Page 28 of The Holiday Exchange

I haven’t told her about my realization from this afternoon, but she could surely tell I haven’t been myself since the party. It’s possible I might’ve been a bit of a mopey roommate this week.

“Yeah. I was hoping he’d come, but I guess he couldn’t make it.”

“Actually…” She discreetly points behind me. I turn and suck in a breath. Trevor is weaving through the crowd, methodically making his way toward us, a determined look on his face.

When he finally reaches us he stops, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. “Hi.”

“Hi.” My voice sounds a bit breathy, but I don’t care.

Annie nudges me. “I think I heard someone call my name. Bye.” I barely even notice as she slips away into the crowd milling around us.

“You came,” I say.

“I said I would.”

“I know, but I didn’t see you in the crowd and after last Friday…and then I didn’t hear from you this week, so I thought…” My voice trails off at the look of confusion on his face.

“I got here a little late so I sat in the back. What about last Friday?”

“Well, it seemed like you really hit it off with Gracelyn, so I thought maybe you might be busy tonight. You know, with her.”

He’s already shaking his head. “Gracelyn is nice, but I made sure she knew I’m not interested in pursuing anything with her.”

“Why not?” My curiosity temporarily overcomes my sense of relief at this news. Objectively speaking, Gracelyn is attractive, smart, and fun to be around.

“I told her I have feelings for someone else.”

“Oh.” My heart sinks again. “That’s great, Trevor.”

Trevor smirks and takes a step forward, lowering his voice. “I think you might know her, actually.”

“Yeah?” I try not to let my misery show as he nods.

“She talks a lot. She’s got blonde hair and she’s about yea tall.” He holds his hand up level with the top of my head, his gaze never breaking from mine. “Her brown eyes pull me in and make me lose track of time.” His eyes flick down to my mouth for a second and my breath hitches as I begin to understand. I drift toward him, pulled inexplicably until we’re nearly touching. I have to lift my chin to look into his face.

“Kayla, these past few weeks have been the happiest I can remember in a long time. It’s like you opened up a whole new world for me. Is there any chance that you would consider spending more time with me?”

I grin as I nod. “I would love that. Especially if it involves making s’mores in your new fireplace.”

“It’s a date.” He leans forward and I rise on my tiptoes to meet him.

“Ahem.”

A throat clears beside me just as our lips brush in the briefest kiss known to mankind. I jump back in surprise, fighting the urge to growl in frustration until I note that the interloper is my boss.

“Oh, Mrs. Landry, hello.” I reach up and smooth my hair nervously, purposely not looking at Trevor. “I hope you enjoyed the show.”

“I did. I wanted to come over here and tell you I was impressed with how well you handled everything for your first time directing.” She glances back and forth between me and Trevor, a smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eye. “I hope I haven’t interrupted anything.”

“I was just, uh, thanking Trevor for his help. With the set. For the play.”

“I see. Let me help you with that.” Mrs. Landry extends her hand and Trevor grips it. “Thank you for your help, sir. We are all most appreciative.”

“No problem.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to your…conversation. Have a good night, Ms. Wright. Thanks again for all your hard work here.”

I watch her walk away, a giggle burbling up. I turn to find Trevor smiling as well.

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