that she felt the same way he did, but he couldn’t tell her. Not yet. He couldn’t share all that was inside him until he had finished saving Gingerbread Inn and her family.
Only when that was no longer hanging over his head would he be free to concentrate on beautiful Bella and take their relationship to the next level. But the mystery would be able to wait until tomorrow. Tonight, he had every intention of enjoying the night with her by his side and letting the unknown hold for just a little bit longer.
CHAPTER 13
BELLA BACKED AWAY FROM the tight crowd, still clapping for the winners she had just announced for the gingerbread competition. She was thrilled for her cousin, even if Emory hadn’t quite achieved her goal. With the level of competition this year, it was amazing to win anything at all.
Bella smirked as she saw Mrs. Pearson huff out of the inn. The local, older woman had been beyond rude and had even tried to sabotage Antony and Emory. “She’s lucky she didn’t get kicked out of the competition altogether,” Bella grumbled.
She squeaked when arms slid around her waist from behind. “What are you complaining about now?” Henry’s deep voice caressed her ear.
A shiver ran up Bella’s spine and she spun to face him. There was something different about Henry tonight. He seemed...happier than usual. Like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders or something heavy was gone from his life. Reaching up, Bella ran her fingers through his hair. “Nothing,” she said softly. “I’m just happy for Emory and Tony.”
Henry nodded, his eyes never wavering in their intensity. “They both did a wonderful job.”
“They did,” she agreed, resting her hands against his chest. “So...what are your plans for the rest of the evening?”
Henry made a thinking face and contemplated for a moment before looking back at her. “I don’t know for sure, but I’m hoping it involves you.”
Bella grinned. “If only you’re that lucky.”
He smirked. “I make my own luck.”
Bella whistled quietly. “Wow. That’s pretty bold.”
He tilted his head and gave her a hard look. “No more than you.”
Bella laughed and patted his strong pectoral muscle. “Guilty.”
Henry brought his head up and looked around the room, then came back to her. “Want to get out of here? Spend a little time together?”
She narrowed her gaze. “What about the case?”
Henry leaned down very slowly, his look purely seductive. “No case tonight. It’s Christmas Eve. There’ll be time enough for that later.”
“Hmmm...” Bella tried to hold back her excitement and act coy. She loved working on the case with Henry, but their relationship had only revolved around it. She knew she had fallen hard and fast for him, and she was hungry for time without weird accidents hanging over their heads. “I might be persuaded.”
He pulled her in tighter and kissed her temple, leaving his lips against her skin as he spoke. “What can I do to convince you this is a good idea?”
Nothing. I already believe you! she wanted to shout. Her pulse was racing as if she’d run a marathon and the butterflies in her stomach were doing loop de loops. Her hands clenched the front of his shirt, giving away her anticipation. “Promise me a kiss or two, and I’ll take you to somewhere more private.”
“No promise necessary,” he murmured. “That was already guaranteed.”
“Cocky.” She tsked her tongue.
“Confident,” he shot back.
“Both,” she said with a smile, leaning back to look him in the eye. “Come on. Let’s grab a plate of cookies, then we can turn on a movie or something. We have a space that’s off-limits to guests.”
“On it.” Henry pulled away from her and Bella felt unexpectedly cold. She rubbed her upper arm and headed to the doorway to wait for her detective. A goofy smile played on her lips and she did nothing to hide it. She was so ready to be done with everything at the inn and just enjoy his company for a while. Bella wanted to know if his feelings matched her own and whether or not she should stick around after the new year.
As she turned to see him walking her way, a plate in hand, and him staring at her in that smoldering way of his, she felt pretty confident her feelings were not unreciprocated. “Ready?” she asked, clearing her throat when the sound came out far more breathless than she’d meant it to.
“Ready,” he said firmly.
Bella paused for a split second, feeling like there was a