Thinking about the past made her wonder if things would have been different if hed been home more. Or would they still have grown apart?
It was a question she could never answer, she reminded herself. Will was gone and she and Chloe were making a life without him.
The decorating is starting, Noelle said. For the towns window display contest.
Youve had your plan figured out for weeks, Isabel teased. Whats the big deal about winning this year?
Noelles gaze intensified. Seriously? You have to ask? If Im entering, Im entering to win.
Theres the spirit of Christmas, Isabel teased.
Theres the spirit of Christmas, Isabel teased.
Noelle ignored her and turned to Bailey. One of the windows is going to be a fantasy winter wonderland, but with a twist. All the decorations are funny and quirky. Like a pickle dressed up as Santa.
Chloe and I cant wait to see it.
Good. She glanced around the store. I want to go introduce myself to the owner. Her name is Lora, right?
Bailey nodded. Yes. Ive met her a couple of times and shes really nice. Im so glad she and her family moved to Fools Gold.
Isabel sighed. Youre an annoyingly pleasant person, Bailey Voss.
Bailey grinned. Why, thank you.
* * *
KENNY DROPPED OFF the toys and carefully secured the lock on the trailer. Each of the collection bins hed visited had been overflowing. He had a feeling the trailer would be full long before their deadline. From what he could see, the people in Fools Gold had a way of coming through for a cause.
He drove to Baileys apartment and walked upstairs to her unit. Anticipation burned hot inside, but he ignored the sensation. Hed deliberately made his position clear with her. As much out of self-defense as because it was the right thing to do. Even though he found Bailey funny, sweet and sexy, he couldnt take the chance. Not now, not ever.
She opened her door, her coat in her hand.
Youre right on time, she said with a smile. It must be all that sports training. Having to be at practice or games when they said.
He nodded because the punch to his gut made it impossible to speak.
There should have been nothing amazing about her. She wore jeans and a green sweater that matched her eyes. She had on some makeup and her hair tumbled past her shoulders in loose curls. Nice but not mind-shattering.
Except she was. The curves alone would drive a stronger man to his knees and Kenny was willing to admit that when it came to Bailey he was as weak as a kitten. Then there was the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. A mouth he wanted to cover with his own, explore, tease, nibble and lick. He wanted to taste her, hold her, strip her naked and
He sucked in a breath and steered his wayward mind back to reality. Naked wasnt going to happen. Bailey was his friend. He should think of her as someone like a grandmother. A lovely woman and nothing more.
The bins were full, he said as they went down the stairs. At this rate, its not going to take long to fill up the trailer.
Im glad. I was hoping I wouldnt have to activate the phone tree and make an appeal.
He held open the passenger side door for her. Theres a phone tree?
She grinned. Really? You have to ask?
She was standing close enough that he could breathe in a sweet scent. A little floral with a hint of vanilla. He would bet her skin was soft and warm and for a second he allowed himself to wonder if she was quiet when she made love or if she moaned. Because he liked it best when a woman moaned.
By the way, Chloe doesnt know, she told him.
He blinked, trying to find his way back to the conversation.
About the furniture? he asked, the pieces falling into place.
She nodded and slid onto the seat. I told her we were shopping for furniture, but she thinks were getting a new coffee table. I want it to be a surprise.
He closed her door and walked around to his side. I wont say anything, he promised as he settled next to her.
They headed out of town and got onto the freeway toward Sacramento. There was a sign on the side of the road announcing the opening of the Lucky Lady Casino seasonal ice-skating rink.
We should do that, Bailey said. I mean Chloe and me. Go ice skating. I havent in years. Not since I was a teenager. Do you think Ill remember how?
Sure. I skate. Ill take the two of you, if youd like. I can catch you if you fall.
Bailey glanced at him, then away. I wouldnt want you to hurt yourself, she murmured.
Not possible. Im athletic.
She laughed. Ive heard that somewhere. You used to play sports of some kind?
Very funny.
She grinned. I can be. The smile faded. Okay, Ill admit it. Im nervous about buying furniture. I know this is going to sound crazy, but Ive never bought this kind of stuff before. Not new, I mean. Ive always had hand-me-downs or something from the thrift store. When Will and I were first married, we didnt have any money. And later, we moved around a lot. When Chloe came along, plenty of friends had cribs and changing tables.
How did you and Will meet? he asked.
She glanced at him. In high school. He was a little nerdy and funny and crazy about me. We were friends more than boyfriend-girlfriend. I was focused on saving enough money to go to college.