Page 83 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“The rules?” His eyes search my face, like he’s already forgotten our previous conversation.

“How believable do you want this first event?” I ask. “I think we need to make sure it’s obvious I’m not just one of your crew.”

His mouth hitches up on one side. “That won’t be hard,” he murmurs, taking a step toward me.

My whole body tenses when he moves next to me. It feels weird to be standing this close to Jace under the bright lights where anyone could see us. I need to get comfortable with him in my personal space.

“Are you okay with me touching you?” Jace asks carefully, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Holding your hand, putting my arm around you... that sort of thing?”

“Yeah,” I say breezily, even though I want to bite my fist. He’s being so respectful of my feelings instead of surprising me, like I did to him in front of Ava.

“Is this comfortable?” He takes my hands in his, and a shiver runs through my body. This is going to be harder than I expected.

“It’s great,” I say while my heart does backflips in my chest. I’ve been starved for this kind of touch. “As long as it’s not crossing the line.”

“And what line is that?” he asks, still holding my hand.

“Kissing in front of my mother.”

Jace bursts out with a laugh. “Even I’m uncomfortable with that.”

“What if there’s a reporter who approaches us?”

“There’s nothing you can do to make things worse,” he says. “Or make me uncomfortable.”

“I could embarrass you by saying something totally stupid. When I get nervous, I talk too much, and that’s when it all goes downhill.”

“You won’t,” he assures me as we stroll past lights in the shop windows. I’m so glad he puts so much trust in me when he’s only known me for a short time. “If you do, I’ll just give you a gentle squeeze to let you know you should stop talking. Like our own secret signal.”

“What’s the secret signal I should give you?” I ask.

“You choose.”

“I’ll just look at you like I’m going to kill you.”

“So subtle,” Jace teases. “At least I won’t miss it.”

As we wander past the storefronts filled with decorations, it feels like we’re in a Christmas movie. Even the snow is cooperating for my imaginary movie set by falling down so lightly, it looks like we’re trapped in a snow globe.

It almost seemstooperfect. And that makes me worry. Because nothing is ever perfect in my life.

As we walk through town, people turn to give us a second glance. Jace squeezes my hand and smiles, like he wants me here. When we finally reach the enormous Christmas tree, we stand toward the back, waiting for the mayor to start the tree lighting countdown.

A few people turn to look at us, and Jace grabs my hand again, sending a hit of dopamine through me.

I thought I’d feel nervous appearing at an event with Jace. Instead, I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

“Ten...” the mayor begins. “Nine... eight...”

As the townsfolk continue counting, I catch Jace looking over at me with an amused half-grin.

“What?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious. That dimple slays me every time.

“I like being here with you,” he says. “You make me feel human again.”

“Thanks... I think?” I frown.

“It’s a compliment,” he says. “There are sacrifices I’ve had to make for my career.”

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