I purposely slow my movements down, exaggerating them like a sloth. Everyone laughs except Evie. A look of frustration flits across her face, but it is quickly replaced by a strained smile.
I straighten up. It used to be easy to make Evie laugh, and I just want to hear the lovely tinkling noise again. I don’t know what I need to do, but I messed this up so much more than I thought I did. Six months ago I would’ve pulled her in for a big hug to comfort her, but I think she’s had enough punch that she might actually slap me if I did.
There’s time to think about that later, Jamie, I think to myself. It’s time to focus on the game at hand. I’m pretty sure that she’d never forgive me if we lost with zero points.
When I finally reach her, I’ve gotten control of my facial features and glance up at her only to find her glaring at me again. This time, I can’t control myself, and a grin splits my face.
“If you’re not careful, everyone’s going to know why you’re mad at me.” Her eyes widen slightly at my whisper, and she quickly gains control of her expression.
“I’m not mad at you.” She crosses her arms, daggers shooting from her eyes. “I’m just having an off day.”
“Evie, you don’t have off days.” Snickers from everyone in the room surround us. “Unless you’re mad.”
“Just give me a clue before I really am mad at you,” she says, which has the entire room erupting with laughter. She turns to all of them and glares.
I look at the word on the sheet of paper again as if re-reading it will somehow change what it is. This time, when I look toward Sean and Jess, it’s my turn to glare. Their laughter rings through the room, and I narrow my eyes at them.
When I meet Evie’s gaze, I panic. How am I going to act this out? We are the weakest team in this house tonight, and even if she wasn’t looking at me like she might kill me, I’d have a hard time acting out mistletoe.
I take a deep breath and sigh. I close my eyes, lift up my chin, and pucker my lips.
“What are you doing?” Evie asks while everyone roars with laughter.
I look at Evie, who is pointedly glaring at me and my puckered lips. Then I close my eyes, lift up my chin, and pucker my lips again.
“Kiss?” Even to my ears, her voice sounds slightly breathless. I nod my head up and down and point over my head.
“Kiss your head?” This time, I laugh with everyone else. Evie scowls, and I laugh harder.
She throws her hands up and gets ready to turn away. I gently grab her arm. “Evie.”
As soon as my hand touches her, I feel every nerve ending come alive and my heart races. When she turns back to me, her eyes are wide, and her lips are slightly open. I don’t let go, but I slowly glance up at the ceiling toward the mistletoe.
Her gaze follows mine before lowering her head.
Her glazed expression meets mine, and my heart stutters before jump-starting and pounding against my ribcage. To my surprise, her eyes drop to my mouth, and I swallow hard. The temptation to lean in and kiss her is overwhelming. When her gaze comes back to mine, I see a question in them.
My heart aches, knowing that I messed up, that I hurt her with how I left. My stomach knots and my mind is running in circles. I feel my body lean toward her as if being pulled by a string. My gaze drops to her lips and then back to her eyes. I notice her lashes start to close, and just as my lips are about to touch hers, I chicken out and move to her cheek. I let my lips linger for a second.
I feel her stiffen, and my stomach drops. When I meet her gaze, she quickly averts her eyes and pulls away from me. Everyone in the room cheers.
“Well, that’s one way to get her to guess mistletoe!” Sean slaps me on the back.
“Is that cheating?” Jessica looks around the room for an answer. Sean turns adoring eyes over to her, smiles, and cups her cheeks before kissing her.
I’m grateful that the focus of the room is back on Jessica and Sean and off me and Evie. I feel completely transparent and question everything I have just done. I shrug and respond to my sister with a forced chuckle. “I don’t think we ruled it out, Jess.”
Still in the heat of competition, she pulls her face away from Sean and continues. “I think that’s cheating.”
“Jessica!” Everyone yells.
“Fine. But from now on, nothing like that is allowed.” She pouts, crossing her arms, and everyone laughs.
“Come here, babe,” Sean picks Jess up, and she squeals. “I think it’s our turn under the mistletoe. In fact, I think everyone should get a turn!”
Penny pulls Liam up, and they head over behind Jessica and Sean. Mom and Dad lean over and give each other a kiss, whispering something to each other, while the O’Connells do the same.
My mouth tugs up at the corners as I watch everyone, and my heart once again lifts at the love in this room. Immediately, I glance over at Evie and see her with the same expression on her face as she watches everyone. I let my eyes roam over her profile, and I can’t help but linger on her lips.