Page 12 of The White Chocolate Christmas Wish

“Is that what drew you to becoming a PI with Tucker?”

“Partly. Obviously, I also like solving puzzles and helping people. And honestly? After being a military police officer, I wasn’t ready to give up the adrenaline rush completely.”

I grinned. “I’m glad to be the one on the radio and not out there in the action. Secondhand adrenaline is enough of a rush for me. That said, I do like hearin’ about the cases. I’ve always been drawn to mysteries. My grandpa used to tell the most incredible stories...” I trailed off as a pang of grief caught me off guard.

Colton squeezed my hand. “He sounds like an amazing man.”

“He was. I think...I think he’d be happy to see me embracin’ the holidays again.”

Colton’s smile was warm. “I have a feeling he’d be proud of you, Hope. For a lot of reasons.”

The memory of my grandfather’s stories stirred something within me. I turned to Colton, my curiosity piqued. “You know, there’s another mystery that’s been buggin’ me. The time capsule girl.” I playfully bumped his shoulder. “Hey, you’re a PI. Maybe I should hire you to solve it.”

Colton chuckled, his fingers intertwining with mine. “I don’t want your money. I’m curious, too.”

I bit my lip, feeling suddenly bold. “Oh? If you don’t want my money, how would I pay you then?”

His steps slowed, and he turned to face me, his expression softening. The Christmas lights cast a warm glow on his features, making my breath catch. My heart raced as he leaned in closer, his hand gently cupping my cheek.

“If you’re offering,” he murmured, “I wouldn’t say no to another kiss.”

The world seemed to fall away as I tilted my face up to his, my pulse thundering in my ears. “I suppose that’s only fair...”

Our lips met, and my entire body flooded with light and warmth—despite the dark and chilly night surrounding us. This kiss was different. It wasn’t as soft and sweet as the non-mistletoe kiss from the tree lot. This kiss seared me to my very bones, each brush of Colton’s lips across mine a heated promise for more. Foreverything. It stole my breath, and as he cupped my face and deepened the kiss, I couldn’t believe how right it felt to be in his arms like this.

When we finally parted, I stood there, my hands resting on Colton’s chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips, and I couldn’t decide where to look or how I felt. The hungerin his eyes made me feel alive and wanted, ready to kiss him again. But the quirk of his lips? That made me want to laugh in a way that I was sure would knit pieces of my heart back together that I’d been pretending weren’t broken.

“You know,” he said softly, “I’ve felt this... thispulltowards you since the moment we met. Am I alone in that?”

I blushed under his gaze, and I shook my head. “No, I’ve felt it, too.”

He took a deep breath. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but this feels… real.”

“It really does,” I said with a bewildered laugh.

“What do you say we make it official?”

A broad smile broke across my face. “I’d love that.”

I barely had time to register the relief and joy that washed over his face before he pulled me close, capturing my lips in another kiss. And then, as we broke apart, I had to laugh. “Um, quick question.”

“Shoot.”

“Is it weird that it was easier to say yes to that than it has been to do any of this Christmas stuff?”

Colton grinned, his arm wrapping around my waist as we started to walk again. “Only if it’s weird that I’m totally good with that. But, just so you know, you’re not getting out of the Christmas stuff. We gotta finish the list.”

“And figure out who made it.”

“That, too.”

I leaned into him, feeling lighter than I had in years. “That’s my wish for tonight. That we can find out whomade it, figure out her connection to my grandpa, and… if she’s around, give her back her snow globe. Hopefully, it makes her as happy as her stinkin’ list is makin’ me right now.”

“See?” he said with a teasing wag of his finger. “That doesn’t soundcommercializedat all.”

CHAPTER SIX

COLTON

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