Page 31 of Mistletoe Face Off

We reach the door to the corporate box.

“Game face, gentleman,” Dan says as he pulls the door open.

Immediately, chatter and music fills the air, along with the delicious scent of roasted pork, potatoes and some kind of sweet fruit pie. Apple is my guess.

I scan the crowd, searching for Holly. I know she's here. We've got an argument to stage, after all. It doesn't take long to find her. She's in a black pencil skirt that shows off her figure and a cream blouse, her long dark hair falling down her back. She's talking to one of the ugly sweater winners, and when she laughs, her beautiful face lights right up.

As though she can sense me watching her, she tilts her head in my direction, and our gazes lock. I lift my lips and smile, and when she smiles back at me it feels like I've won the lottery.

She says goodbye to the ugly sweater wearer, making her way around through the crowd, and I catch up with her on the other side of the room, hidden from view from everyone else. “Hello, Ms. Coleman.”

“No Santa suit today?” she asks, although her tone is light.

“I'd like to retire that suit permanently, but I think my bosses have their ideas.”

“So, we're going to see you with the fake nose and the big belly again soon?”

“Possibly, but I can’t give away Santa-related secrets.” I tap the side of my nose,

“Got it.”

“Is Macy here with you tonight?”

“She's at home with a sitter. My mom, actually. It's a school night.”

I'm surprised to feel disappointment not to see her cute, smart daughter. “Make sure to say hi from me.”

Holly shoots me a questioning look. “Sure.”

“Did you catch the game?”

“I'm sorry you lost. Tough break. You played well, though.”

I flash her my grin. “I wasn't looking for a compliment, but I'll take it.”

Her full, pillowy lips lift into a smile, and it does things to me, making me want to do what I can to make sure I see that smile again.

“You and Chase Robinson were impressive out there, kinda like a crime fighting duo, breaking up fights.”

“As long as I’m Batman and he’s Robin, I’m good with that.”

“Do you break up a lot of fights?”

I shrug my shoulders. “You've got to do what you've got to do, I guess. A little like you and I have to stage another argument tonight.”

“What should we make it about this time? You're dressed as you, so I can't be angry at that, even though I do miss that big Santa belly of yours.” She glances briefly at my torso before she returns her eyes to mine.

She's teasing me. I find I like it. A lot.

I gesture with my thumb at the door I just came through. “I could go fix that if you like?”

She raises her hands in the air and lets out a laugh. “I'm good.”

“You prefer me looking the way I do?” I ask.

I'm flirting. It's no big deal.

“Now, I didn't go saying that, even though you do cut a pretty dashing figure in a suit, if I do say so. But I’m pretty sure you’re aware of that already.”

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