Page 12 of Just Add Mistletoe

He stood from the island and retrieved his tool bag. “Thanks for telling me your story. I should get going, Sleeping Beauty.”

“Anytime,” Lori said, her cheeks taking on a faint pink. “But maybe not at one in the morning.”

“Is it that late already?” Malcom pulled out his phone. He had several texts from Penny and a couple from Jay. Nothing from his date.

Lori had moved to the front door and opened it.

He headed toward her. “It was great talking to you. Thanks for not making me feel like the odd man out.”

“I’m sure you’ll date when you’re ready or you find that perfect woman.” Lori leaned against the door, her eyes bright. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“It’s a deal,” he said. “And the same goes for you. Although, I must say, those one-date men were missing out.”

“Oh really? Do you think they should have asked me out on a second date?” Lori teased.

“Definitely. Their loss.”

Her cheeks had flushed again, and Malcom was strangely happy knowing that maybe she took his compliment to heart. Because it was only the truth.

“Well, thanks, and hope you drive safe.”

“I’ll be fine.” He stepped out onto the porch in the crisp night air. The stars above seemed to spread for miles.

“And what should I tell Ian about tomorrow’s barbecue?” Lori asked.

He was surprised she brought it up, but also pleased. It would have been awkward showing up. Ian hadn’t even told him a time. But now that Lori was asking . . . it felt more like an invitation he couldn’t turn down. “What time is the barbeque?”

“Around six.” She tilted her head. “Do you have any free time? I mean, you are the boss.”

“I am the boss . . . which means I can make my own schedule.”

Her smile appeared. He really liked that feature of hers.

“You should come,” she said in a breezy tone. “All the guys are great, even when they act like ten-year-olds. And if you’re going to be around Everly Falls for a few months, you might want more options than hanging out in your trailer.”

“And you think a barbecue is a good place to start?” Malcom knew he was borderline flirting now, but Lori didn’t seem to mind.

“I think it’s an excellent place to start.” She tucked a bit of flyaway hair that had escaped her ponytail behind her ear. “But I must warn you. Once the others find out you’re single, they’ll probably try to set you up with someone.”

“Like you?” Malcom said, toeing the line.

Lori laughed. “No, we can nip that in the bud right from the start. We still have plenty of high school friends who fit the single status.”

“Ah. Well, then, I think I’m going to stick to your strategy.” Malcom smiled. “No blind dates for me. If I meet someone, it has to be organically.”

“Good plan,” Lori said, moving a step away from him. “Have a good night and see you at the barbecue—if you come.”

Malcom nodded, about to turn away. Then he paused. “I wanted to ask you about the cat earrings. Do you have a bunch of cats or something who are like your children?”

Lori’s brows shot up. “Are you calling me a cat lady?”

“If the shoe fits . . .”

Thankfully, she smiled, and he was glad he hadn’t put his foot in his mouth—too much.

“I do love cats,” she said, idly twisting one of the cat earrings. “I don’t currently have one, if you must know, but it’s all part of the ruse. Keeps away the guys looking for a hookup. They see my holiday earrings and assume I’m a bit odd—which you just verified—and they walk the other way as fast as possible.”

“You know that a lot of men love cats too.”

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