Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

“Here you go, cutie,” Danny said as he handed Pumpkin a treat. Pumpkin gingerly took the treat from him, and as soon as she had a decent grip on it, she ran full speed to her dog bed in the living room. Bells sat at Danny’s feet, watching the overly excited pup. When she disappeared, Bells looked up at Danny and yawned.

He chuckled. “She does have a lot of energy. I bet she wears you out.”

The cat rubbed against his leg until he reached down and scooped her up. She snuggled into his chest, content as he scratched her ears.

It was Wednesday, three days after he’d moved into Marissa’s house, and although they hadn’t seen much of each other, so far, he’d only had two visions of her, both of them minor. One had been of a glass falling at the pub that resulted in a minor cut, and the other had been a flat tire that could have caused her to be stranded on the side of the road. But because he’d warned her, she’d been able to avoid both accidents. He couldn’t be sure, but it seemed likely that because they were sharing a house and spent more time in proximity to another, that the curse had lessened in intensity. At least he hoped that was what was going on. Maybe if they at least managed to repair their friendship, it would be enough to break the curse entirely.

He certainly hoped so. Because while he’d love to pick up where they left off sixteen years ago, it was clear to him that they were different people now, with different goals and priorities. There couldn’t be any move toward any sort of romantic relationship until they got to know each other better.

Unfortunately, he hadn’t seen as much of her as he’d hoped. With Marissa working in the evenings and him working during the day, unless he went to the pub or stayed up late, he was unlikely to see her at all. However, she had taken to leaving him dinner in the fridge and he’d reciprocated by making sure she had coffee ready in the pot before she got up.

It was a nice setup, but unless he was willing to stalk her at the pub every night, his only interaction had been through notes that they left each other on the counter.

He glanced at the clock. It was just after five. He’d left work early so that he’d have time to stop in at Marissa’s to clean up before heading over to Zach’s tree farm. It was the annual Christmas Tree Festival that night. Zach had generously offered him a table to sell his pottery, so Danny had spent a few days the week before making special mugs for the occasion. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but either way, he was happy to be included.

Before he headed to the shower, he opened the refrigerator door and was disappointed to see that Marissa hadn’t left him dinner. Not that she was obligated to feed him. He just liked knowing that she’d thought of him. He shut the door and grabbed a cookie from the jar, telling himself he’d pick up something on the way to Zach’s.

“Pumpkin just scammed you,” Marissa said, walking into the kitchen. “That’s her third treat in the last hour.”

He jerked his head up in surprise. “Marissa, I didn’t even know you were here.”

“It’s my day off.” She smirked at him. “I do take days off, you know.”

“I should hope so,” he said with a smile. “I didn’t see your car outside.”

“It’s still at the shop. They’re doing the alignment and rotating tires while they fix the flat. I should have it back tomorrow.” She walked into the kitchen, paused to scratch Bells’s ears and then headed for the fridge. “Are you hungry? I was just about to make something to eat.”

He wanted to say yes. Wanted to sit down and have dinner with her like he had on Sunday. But he didn’t have time. “I’d love to, but I’ve got to get a quick shower and head out to the Christmas Tree Festival.”

“Oh, right. That’s tonight,” Marissa said, looking thoughtful. “Are you participating in the craft booths or just helping Zach?”

“I have a table.” He finished off his cookie. “You should come by if you’re not working… Wait, you don’t have a car. You could ride with me if you don’t mind staying the entire time.”

Her eyes lit up, and he was sure she was about to say yes, but then she gave him a slight frown. “I would, but it’s girls’ night. Clara and Felicity are coming over. It’s sort of a ritual. Tonight we’re supposed to make our annual holiday cookies for our staff holiday parties.”

“That sounds like fun, too,” he said, though his response lacked enthusiasm. He was surprised at how disappointed he was. The invite had been a spur of the moment thing. And he’d be busy working his booth.

“It always is,” she said, though she didn’t sound any more enthusiastic than he did.

“I’d better get cleaned up.” Danny hurried past her to his bathroom and took a quick shower. Fifteen minutes later, he walked back into the kitchen and was surprised when she handed him a brown paper bag. “What’s this?”

