The Christmas Compromise by Susan Hatler

Author:Susan Hatler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Christmas Mountain Clean Romance Series, Book 3
Publisher: Hatco Publishing
Published: 2019-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The ornament in my hand gave off a small rattle as my hands began to tremble. My mom advanced further into the space and my gaze flew out the window to the Cadillac Escalade parked right in front. I hadn’t seen her SUV pull up. But I’d been so absorbed in Dallas and the tree and our soul-baring conversation.

My mom tilted her head. “Dallas Parker. I’d heard you were back.”

Her voice gave new meaning to the word “frosty” as she spoke to him and it was a wonder the window didn’t gain an inch of ice. I gulped and eyed the distance to the stockroom, which had a back door. I considered making a run for it, but I knew that—despite the fact that she wore sharply heeled boots—she’d be willing and able to chase me down.

When Ivy Reed was determined to have something then nothing stopped her. Besides, my mom wore heels like most women wore perfume. She could probably run a marathon in those things and never feel a single ounce of calf strain. Scary, but impressive.

“Hello, Mrs. Reed.” Dallas nodded to her and appeared at ease, but I could see the vein on his temple throbbing. He brushed a gleam of moisture from his bottom lip, which had obviously been put there by me. Oops.

“Funny story,” I said, managing to speak through the rock in my throat. I was in so much trouble they needed to invent a new word for trouble. “Dallas and I somehow managed to lease the same business space. Isn’t that crazy?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I beg your pardon?”

“The landlady rented the space to both of us,” Dallas said.

“Sounds like a legal issue.” Mom’s eyebrows drew together as I eased the angel ornament onto the tree, hoping the angel would bring me good luck. “I suppose that explains what you’re doing here with him. Besides the obvious, that is.”

My face heated big time. Getting caught kissing a guy would’ve been bad enough. Getting caught kissing Dallas Parker? That might necessitate having to leave town. “I’ve become aware that Morgan is opening a beauty salon. But if the sign outside is any indication, you’re selling used furniture on consignment, Dallas?”

My gut clenched and my gaze flew to Dallas. It had been a lot of years since he’d decked Tom Brand, but part of me worried he might lash out at my mom’s condescending tone. And that would so not improve my situation. Luckily, his face looked neutral.

“I build the furniture myself,” he said, simply.

“Interesting,” she said, surveying the shop. A moment ago I’d felt like our hard work was visible but now I could only see what hadn’t been done, including our half-decorated tree.

“We still have a lot to do obviously,” I said, my voice trembling. I watched disappointment flood her face, sending a slice of pain to my heart. She was disappointed in my salon. She was disappointed in me. I’d never be the daughter she really wanted. Tears threatened. I needed to get busy to keep them at bay.

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