Page 18 of Deck the Fire Halls

Soren laughed and sipped his wine. “And the year before that it was another new guy in town and the guy from the lumberyard. And the year before that it was another newcomer and the owner at the B&B. Oh, that’s the guy you met at the diner today. One of the Australians.”

“Right.”

“And the other Australian came to town and drove his car into a snowbank, met the owner of the hardware store, and bam! Total goner. Christmas Cupid got them too.”

This was ridiculous. “And this happens every year?”

He nodded. “Apparently. I’ve only been here for two, but the guys swear it’s a thing. Seems to me the only criteria is one of you’s gotta be new to town before Christmas, and single.” He made a face. “Hate to break it to ya, Doc, but looks like you’re it this year.”

I scoffed, because that was absurd.

“I’m not looking,” I said. “I came here to...” To what? Find myself? Regroup? Learn how to live again? “It doesn’t matter what I came here for. The fact is I’m a local doctor, and I can’t be having any kind of relationship with a patient.”

Soren’s smirk was slow to spread, his eyes locked andloaded on mine. “Not everyone in town’s a patient. For example, my doctor’s in Missoula. I mean, just as an example. But I’m not on the books at your medical clinic at all.” He held my gaze and I swore the temperature in the room went up. “You know, if you happen to find that information pertinent, for future reference. Or statistical curiosity.”

Jeepers. He was just putting himself out there.

“Statistical curiosity, huh?”

He laughed. “Well, you’re a doctor, I figured you’d appreciate data.”

God, this was flirting. He wasactually flirtingwith me. It had been so long since I’d flirted with anyone, and damn, it was invigorating. Consequences be damned, this was a rush.

I had to play too. “And what do firemen appreciate?”

His grin was wicked. “Heat.”

Oh hell.

I laughed, but dear god, I was so out of my depth. So to break the spell between us, I pushed my plate away and shook my head. “I think you’re playing a game I can’t possibly win.” I hated that I was such a downer, that I couldn’t be fun and flirty and sexy as he was. “I’m... look, I’m flattered. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt... well, since I’ve felt anything. But I came to Hartbridge to decompress and... I don’t know. Find myself? Remember who I am and why I became a doctor. Find a sense of community. That probably sounds silly and wildly inappropriate. You were kind enough to bring me dinner and the flirting was fun, if that’s what it was.” I realized then, in a horrifying moment, that maybe I’dimagined it. “Oh god, was it flirting? See? I don’t even know. That’s how out of practice I am. I’m so sorry?—”

Soren reached over and squeezed my hand. “It’s fine. And yes, it was flirting. Though maybe I’m not as good at it as I thought if you weren’t entirely certain...”

Now I was just embarrassed. “No, believe me, you were great at it. Too good, even. I’m just... I...”

He sat back in his seat, still smiling, but he seemed to understand something that I wasn’t even sure I did. “You know what? Tomorrow is the first of December, right?”

I wasn’t sure I followed. “Ah, yes.”

“Perfect. Tomorrow night is the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the park, and you’re coming with me. The whole town will be there, and I’m going to introduce you to all the guys. You want a sense of community, then that’s what I’m gonna give you.”

“Oh.”

His smile was bright and perfect. “Just you wait till you see Main Street tomorrow. First of December this whole town becomes something out of a Christmas movie. Believe me, you’re gonna love it.”

CHAPTER FOUR

SOREN

Takingthe bike to work was a great idea.

Well actually, I thought starting my bike before seven in the morning outside Rob’s bedroom wall was a great idea. I hoped it woke him up, and I hoped it made him mad or smile... or just think of me in general.

He could pretend it annoyed him but the fact was, he’d mentioned me being a Harley Davidson rider several times as if it were a very good thing.

A Harley Davidson-riding firefighter.

As if it was some qualifier on the sexy scale.

---