“I made you a roast beef sandwich. I hope you still like cheddar cheese. I left off the onions since you’ll be dealing with the public,” she said with a wink. “There’s this also.” She handed him a thermos. “Hot coffee to keep you warm.”

He held the bag and the thermos, warmth spreading through him. The urge to lean down and kiss her overtook him, but he took a small step back, trying to keep from falling under her spell. “Thank you, Marissa. This is really thoughtful.”

She shrugged. “I’d do it for any of my friends. ”

“Friends?” he repeated as he smiled down at her. “Is that what we are?”

She flushed slightly but didn’t look away. “We’re sharing a house and looking after each other. I’d say it’s a good start, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes.” Danny nodded, and then deciding to throw caution to the wind, he moved forward and brushed his lips over her cheek as he whispered, “You’re the best.”

The flush deepened on her cheeks, and he couldn’t help but be pleased with himself.

“Go. Before you’re late. And good luck. I hope you sell out.” She waved him off.

Danny just stood there, taking in her fresh appearance. She was barefoot, wearing jeans and a red Christmas sweater, and she’d pulled her red hair into a sleek ponytail. He wanted to put the food down, call his cousin and tell him he couldn’t make it, and then curl up on the couch with her while they cuddled and watched heartwarming holiday flicks. It was something she’d always wanted to do when they were younger, but he’d always argued, insisting that they watch something they’d both enjoy, like Die Hard or Home Alone . He’d been such a dumb kid back then. Because tonight, he’d gladly put on any holiday movie she wanted just so he could be near her.

“Danny?” she said. “Something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, no.” He scrambled for something to say that wouldn’t out him as a lovesick sap who wanted nothing more than to watch cheesy holiday movies with his ex. “I was just thinking that I could use a baking night sometime this week, too. It would be nice to offer some cookies to the customers as they come in to do their Christmas shopping.”

“I can leave some recipes out for you if you’d like,” she offered.

“That would be great.” He thanked her again for the food and then hurried out of the house before he did something stupid, like confess that he’d never stopped loving her. Once he was in his 4Runner, he let out a long sigh and hoped he’d get home in time to watch one of those holiday movies after all.

“There you are!” Zach said when Danny finally walked through the gates of the Frost Family Tree Farm. The place was buzzing with activity. Other artists were busy setting up their booths. They had everything from handmade soaps to original paintings. Although he was surprised to find Clara there with her blown glass after Marissa had indicated they were having girls’ night.

He left his handcart at his table and walked over to her booth. She had two tables full of different snow globes. Each depicted a magical snowy scene from Christmas Grove. And to his surprise, he saw one that actually had his shop inside. He immediately picked it up and admired the detail. In addition to his store sign, Pottery Grove, there were also very small pots and mugs in the windows of his gallery .

“Clara, this is amazing. Did you do all this work yourself?” he asked her.

The bubbly dark-haired beauty spun around, noticing him for the first time. “I did! Please tell me I got the details right. It’s always a little stressful when I use a real place in these. I wouldn’t want to spell something wrong or, goddess forbid, add a cat when there’s supposed to be a dog.”

The slightly nervous energy coming off her just added to her charm and made Danny smile as he said, “It’s perfect. In fact, it’s so spot on that I want to buy it. Do you take credit cards?”

“Of course,” she said, beaming as she pulled it from his hands. “But for you, it’s half price.”

“You don’t have to do that,” he said, shaking his head as he frowned at her. As a craftsperson himself, he knew just how easy it was to be tempted to give away his work when someone was excited about it. It was something he suspected he’d always battle. But he’d be damned if he let a fellow artist shortchange themselves, especially when there was no reason to. “It’s worth more than double what your regular price is anyway.”

“But you fixed my kiln. For free, I might add. And if you hadn’t done that, this table wouldn’t be full tonight.” She wrapped the globe up in brown paper and placed it into a holiday themed paper bag. As she handed it to him, she added, “Don’t argue with me, or I won’t charge you anything at all.”

He let out a bark of laughter and shook his head. “Fine. You win. But only this one time. After this, we’re even. ”

She just smirked at him. “We’ll see.”

