Page 35 of A Tinsel Tale

I arch my brows at the Parkers. “Well? What do you two think? Can we trust her?”

“Yes,” they chorus merrily.

“Let us begin then.” We all take a handful and begin the final touches on the magnificent tree. When we’re empty handed, we step back and marvel at the showpiece as Frank Sinatra croons, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Evie clasps her hands. “It’s beautiful,” she sighs, staring at it in wonder. It really is. Probably magazine worthy. One of the best I’ve ever decorated.

“We could start a business,” Gwen says. “It’s truly the loveliest tree I’ve ever seen. There must be magic in the air. A tree decorated with love makes for the best ones.”

I notice Evie’s cheeks turn pink and I wonder why. Could it have been the love comment? And could she be any cuter? I’d like to haul her into my arms and give her something else to blush about.

“Time for hot chocolate,” she says hurriedly. “Taking orders.”

“I’ll help,” I say.

Gwen sits next to Bill, and I follow Evie. When she opens the refrigerator, I slip my arms around her waist from behind and rest my chin on her shoulder. I whisper into her ear, my breath stirring her glorious hair. “Feels like old times, doesn’t it?”

She melts into me and nods without turning. When I lift her heavy hair from one shoulder, she tilts her head to allow me access. I nuzzle her neck, aware that we’re in full view of Bill and Gwen if they turn around, but I don’t care. She smells sensual and earthy, sandalwood and a lingering touch of pine in her hair. I’ve had to watch her all night long without touching and I’m going nuts with a need to hold her in my arms.

“I’d like to take you out on a date. No pressure. One date. What do you say?” I say softly against her ear.

She turns in my arms and licks her bottom lip. I’d like to be the one licking that lip. “To what end?” she asks.

“Does there have to be an end game? Just a date, Evie. I can’t stop thinking about you. I have some things I need to say. We can go out and grab something to eat then go bowling afterwards. Come on, it’ll be fun. We have nothing to lose.” I see hurt flash in her eyes and immediately feel like a dope for saying that. “I’m sorry. What I meant by nothing to lose is we’re obviously fighting an attraction so why not see where this goes?”

“Jamie, its different for me. I can’t handle another heartbreak.”

“One date. We each get to tell our stories. I want to know what you’ve been up to… everything. Every single thing you’ve been doing for the last fifteen years. Catch me up. Please,” I beg.

She surprises me and caresses my cheek. My heart thuds in my chest. “Okay,” she says.

My mouth drops open. “Okay? Really?” I’m shook.

Her eyes twinkle at me, cheeks nice and rosy so what else can I do? I pick her up and whoop as I swing her around. “That’s great! Thank you!”

“What did we miss?” Coach calls out.

“Your daughter agreed to go out on a date with me. Ain’t that the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard?” I say.

Coach is smiling from ear to ear and Gwen is looking like she’s watching the world’s best rom-com, a dreamy look in her eyes. I know the feeling.

19

JAMIE

Irinse off the shaving cream and slap on some aftershave my sister-in-law bought me last year for Christmas. I peruse my closet looking for the perfect shirt that says I care, without being over the top. I opt for a thin khaki sweater with a zippered neck and relaxed fit jeans. I grab my watch from the top of my dresser as I head for the door. I slip into my fleece lined down jacket, pull on my Nikes then walk out the door whistling. I’ve got a date with Evie Parker.

Evie is already running across the yard to meet me when I pull up. She climbs into the passenger seat, eyes glittering, cheeks flushed. “I never saw this happening in a million years,” she says buckling in.

“That makes two of us. I’m glad it is, though.” I pull onto the road and head towards town.

“I heard there was a fire at The Wellington Restaurant last night.”

“Yes. Grease fire. Contained to the kitchen. They’ll be shut down for a couple weeks. Bad time of year to lose business. They book a fair number of private parties over the holidays.”

“At least no one was hurt. It could have been the entire building.”

“True.” I can feel her studying me. I cock a brow at her. “What?” I ask.

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