Page 67 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“I’m fine,” I assured him. “I just called my mom.”

Brandon’s brows shot up. “Whoa. What did she say?”

“She didn’t say anything. I got her voicemail. I just felt like I needed to tell her the truth.”

Brandon stepped closer and swiped my bangs to the side while giving me an adoring look. “And what’s the truth?”

“Well ...” I threw caution to the wind, hoping my leverage with Jane would cover me, and snuggled right into Brandon, my hands falling on his taut chest. I took a moment to breathe in the crisp linen scent of his pressed dress shirt that mixed well with his cedar-and-sage cologne. With every breath in, I gripped his shirt tighter, wanting to be closer to him. It made me all but forget what I’d just said to my mother. All I knew was, “The truth is, I like this.” Very much.

Brandon must have felt the same way as he backed me up againstthe wall, his body pressed against mine. Our chests rose and lowered at the same time, falling into a sexy rhythm.

I looked up, my eyes meeting his intense gaze, and felt a sense of conflict emanating from him. I wanted to end the war between us once and for all. Maybe if he spoke his truth, we could declare peace and seal the treaty with a kiss. “Brandon, are you ever going to kiss me?”

His gorgeous brown eyes widened, taken aback by my boldness. “I’m working on it,” he whispered as his finger outlined my lips, driving me to the brink of taking matters into my own hands. I wanted more than his finger on my lips. So much so, I almost told him I knew the truth.

But ... Jane busted through the door, hitting Brandon.

“Ouch.” He rubbed the back of his head.

Jane welcomed herself right in, making the booth feel like a can of sardines. “Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on in here,” Jane grumbled. “But I’m going to keep my mouth shut.” She made sure to catch my eye. “You just make sure to keep your mouth shut. Got it?”

I pressed my lips together, trying not to smile, thinking of Jane and Joel together. “No problem,” I promised.

“Fine,” she said, satisfied. “By the way, your boy here will now be winning Mistletoe Manness and I will call off the search for his wingman.” She flew out the door in the same brusque manner in which she’d entered.

Brandon shook his head. “What’s Mistletoe Manness?”

I laughed, but said seriously, “When you’re ready for mistletoe, I’ll tell you.”

BRANDON

I TOOK HOLLY’S HAND AS we drove to the cemetery on her birthday. The snow was steadily coming down as we made our way down I-25 in Friday-evening traffic. It was her tradition to visit Christian’s grave every year on her birthday, and I figured it was about time I visited my best friend. He needed to hear some things, and so did Holly. I’d run out of ideas and excuses for not telling her the truth. I hated telling Holly my story on her birthday, but I thought maybe if she allowed me to, this year’s birthday kiss could make up for the last one I gave her. Telling her today also made it tricky since she’d agreed to go to my parents’ Christmas party. Which meant the big surprise birthday party was back on.

My mom was over the moon about it, even though it meant a lot of last-minute hustling on her part. But Dr. Harry was helping out as much as he could. I had to hand it to the guy—he was a class act, willing to face old friends and maybe even some uncomfortable situations to make the night special for Holly. Carmen was helping out too. Not only was she excited that Holly was returning to our old neighborhood, but this gave her the perfect opportunity to introduce Marco to her parents. I still wasn’t sure about that guy and his “Italian” accent. We’d gone to a couple more of his classes this week because I lovedtorturing myself by watching Holly move like a goddess in a sports bra and yoga pants. I’d asked Marco about Italy, trying to trip him up. He’d answered every question perfectly, but that could just mean he’d traveled there a few times like I had.

“Thank you for saving us today on the final team-building exercise.” Holly squeezed my hand. “Having anOfficeparty on our desk was genius. I’m so glad we were able to find more bobbleheads and little Santa hats to fit them.” The last exercise had been a desk-decorating competition.

I grinned over at her, knowing soon she would know the truth about my wingman and all the holiday cheer. “I’m just glad I wasn’t the weak link for at least one of the challenges.”

“You’re not the weak link, even if you got North Pole wrong.” She laughed before turning more sincere. “I really need to thank you for splitting your commissions with me. You didn’t have to do that, but because of you, I’m going to be able to move out and pay for a good chunk of law school. Assuming I get accepted somewhere.”

“Of course you’re going to.” It would shock me if anyone rejected her application. “And it’s the least I could do. Besides, you’re the one who really brought home the Artemis deal.”

“I can’t believe Blake sent in the signed contract today.” Holly beamed in the glow of taillights.

“You were masterful.”

“Honestly, I think we just make a good team. I would have let go of that account if it hadn’t been for you.”

“We make the best team.” I pulled her hand up and kissed it.

She bit her lip and nodded.

I hoped she felt that way after I told her the truth.

“I’m glad we’re doing this together tonight,” she said. “You’re facing Christian, and I’m facing old magic.”

“Growing up with you was magical. I know I didn’t always show it, but I felt it.” We were getting dangerously close to the truth. I waited for her to ask the question—ask why I’d kissed her and made her think it was a dare, but she didn’t bite.

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