Danny opened his mouth to tell her that she was impossible, but his eyesight blurred and a vision hit him, sending horror through his entire body. The moment he came out of the trance, he leaped into action, running full out toward the large Christmas tree in the middle of the clearing. Just before he reached his destination, a large man threw a punch, knocking a taller thinner man right into the tree.

Danny saw the mother’s eyes of the small child widen in horror as she lurched for her son just as the tree started to topple. He jumped in front of them, his arms wide, taking the full brunt of the tree as it fell right on him. He landed sideways, flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him and the tree pinning him down.

There were screams and cries all around him, but Danny couldn’t see anything except Christmas tree needles.

“Danny!” Zach called. “Danny, are you okay?”

“Is the kid okay?” Danny huffed out.

“The kid? What kid?” Zach asked, moving a branch so that Danny could see his face.

“The toddler. The one that was standing here a second ago.” Everything hurt, though not enough for Danny to think there was any permanent damage.

“He’s fine,” a woman’s voice said right before the petite blonde appeared in his field of vision. “You saved him. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Danny closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. “Good. As long as he’s safe. ”

“Don’t pass out on me,” Zach said. “We’re going to get this tree off you in just a moment. But don’t move. Not until the paramedic gets a look at you, got it?”

“Sure,” Danny said, blinking to try to keep his eyes open. The lights were causing his head to throb.

It wasn’t long before the tree was removed from Danny’s body. He lay there in the dirt, staring up at the crowd gathering around him. He blinked, his vision starting to clear now that the lights from the tree weren’t blinding him.

“How are you doing, Danny?” a woman with a small flashlight asked as she pointed the light right into one eye.

He winced and tried to look away. “I was better before you blinded me with that light.”

She chuckled softly. “Feisty. That’s a good sign.”

Danny frowned at her. “Can I get up now? This ground is cold.”

“I bet. Let me just check you out a little bit first.”

“Nothing is broken,” he complained.

But she tsked and told him she’d be the judge of that. After thoroughly inspecting his limbs and shining the light into his eyes one more time, she sat back. “Okay. I think you’ll live. I don’t see any signs of broken bones or a concussion. But you’ll probably be a little bruised for a few days. If you need anything for the pain, head to the urgent care. Got it?”

“Sure, doc.” He gingerly sat up and winced when his back complained.

Zach held out a hand, helping him to his feet. He was wet and dirty from the melted snow, but other than shuffling like an old man due to his back, he decided he hadn’t suffered any permanent damage.

“What happened to the two bozos who decided to pummel each other’s faces?” Danny asked Zach as he sat down in his chair at his table.

“Idiots. They’ve been hauled off to the drunk tank at the sheriff’s office. Turns out they’d had a little too much cheer before they came here and decided to have a fist fight over a girl they were both trying to date. Neither of them are worth talking about. However, the fact that you saved that kid? Now that is going to be the town news for the next few days. I hope you’re ready to be the local hero.”

Danny groaned. “I don’t need all that. I was just trying to?—”

“There you are!” the petite blonde cried as she hurried over. Her son was in her arms and wrapped around her body, holding on for dear life. “What can I do to repay you?”

“Repay me?” Danny asked. “There’s nothing to repay me for. I’m just glad no one was hurt.”

“I just don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t saved Benji. That tree could have crushed him.” There were tears in her eyes as her voice trembled. “You’re a hero, Danny Frost.”

“I’m not, but that’s kind,” he said.

“You are. Just you wait and see.” Then she glanced down at the mugs he’d placed on the table. “Did you make these?”

“I did,” he said .

“I’ll take four.”

“You don’t have—” he started.

The woman handed him her credit card. “Go ahead and charge me. I’m going to get Benji settled in his car seat and send my husband back to pick those up.”

Danny stared after her for a second, still holding her credit card.

Zach chuckled. “Get used to hearing that tonight. I bet you sell out within the hour.”

As his cousin walked off, Danny sat back in his chair and desperately wished once again that he was back at Marissa’s, watching one of those holiday movies instead of starring in his own Christmas disaster flick.