Page 38 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“I could’ve been trampled,” I insist.

A man bundled in a heavy coat approaches us. “You here for a sleigh ride?”

“No,” I say.

Mia gives me a look. “Yes.”

“We’ll be leaving soon. Climb on in.” He nods toward a sleigh. It’s tiny—only enough room for one driver and two passengers—and I’m sure it could easily flip over on a slippery curve.

“See? It’s not so bad,” she says under her breath. “You’re not even close to the horse.”

“It’s like a death trap on blades,” I mutter.

When I don’t move, Mia grabs my arm and tugs me toward it.

I pull my arm away. “I’m perfectly happy in my horse-free life.”

“But you never know when you might need to pose for a picture, riding a horse, bareback on the beach.” She bites down on a laugh.

“I’m not Fabio. I wouldn’t be caught dead doing that.”

“This isn’t just about horses,” she says. “I want you to face your fears.”

Ah, there it is. She’s running my life again. “I didn’t hire you to be my therapist.”

She rolls her eyes. “Fine.” She climbs into the sleigh. “But you’re missing out.”

“On what?” I say, trying to hide my FOMO.

“Oh, I don’t know...fun?”

“I like to play it safe.”

“Whatever.” She turns away, scrolling through her messages. I can tell she’s annoyed with me, but there are some things I’m weird about, including horses.

“You ready?” the driver announces.

After what happened last night, she probably already thinks I’m an egotistical jerk. This is my chance to make up for yesterday’s debacle.

At the last second, I haul myself into the sleigh. Mia turns to look at me, but doesn’t say a word as the horse takes off.

I clench my fists, aware of every bump under the sleigh.

“Just relax,” Mia whispers.

“I can’t,” I say through gritted teeth. Not only am I afraid the driver is going to lose control, I’m also jammed in this small seat next to Mia. With every bump and turn, our legs crash together, like we can’t avoid touching each other.

“Would it help if you focused on something other than the horse?” she asks, grabbing my arm. Her touch sends electricity through me, and my body stiffens in response.

I don’t look at her. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been staring at the horse the entire time.”

That’s because I’m trying not to focus on you.“What am I supposed to look at?” I huff, trying to avoid her eyes, which are just as distracting.

“How about the beautiful landscape? It’s gorgeous out here. And you need to loosen up.” She tries to shake my arm loose, but it makes my shoulder tighten even more.

“I’m too worried about how I’ll escape if this horse runs wild.”

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