Page 8 of Santa's Mistletoe Playbook

Danica smiled at her boyfriend. “I’m sure Bryson has something planned.”

If that wasn’t a big enough hint, Bryson didn’t know what was.

“Yep, it’s up to me.” He’d better get something figured out, and quick. Whatever he decided would have to top what Danica had planned for Sedona. He made a mental note to go shopping for a ring.

He knew just the place in downtown Anchorage.

CHAPTER FIVE

DANICA

The next morning, Bryson still didn’t want to make love before leaving for work like they used to do. Danica wondered ifshewas the problem. Didn’t she turn him on anymore? She recalled what her bestie suggested about going to the adult store to get some smexy lingerie. She’d drive down to Anchorage to do some shopping.

The snowplows made their way up and down the road out front of the house, and Danica concluded she could safely maneuver them. Bryson said she could use his mom’s Prius for running errands.

As she prepared to go, her phone vibrated. It was Bryson. “Another obstetrician called in sick, so I’m stuck pulling a double shift. I won’t be home until midnight or so.”

“Oh.” Danica did a poor job of hiding her dismay. But why should she?

He let out a sigh. “Hon, I’m sorry. Babies won’t wait. You know how it is.”

“Uh, huh.” She stared out at the white landscape, wishing they weren’t here on this godforsaken tundra or glacier or whatever this was, where she didn’t know a soul.

“I have an idea,” said Bryson. “I’ll arrange for Monty and the boys to take you to dinner so you won’t have to spend the evening alone. Sound good?”

“You don’t have to do that. I can make something here.” She liked his friends all right, but she’d rather spend time withhim.

“I don’t want you to spend the evening alone. I dragged you to Alaska, and you’ve been a good sport about it. I’ll make sure the boys take you to an excellent seafood restaurant. I’ll try to steal away and join you for a quick bite.”

Danica perked up. “Okay, I suppose. Please make a quick getaway if you’re able.”

“I’ll do what I can. I’ll call Monty. I’m sure he’ll be happy to swing by and pick you up for dinner. Talk to you later.” Bryson ended the call.

Danica was familiar enough with Bryson’s friends to feel at ease, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to spend an entire evening with them minus Bryson.

Her phone vibrated with Monty’s caller ID. “Hey Danica, Bryson tells me you need company this evening for dinner. Me and the boys were planning to go downtown to the Glacier Brewhouse. They have the best seafood fettuccine in town. You’re welcome to come with us.”

Even though Bryson wouldn’t be there, it sounded better than sitting around by herself with the moose and wolves cavorting outside. “Sure, I’ll go.”

“Great. Pick you up around five.” Monty ended the call.

Danica stood with the phone in her hand, staring at it. If Bryson had to work painfully long hours for the entire duration of their stay in Alaska, she might as well find activities to occupy herself.

Danica leaned back in her seat with a full stomach. She’d ordered the seafood fettuccine as the guys had advised, and it was delicious.

Monty, Jamin, and Benny were fun company and had filled her in on all things Alaskan, everything from earthquakes to politics and how fantastic the skiing was. Monty told entertaining stories about his public defender work, dealing with his sometimes wigged-out clients—in his words, the odds are good, but the goods are odd. Jamin and Benny talked about their work on the North Slope, working for the oil drilling companies.

When the conversation lulled, Jamin leaned forward. “There’s a good band playing at Yukon Johnny’s in Spenard, called Haley’s Comet. Spenard is a section of town next to Midtown,” he explained for Danica’s benefit. “Want to go listen to some excellent music?”

“I should get back to the house.” Danica glanced at her phone. “I guess Bryson couldn’t join us.”

“No worries, we won’t keep you out very long,” Benny chimed in. “We’ll only stay for an hour. We’ll have you home before Bryson gets there.”

Danica glanced at the three expectant faces. “Okay, sure. Why not?”

“Fantastic, let’s go!” Monty paid the bill and wouldn’t let Danica pay any of it. “My treat.”

The four of them piled into Monty’s truck and drove the snowy streets to the infamous bar everyone called Johnny’s. They stepped inside and found a table near the stage. The band hadn’t started playing.

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