Page 30 of No Time for Traditions

Greg opened his mouth and widened his eyes. “Oh, so thisisa date.”

Brittany shrugged and stuck her hands in her pockets. That had come out of nowhere, and she didn’t know whether to agree or protest at this point. She lowered her gaze, afraid if she looked Greg in the eyes, she might blush.

“How about this? By the end of the night, if you’ve had a good time, it’s a date. If not, it’s not a date.” Greg elbowed her gently until she looked up at him.

“Okay.” Brittany smiled. Even with the news about Grandpa Barnes’s house, she’d smiled more this week than she had in a long time.

On their way to town, they mainly talked about their jobs and holiday events. Greg commented on some of the decorations as they passed. He shared her admiration for the Grinch house and its creativity. Brittany enjoyed their talk so much that she wished the drive were longer.

Greg walked around and opened her truck door after they parked. “Miss Barnes.” He held out his hand. “Watch your step.”

She took his hand and hopped down from the truck. A little déjà vu swept over her as she eyed the skating rink. “Want to try it again before they light the tree?”

Greg gave her his infamous dimpled smirk. “Will you hold me again so I won’t fall?”

“Yes, but only if you let me pick the food truck this time.” Brittany smiled up at him, and they walked together toward the skate rentals.

Greg dug out his wallet and put a hand on Brittany’s as she did the same. “I’m paying.”

“I can buy mine, it’s fine.”

Greg narrowed his brown eyes. “Maybe in New York City, but here in Alabama, the man treats his lady.”

Brittany put her wallet away and pressed her lips together. While she loved independence and having her own money, she missed the gentlemanly nature of Southern men.

As soon as they changed into their skates, Greg took her hand. “I’m serious, I still need you to help me.”

“Okay.” Brittany’s lips curved as she relaxed her hand into his large palm. She took her other hand and held on to the bend of his elbow to better support his large frame.

Unlike the first time they skated together, Brittany was more aware of her surroundings. She still had flutters in her stomach, but holding on to Greg felt more natural this time. As if they were a real couple. Whenever someone she knew passed them on the rink, Brittany smiled or nodded, not caring what anyone thought of her and Greg Tucker.

No matter what happened when she left for New York, or even later tonight, in this moment, all was perfect.

By the third loop around the rink, Brittany was certain Greg could skate on his own. But she didn’t offer to let go, and he didn’t ask her to. If anything, they held on tighter to one another, talking, laughing, and delighting in the fake snow sprinkling down when they passed close to Santa’s village set up beside the rink.

The next time they skated toward Santa’s village, Greg sped up and pulled her to the side of the rink.

“Greg, I knew you could skate. You faker.” She playfully punched his bicep and blushed, noting it was firmer than she’d expected.

“Does this mean I have to skate without you now?” Greg faced her and put his hands on her arms. They were close enough so that his frosty breath tickled her nose when he spoke.

Brittany swallowed and focused on his eyes. “Not if you don’t want to.”

She leaned closer, thinking he might kiss her. But instead, he looked up and laughed. Brittany frowned, confused. Then she followed his gaze and noticed he’d stopped them beside a mistletoe hanging from a branch at Santa’s village. Brittany blushed.

Before she could look at Greg, he kissed her on the cheek. Heat shot through her cold limbs, relaxing her senses. She closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. When she opened her eyes, Greg was staring at her. His dark eyes twinkled.

He raised his eyebrows as if confused. Then, he licked his lips and dipped his head so that their foreheads were touching. Brittany wanted him to kiss her, but she could tell he wanted her permission.

She cupped her hands around his face and gently stroked his hair back from his temples.

And then he kissed her. For real this time. On the lips. Under the mistletoe. In snow showers. Fake snow, but still as romantic as a Hallmark movie on steroids.

Every movement of his mouth electrified her body. In that moment, Brittany forgot about everything but Greg. She didn’t care who saw them or if they missed the tree lighting. She even forgot she was on a skating rink until she moved her feet closer to Greg and they slid instead of stepped. All that mattered was that kiss.

Brittany sighed as their eyes met, her hands still on his cheeks. Greg grinned from ear to ear. He’d enjoyed it as much as she had.

She had kissed Greg Tucker. And it was awesome.

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