Page 10 of Just One More Mistletoe

Stevie chuckled. “Well, you two be good,” she said and left them to eat.

* * *

Max ate and watched Brandy do the same. He wasn’t a guy prone to talking about himself but she had him explaining the types of cases he handled and describing the thrill of working in the field as opposed to behind a desk or in a courtroom the way his father had wanted. To his surprise, she didn’t turn her nose up or question his choices. If anything, she not only approved but seemed to envy his ability to walk away from the pressure and grind to do what he enjoyed.

No matter what they discussed Max found himself drawn to her. Not just because they shared a passion for take-out Mexican food and running in fresh air, but because she was unique. She was a woman who made him want to open up, a woman who interested him so much he wanted to know more about her life, and a woman who accepted the choices he made. A woman he desired not just in his bed, though that was a given, but in his life, to see where things led.

And if her footwork was any indication, she wanted the same thing. She’d obviously let her elf boots fall to the floor and she’d brushed her foot against his leg one too many times for it to be accidental. The light flush in her cheeks and her inability to look him head-on told him she didn’t find her overt moves easy. But he was grateful for her interest and he intended to keep things light and fun—to give her space to decide how far she wanted to take things, knowing he wouldn’t accept just tonight. It would be her decision to stay or go, no matter how much his body ached with growing need.

Conversation became more difficult as she intentionally massaged his calf with the arch of her foot, inching it upward beneath the table.

He leaned closer. “You’re a naughty girl, Brandy.” He captured her foot between his legs, stilling her arousing movements.

It was either stop her or let her continue her upward climb, in which case their evening would end before it ever began.

“Being naughty’s the whole point, Max.”

“You sound like a woman with a plan.” He paused, thinking of their unusual meeting. “And it started with that kiss.”

Her lips lifted in a smile. “I already told you I acted on opportunity.”

“In a way that was out of character.” Max was as certain Brandy wanted him as he was that she had a bad case of nerves.

“And you know this how?” She drummed her fingertips on the table, trying hard to maintain her nonchalant façade.

Max grinned. “Gut instinct.”

* * *

Max understood her already, Brandy thought, as she inclined her head. Not only did he get her in a way few people did but he seemed to see inside her, too. Her aggressive act was just that, an act, but in no way did that minimize how badly she wanted this night with him.

He stopped her nervous tapping and threaded his fingers through hers. “Relax, sweetheart.”

The softly spoken endearment wrapped around her heart and her adrenaline picked up speed. “You really think that’s possible?”

He shrugged. “I know so. We’re going to get to know each other better. We’ll have fun. And nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. So relax and come with me.”

She’d follow him anywhere, Brandy thought. And despite the fact that she’d never done anything that resembled a one-night stand before, she wanted everything to happen. She just needed to gather her nerve. He put too much cash on the table and rose. She noticed for the first time the bar had emptied out of customers while they talked.

She placed her hand in his and let him lead her into a back room she hadn’t seen earlier because of the crowd. Only the main manager remained, locked up in her office. Even Stevie had gone home.

“As I’m sure you know, Remy and Zach recently expanded the bar. Once they started showcasing bands on alternate Fridays, they needed space. Then the building next door became available for rent so they put in a game room.”

“I haven’t been in this room often.”

In the corner, beside the rack holding the pool cues, a Christmas tree took up a lot of space in the small room. The tree beckoned to her, with its worn decor, aged by time and handling, hanging from its branches. Though it wasn’t professionally decorated with pricey ornaments like the one in the office, this Christmas display showed thoughtfulness, warmth, and caring.

She reached out and lightly fingered a cut-out teddy bear hanging from a crudely bent pipe cleaner. “This is so sweet.”

Max came up behind her. His body heat and masculine scent put her nerve endings on high alert.

“The daughter of one of the bartenders, Luke, made it her first year in kindergarten,” he said.

“And this one?” With a trembling hand, she pointed to a clay angel, made with obvious talent and love.

“A customer.” Max’s warm breath fanned her ear. “Remy could tell you who gave him each one.”

Brandy nodded, impressed. “And what was your contribution?”

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