Her Christmas Detective - Laura Ann Page 0,32

I can ask you guys to do that.”

“You’re not asking,” Bella said firmly. “We’re offering.” She turned and gave Henry her best smile. “Aren’t we, Henry?”

Henry’s eyebrows went up. “You sure you want me with a hammer? While I’m happy to pitch in somewhere, I’m pretty sure I’ll only end up with bruised thumbs if I try to build something.”

He’s not getting out of this that easily. Bella tapped her bottom lip. “I’ve always had a thing for a man in a tool belt. Maybe I should go help Hope find Enoch.”

Henry scowled at her. “Really? That’s how you want to play this?”

Bella opened her eyes wide, knowing she looked innocent and young when she did. “Play what? This isn’t a game.”

Henry rolled his eyes and huffed. “You, woman, are impossible.”

“Thank you!” Bella chirped. She latched onto his arm and jumped in order to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll make sure it’s worth your time,” she whispered in his ear.

Henry stiffened, then looked down at her, his eyes smoldering. “Oh, really?”

Bella winked. “Yep.”

He sighed. “Then I suppose having two black thumbs will be worth it.”

Bella laughed, still hanging on his arm. “Come on, Tim The Tool Man Taylor. Let’s get this party started.”

Henry grumbled, but followed her into the display room. Bella took a deep breath. She was all for helping her cousin and the inn, but this was going to be one heck of a project. “What do we do first?” she muttered.

“Start by taking out all the garbage,” Enoch offered from the doorway.

Bella turned to him and waved, grinning. “Nice tool belt,” she said, looking slyly at Henry.

His glare could have melted the royal frosting of Emory’s gingerbread house. “I’m starting to wonder why I put up with this,” he grumbled.

Bella sobered and took his hand, leading Henry to the far corner where they had a moment’s privacy. Guilt was slithering through her chest. She knew she was a tease, and the bantering and flirting that ensued was one of her favorite things in the world. Bella had found many years ago that if she wasn’t intellectually stimulated, she was quick to boredom, and that sometimes led to stupid decisions.

However, she’d also learned that people had a breaking point. And she found herself truly not wanting to cross Henry’s. He was amazing. Not only in his looks, but his compassion, his protectiveness, his sharp mind, and even his gruffness. She adored all those parts of him. So, hearing him say he was tired of her teasing had hurt, but was a clear signal she was going too far.

She swallowed her pride, as large and difficult as it was, and forced herself to speak. “I’m sorry.”

Henry looked taken aback. “What?”

Bella deflated, her eyes dropping from his as she stared at the ground. “I’m sorry, Henry.” She peered up from under her lashes. “I like to tease, but your comment made me realize I was going too far.” Her hands came together in front of her. “You know I’m not interested in Enoch, right?”

Henry nodded. “Yeah, I know that. You’re not the type to encroach on your cousin’s claim.”

Bella rolled her eyes. “While I’m glad you know I wouldn’t do that, I also just have no interest in Enoch.” She shrugged. “He’s nice enough, but not anywhere near what I’m looking for.”

Henry’s smile was slow and enticing. “Oh? Just what are you looking for?”

Bella began to draw swirls on his chest. “Someone tall.”

“Enoch isn’t exactly short.”

“Someone handsome.”

“Most women would probably call him that as well.”

Bella gave him a look. “Someone with dark eyes.”

Henry’s blond eyebrow rose high. “That’s pretty darn specific.”

“Someone who keeps me on my toes.”

He glanced down. “That isn’t hard. You’re always on your toes because you can’t reach anything otherwise.”

Bella frowned and slapped his chest. “Jerk.”

Henry laughed and grabbed her hand. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

Bella tugged on her hand halfheartedly. “I don’t think you’re very sorry. And all after I apologized to you.”

Henry was still laughing as he put his arms around her back and brought her in close. “You’re right. I’m not very sorry.” He grinned and kissed the end of her nose. “And I do appreciate your apology. You’re feisty and fun, traits that I enjoy, but no man wants to be told his girl is interested in someone else.”

“But I’m not—” she started to argue.

“I know you’re not, but you were still talking about it.”

Bella huffed. “Sorry. I won’t tease you about that again.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I