Page 50 of Just Add Mistletoe

“Is this okay?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.

Lori looked at their intertwined hands, his large, callused, strong. “It’s okay.” It was more than okay, but she didn’t want to presume. This man could be heading out of Everly Falls any day.

His thumb stroked her fingers, and goose bumps raced along her arm. “I like hanging out with you,” he said. “It’s like we’ve known each other a lot longer than a month.”

Her breath caught. “I like hanging out with you too.”

“What was your mom asking you about last night—before I fell asleep here?”

“Oh.” Lori’s cheeks heated at his question, but also because he was still holding her hand. “She wanted to know all about the kitten, of course, and she was very interested in my new friend.”

He smirked. “What did you tell her?”

“That we’re strictly friends.” Although right now, it felt anything but.

“There’s thatstrictlyword again,” he said, the edges of his mouth curving.

She wondered what was going on behind those hazel eyes of his.

“I really should get going, though,” he said. “I’m getting way too comfortable here and could fall asleep at any moment.”

He did look tired, but his sleepiness was still appealing.

“Let me remove your encumbrance.” Gently, she lifted Tiger from his chest. “There, you’re free to go.”

Tiger stretched, then hopped off the couch and trotted away. “Did I tell you he’s litter-trained now?” she said. Talking about the kitten was a much safer subject than their friendship status.

Malcom’s brows lifted. “Already? He’s growing up so fast. I’m so proud.”

She laughed, then pushed to her feet. A little distance from Malcom would be good. He was too close, too easy to hang out with— it was too tempting to cross the friendship line.

“Let me know how your meeting with Austin goes tomorrow,” she said. “You’re still good for the dinner later?”

“I am.” Malcom stood, and Lori found that they were only inches away from each other. The sun had set hours ago, and theroom was lit with only one lamp, leaving most of the room in shadow.

“Thanks for inviting me, and for including me in your friend group,” he said. “Brandy has been really helpful, and I suspect things will go well with Austin tomorrow too.”

Lori folded her arms because goose bumps were racing along them at his nearness. “I hope they will. I mean, it would be really great if you stayed around.” She gave a nonchalant shrug. “There are places to rent, like that apartment complex on the other side of town. And of course, there’s always my couch and Tiger.”

The edges of his mouth lifted. “I’ll let you know.”

She nodded, and expected him to step away and walk to the door. But he didn’t move, and she felt her heart rate double when he continued looking at her, his gaze lowering to her mouth.

Was he . . .?

When his hand lifted, and his fingers skimmed her jaw, she whispered, “What are you doing?”

“I want to kiss you, Lori.”

She drew in a breath, her pulse roaring in her ears. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I’d like to find out.” His hand slipped to the nape of her neck, and the touch of his fingers on her skin made everything heat inside of her.

She tentatively placed a hand on his chest, even though one part of her was telling her to step back, keep a safe distance from this man. To guard her heart. Yet she could feel his heart racing beneath his shirt, and ignoring any logic, she curled her fingers into the fabric and tugged him toward her.

His smile appeared.

Lifting her chin, she met his mouth. His lips were warm and soft, yet firm. Kissing Malcom wasn’t a good idea, her mind said,but her body wasn’t listening. Her eyes slid shut, and she let her body respond to his.

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