Page 10 of The Christmas Plan

Drew smirked at the nose, a familiar one. “Good.” As they ate, they kept their eye on Rose, having far too much fun watching her indulge.

But after a moment, Drew sighed. “I think you should bring your portfolio to the agency party.”

Rolling her eyes, Rose wiped her mouth with a napkin. “What? It’s a work event?”

Drew nodded. “I know. But the whole point is to recruit new talent. You’re unrepresented right now and if you want to make a serious leap, that’s a good step.”

“Drew, be serious.” Rose cut off another piece of waffle and shoved it into her mouth. Of course the thought had crossed her mind already. It would’ve been smart. After all, networking was the key to almost all of her past career success.

But something about carrying around a massive photography portfolio at a work event felt insane.

“I am being serious.” Drew scoffed. “It’s smart. Besides, Ari and Tommy would be impressed by your boldness.”

Unable to meet their eyes, Rose blushed. But this time, she wasn’t so sure she was hiding it as well.

Drew set their platter on the ledge just behind them. “Rose. You’re so talented, the world needs to see your work.” Bringing their finger to Rose’s chin, Drew lifted her gaze. “Will you do it for me?”

Rose swallowed hard. It was impossible to say no to a face like that. Biting her cheek, Rose nodded as she took her last bite. “Maybe.”

Pumping their fist, Drew smirked. “Thank you.” They wrapped their arms around Rose’s waist and pulled her closer.

Just as they got a few inches apart, a fleck of cold hit Rose’s nose. Looking up, she watched as a flurry of snow broke out over the Christmas market. A part of her felt like it was a sign. Or maybe, it was just the magic of being with Drew Hudson.

Meeting Drew’s gaze, Rose let her lips press against theirs. Even months later, the feeling of Drew’s mouth on hers was enough to send a wave of warmth through Rose’s entire body.

Shaking her head, Rose pulled away and smiled. “You’re one of a kind, Drew.”

“So are you.” Drew giggled as they pulled her in for another kiss.

If there was anyone on this earth who could make Rose believe in herself, it was not-so-grumpy Drew. Maybe they were right to believe in Rose so much. But there was only one way to find out.

6

TAYLOR

Okay,playing tennis in a sexy Santa costume is harder than I thought.

Taylor stretched her arm out to reach Mac’s serve, her shoulder rubbing against the cheap, suede and fluffy white trim. A grunt escaped her lips as her foot slammed into the hard court.

The ballcrackedoff of Taylor’s racket and back across the net.

The crowd gasped as the ball flew back, moving far faster than any of them anticipated.

“Come on, Bennett,” Taylor hollered across the court at her girlfriend with a wink.

Shaking her head, Mac smirked as she volleyed the ball back toward Taylor. As she took her swing, the cameras by the sidelines clicked as they captured the rising star’s form.

Once the ball was sailing over the net, Mac laughed. “Are you tired yet, Young?”

The game was slower in pace than a Grand Slam, not wanting to make a charity game too competitive. After all, the audience was a mix of adults and children.

But as Taylor reached to hit the ball back, her racket slipped in her hand, sending the ball straight into the net.

The crowd clapped for Mackenzie. Wiping her hands on the red tennis skirt, with the matching white trim, Taylor smiled across the court at Mac. It was still odd to look back over the net and know that the whole world knew about their love.

It was why the crowd wasn’t quite as thrilled, a part of them didn’t knowwhoto root for. Luckily, this was all for fun.

They kept up like that for a few rounds, catching themselves getting more and more competitive as the score tightened up. But even then, as the sweat dripped down Taylor’s face, she was still able to smile through it.

---