Page 54 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“That’s the surprise.” His eyes light up, like he’s excited about something. “I’m taking you to a barn.”

“A barn? But why?”

“You’ll see. Since you forced me to go to Evergreen... I figured I’d return the favor.”

I hold up my finger to stop him. “I didn’t force,” I interrupt. “Maybe pleaded and begged.”

“If Evergreen inspires me to write one song... then the Pine Paradise was not a waste.”

“I’m not really a farm girl,” I admit.

“It’s not that kind of barn,” he clarifies. “It’s a renovated round barn that someone turned into an event center. And it’s located right outside Maplewood.”

As he turns onto a long lane, I suddenly remember where we are. “I know this place. It used to be a farm years ago.”

“The owners sold it two years ago, and they built a stage and seating but kept the gorgeous vintage structure.”

He pulls into a clearing, where the round barn sits on the top of an immaculate hillside. The renovated circular building is striking against the snowy backdrop, like it should be on a postcard.

“But why are you playing the song here?”

He parks the car and looks at me. “This is where I want to have my concert.”

“What?” I say. “But we already reserved the old theater downtown. I know it’s not in great shape, but it’s better than a barn.”

He shakes his head. “Wait until you see this place.”

When we step inside, my mouth drops. The circular ceiling stretches high above us like a cathedral. Rough-hewn beams and an old wood floor give the place character.

“What do you think?” Jace says.

“It’s gorgeous,” I murmur, awestruck with this hidden gem. “It would make a stunning backdrop for the concert. There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“The size,” I say. “We need a bigger venue.”

“The downtown theater isn’t much bigger, and it’s not as unique as this place. I like the idea of playing a small venue.” He hops onto the stage and spins around. “This feels intimate. Like the gigs I used to play when nobody knew my name.”

He sits at the piano and plays a few chords, and it’s so obvious that music is his first love. On stage, Jace looks like he belongs here. This venue fits his music, even if it means we’ll have to limit tickets.

He stops, suddenly aware that I’m staring at him. “Come on up.” He pats the space next to him on the piano bench.

I shake my head. “Behind the piano is a really great look for you.”

“You need to see the view from here. And you make me nervous when you’re watching from the audience.”

“Me?” I say, surprised. “But you’ve performed in front of thousands of people.”

“I still get nervous. It’s easier if you’re beside me. It feels less like a performance that way.”

As I sit next to him, I avoid looking directly at Jace since we’re almost touching. Ever since the Pine Paradise, it’s like my body is constantly aware of where his body is, like one magnet pulled toward the other.

His eyes flick toward mine, and I can see the curl of his lashes. “Since you’re officially head of the festival, can I move the concert here?” If he wasn’t already convincing enough, he flashes an adorable smile that makes his dimple show, and my body instantly melts.How am I going to say no to that?

“We’ll have to change all the promotional material. But I can do it, as long as you make it up to me.” I give him a teasing smile.

Jace laughs. “How about I’ll make you dinner some night?”

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