Page 41 of 12 Days of Mistletoe

May scoffs and gives her grandson a disapproving glare. “I make that myself. And I drink one-quarter cup coffee, three-quarters cup milk.”

“Okay, but?—”

“Take Bonnie.” May nods.

“Um.” Elliot’s eyes skirt over to mine.

“Right now. You two have another practice kiss later tonight, and you need to improve your form or no one will believe you tomorrow when you go Christmas tree hunting. Maybe if you two spend a little time together, you’ll have betterluckat practice tonight.” She nods as if this were purely business. And in some strange way, I guess it is to her.

“Gran—” But Elliot’s word is just a wheeze. The manmay have biceps for days, but he has no strength when it comes to his grandmother.

“Go on. I’m not asking again. I’m staying here to play Scrabble with Bill. Someone has to redeem our family name.”

A small sputtering laugh escapes my lips. “I’ll lead the way.”

TWENTY

bonnie

A December breezehits just before I zip my jacket, making its way over every nook and cranny of my exposed skin. I bundle my winter coat, zipping it closed, but it’s too late. I’m freezing. Espresso Yourself, with their piping coffee and muffins straight from the oven, is only one block away though. I can make it.

I shiver and Elliot peers over at me.

“Cold?”

“I’m okay.”

“You can use my gloves.” He holds one out to me, the other already on his hand.

“I’m fine. Really. It’s just one block.”

Elliot clears his throat, his eyes back on the sidewalk in front of us. “Bonnie, can I apologizenow?” He glances over at me. “I mean, again. Like I should have before.”

“No need.” I blow out a slow and steady breath, a trail of cold smoke leaving my mouth.

“Please, I want to.” His steps slow and he lifts a hand to my elbow. “I was rude and thoughtless. And despite the wayI’ve represented myself to you the past six months, I’m not normally either of those things.”

“Elliot—”

“I know that Noel is much more than a pet.” He peers down at my goldendoodle padding along in between us. “Clearly, I don’t understand it completely. Not the way you do. But I do know it. My words were quick and judgmental. I didn’t mean them to be. But they were. I hope you can forgive me.” He clears his throat. “Again.”

I nibble on my bottom lip, pausing in front of the coffee house doors. A man walks outside and warm, bitter, and mouthwatering smells waft out from inside the little café. My Arctic body fills with warmth and I’m not sure if it’s the coffee house or Elliot’s words.

I blink and swallow down the trepidation that I’m suddenly feeling. “Thank you. I may have overreacted a little.” I swallow, and before he can apologize again, I add, “You’re forgiven.”

“Should we go in before you freeze to death?” His hand lifts, the back of his fingers brushing over the apple of my cheek.

Another shiver runs through me and I’m thankful for the excuse of the weather to blame it on. I nod, but I don’t say anything.

No one has made my stomach flutter in years. And I’m afraid that Elliot just did.Again.

We walk up to the counter, my order already in my head. There’s only ten dollars on that card and one drink is going to be at least five. With tax, one of us will have to spare a few dimes at the least.

“Why don’t you have an actual girlfriend?” I ask, digging into my pocket. I’m certain I had a dollar or two in there.

“Oh. Uh, well I did for two years, but it didn’t work out.”

That’s right, his mother and his gran mentioned someone else. “Two years is a long time.”

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