Page 50 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“That’s why we’rehere,” Jaz says. “To make things easier on you so you don’t work yourself to death.”

“That’s so sweet of you, but... I can’t.” I shake my head, torn about having my friends here when I’m swamped.

Ella’s face drops. “Can’t?”

“The festival is starting in a few weeks. And we’re already so far behind. I’ll be lucky just to get everything done in time.”

“Honey,” Jaz says, linking arms with me as we head to the parking lot. “I could tell you were worried over the phone. Between working for Jace and managing the festival committee, you’re totally stressed out. We’re here to make things happen.”

“Who knows?” Ella grabs my other arm. “Maybe this gig will lead to a permanent contract working for Jace?”

“I don’t think so,” I say. My friends want the best for me, but I need to make it clear: working for Jace isn’t a good fit. The best thing I can do is ignore my feelings for him and pretend they don’t exist until this is over.

“Jace would be crazy not to hire you after this concert,” Ella says. “We all know how insanely talented you are.”

“I wouldn’t even consider it,” I insist.

Jaz shoots Ella a worried look. “Wouldn’t consider it because you have a better option? Working as a barista is not a long-term solution for your money problems.”

“I don’t think working for Jace is either,” I say, avoiding their eye contact.

Jaz stops in the middle of the parking lot and grabs my arm so that I’m forced to stop. “That’s not the reason. I can see it in your face.” She points at me, her smile spreading slowly. “You like him.”

My mouth drops open. “I donot.”

“You do.” Then Jaz turns me toward Ella. “Look at her face.”

Ella studies me, then crosses her arms. “You’re right.”

I shake my head, even though my cheeks are heating like an oven. “No, I don’t like him. Not like that.”

Jaz rolls her eyes. “You haven’t noticed he’s a gorgeous human being?”

“He’s... not horrible looking,” I stammer.

“I knew it!” Jaz says, smiling. “You have the worst poker face.”

“That doesn’t mean I like him,” I argue.

Both of them erupt into laughter.

“I’m serious,” I say.

“What about sharing a motel room?” Ella says.

I turn to Jaz. “Youtoldher?”

Jaz lifts a hand. “You know I’m terrible at keeping secrets.”

I’m never going to live this down. “It wasn’t my fault,” I insist. “The snowstorm hit, and we were stuck in this awful motel with one bed.”

Jaz raises an eyebrow. “How convenient.”

I ramble on. “The heat didn’t work in our room, and Jace was going to sleep on the disgusting motel carpet.”

“So you sacrificed half the bed?” Ella shakes her head. “Sleeping beside Jace Knight was probably so hard for you.”

Jaz snorts with laughter.

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