One Hundred Christmas Kisses by Kelly Collins

Author:Kelly Collins [Collins, Kelly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Trig sat on the deck sharing a beer with Cannon. It had been a long time since he’d been this relaxed. He knew his decision to leave California was a wise one. Not in the two years that he’d lived there had he had a kiss like the one he shared with Charlie.

“What’s your long-term plan?” Cannon asked.

“I don’t have one.” He knew his short-term plan was to get his lips on Charlie again as soon as possible, but after that, he had no idea what the future had in store.

“What’s your skillset? You got anything to sell to the world?”

Trig chuckled. “Like your brother, I don’t have money problems. I’ve got a decent pension. What I have is a direction problem. All I know is I want something real.”

Cannon emptied his beer and tossed the bottle to the open trash can in the corner. “It doesn’t get much more real than Aspen Cove. Bowie has been thinking about expanding the bait and tackle shop to a full outdoor recreation store. If that’s your thing, I’m sure he’d love to partner with someone.”

Trig rubbed the sore spot on his leg where he’d scraped it in his fall. The small abrasion was hot and angry.

“I don’t think I’m cut out for being a cashier. I love the thrill of an adventure.”

“No man, that’s what he’s planning. He wants to hire someone to cashier while he and probably you take clients ice fishing or day treks snowshoeing. Who would be a better role model than a guy who refuses to give in?” Cannon looked at Trig’s left leg.

“Seriously? I’d love that.” He hadn’t given owning a part of something much thought. He’d spent the bulk of his recovery training for the marathon. He’d made his point to Lila, and now he had to make a point to himself.

He considered Charlie’s statement about whether he thought people came to their own conclusions about him, or if he was feeding their fears and making his predictions come true. One thing he knew was if he didn’t believe in himself, he couldn’t expect anyone else to.

“I’m sure he’ll broach the subject while you're here, so don’t tell him I prepped you.”

“No worries. I can keep things to myself.”

The door opened and out walked Charlie. “You boys want privacy?”

Trig nearly fell out of his chair to make room for her. “No, come and have a seat. I warmed it up for you.”

Cannon looked between the two of them and smiled. “I was going inside anyway. See you in the morning.” He walked inside, leaving them alone.

Charlie searched the snow-covered deck. “Where’s Clovis?”

Trig nodded toward the window where they could see Otis in his dog bed curled around the oversized hound. “He’s traded me in. He saw me kissing you and has given me the cold shoulder ever since.”

“How’s his eye?”

“Still swollen shut, but he managed to find both his and Otis’ bowl of kibble so I think he’ll survive.”

“I love a survivor.”

Trig looked at his half-full beer and offered it to Charlie.

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