Grinning wide, Brianna backed away. “I’ll leave you both to it. Oh, and Layla?” She winked. “My mother and I make the best breakfast in town. Just come in through the back door, and you’ll be right in the kitchen. If you need me, I’ll be just inside.”
“Thanks. I’ll be sure to do that.” I really liked Brianna. As she walked toward the inn, I couldn’t help but notice how amazing she’d be on a runway. She had the perfect height, a pretty face, and amazing silky hair. If only I had designs to put on a runway.
Colin cleared his throat. “You okay?”
I jerked my attention back to him. “Oh yeah. Just lost in my thoughts for a second.”
He opened the door, and it smelled exactly like the other house—cinnamon apples and crisp snow—mixed in with Colin’s cologne. I breathed it in and smiled. The walls were a light yellow, very homey and inviting, and most of the furniture was Victorian antiques. Not exactly what I’d imagine a man like Colin to live in. He looked so rugged on the outside with his flannel shirt and jeans and five o’clock shadow.
A giggle escaped my lips, and I held my breath when he turned to me, clearly having heard me. “Something funny?”
“No,” I announced quickly. I looked around the living room, loving how beautiful it was. Antiques were my favorite, and the room was filled with various vases and paintings. “It’s just … I’m a little shocked. It doesn’t look like a man lives here.”
His gaze narrowed, but I could tell he wanted to smile. “Are you questioning my masculinity?”
Cheeks burning, I held up my hands. “Oh my God, no. That totally came out wrong.”
He burst out laughing. “I’m just messing with you.” He pointed at some of the antiques, and his gaze turned sad. “My grandmother decorated all of this. It was her dream to keep the inn and this place as close to her heart as possible.”
He walked over to the fireplace mantel and picked up a picture. It was an old black-and-white photo of a young couple. “When my grandparents left this place to me, they made me promise not to change a thing.” He set the picture back down and turned to me. “Even if I didn’t promise, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I have too many wonderful memories here.”
“I don’t blame you,” I agreed. “It’s a beautiful place.” In a way, I was envious of his memories. I would’ve loved to have ones like he had.
“Thanks,” he said as he nodded toward the stairs. “Your room’s up here. Mine is the one on the left.” I followed him up the stairs to the first room on the right. Colin opened the door, and the room was absolutely breathtaking. The walls were a light purple with a hint of gray. It complimented perfectly with the silver and light purple comforter and canopy that draped over the bed. “This used to be my grandmother’s antique storage room before I changed it to a bedroom for Bri. She likes staying here sometimes, especially during the busy season at the inn. It’s much easier and quicker to get over there.”
He set my bag down, and I walked over to the window. I had a perfect view of the small pond. “So your grandparents left all of this to you and not her or your mother?”
I could see his reflection in the window. He looked down at the floor and sighed. “My grandparents knew that, when the time came, Brianna would leave Friendship for bigger and better things. And as for my mother, she’s been sick for a while, a rare disease called Addison’s. Basically, her adrenal glands don’t function properly.”
“Oh no,” I gasped, turning to him. “I’m so sorry. I’ve never even heard of that before.”
He met my gaze. “Not many people have, and not that many medical professionals know how to treat her. After my father died, she had an adrenal crisis. The stress of his death put too much strain on her body. I was afraid we were going to lose her, too, but she made it through.” With a heavy sigh, he averted his attention to the window. “She knew she couldn’t handle this place on her own, so she asked my grandparents to leave it to me.”
My heart hurt for him, even though I couldn’t relate. I didn’t know what to say. My parents were healthy and traveling the world. I used to do the same thing until my latest line tanked. I wanted to hold on to the money I had saved.
/> Colin cleared his throat and stepped out into the hall. “I guess I’ll let you get settled in. If you need anything, I’ll be inside the inn.”
I nodded. “Sounds good. Thank you.”
He turned to walk away and stopped, leaning his body against the door frame. “I don’t know if you know or not, but the Christmas tree lighting ceremony is tonight. If you want to go, you can ride with me.”
My heart skipped a beat. There was a time when Christmas used to fill my heart with joy, but I’d forgotten what all of that felt like. “I’d love to,” I answered.
His grin made my heart skip another beat. “Good.” Then he glanced down at my clothes. “But you might want to wear something warmer. It’ll be cold out tonight.”
My breath stilled as he made his way down the stairs and out the front door. I watched him walk toward his truck and drive away down the long, decorated driveway. Heart racing, I hurried out of the house to the back door of the inn. The snow seeped through my designer boots, and I hissed. I was not prepared for rural life. The kitchen was immaculate with fresh baked breads on the counter and chocolate chip cookies in an antique-looking glass bowl. Across the way was a library, and Brianna was on the window seat, reading a book. She jumped up when she saw me.
“Layla, you okay?”
I shook my head. “Your brother just invited me to the town Christmas tree lighting tonight.”
She squealed. “That’s freaking awesome. Is it a date?”
I shook my head and gasped. “No, of course not. We just met.”
“I’m just kidding, silly. Then again, he’s good looking and single. What’s not to like?”
“That’s not it,” I claimed in all honesty. “Colin is very hot, and he makes me nervous, but that’s not my problem right now.”