Ah,” I said, not sure