Page 1 of Christmas Kisses

Prologue

Sam

As I look outside my window, I'm wiping off one of the tables in my coffee shop, Over the Roast. The Mayor of Woodland Falls is talking to someone in my parking lot, and I'm drooling as I watch him. A lot of people have bad things to say about our Mayor, but I have a little crush on him. Normally, that would be okay, but whenever he's near me, I get so nervous that I can't think straight.

I drop my rag when I see him finish his conversation and start walking towards my domain. I pick the rag up and quickly go to the bathroom to check myself out in the mirror. Once there, I realize there's nothing I can do for my looks. I've got my brown hair in a pixie cut, and I'm not wearing any makeup. I shouldhave put on at least some lipstick, but I can be basic like that sometimes. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm basic all the time.

The bell rings and I go greet the mayor. Behind him comes a handyman that I need to talk to, but my entire attention is on the hunk in front of me.

"Samantha Bower, how are you doing today, little lady?"

I smile and giggle at the endearment. Sure, he talks to every woman like that, but it still makes me feel special.

"What can I get you today, Mayor?"

I'm hoping he'll tell me to call him by his first name, but he never does. I guess he likes his position too much.

"I'm not here for pleasure but for a little bit of business."

This is new. He generally comes by, gets his coffee while he talks to a bunch of his closest friends and supporters, then leaves. I wonder what type of business he has in mind with me. I start to get excited. Doing business together means that we can spend more time together. That would give me a chance to flirt with him.

Oh no. The truth is, I'm really bad at flirting. I tried several times during high school and in college to disastrous results. I start biting my nails and then drop my hand like a hot potato. Can't have him see my insecurities all at once.

"What do you mean?"

"Here's the thing, Samantha. You know I'm always trying to promote Woodland Falls and myself as its mayor. Well, I think I have the perfect Christmas activity for it this year, and you're at the center of it."

"You know I'll do anything to help you, mayor."

He gives me that dazzling smile that melts me. From behind him, I see the handyman trying to get my attention, but I ignore him. Doesn't he know that the mayor comes first? I flash him my sternest look – if looks could kill – and get back to the handsome man before me.

"I know you will, little lady. I want you to host a Christmas Mixer on the 23rd of December."

"But that's just two weeks away."

"You can pull it off, Samantha. I believe in you." He puts his hand on my shoulder.

I hate it when he calls me Samantha. Everyone calls me Sam. His hand is still on my shoulder, and I look up to see why. He's got this questioning look, and I realize he's waiting for me to say that I will host this event.

"Will the city be sponsoring the event?"

"Oh, I'm sure you can do this for me. Sort of like a donation, if you will."

The thoughts in my head are going wild, bouncing one against the other and ricocheting inside my skull.

"I…"

Say no, Sam. Say no.But he's looking at me like he really sees me, and he still has his hand on my shoulder.

"I was going to do some repairs in the shop. It might not be ready for that date."

"Oh, a little lady like you is capable of manifesting miracles. I know you can do this for me, Samantha. And remember, always mention that this event is backed by the city."

However, the event is not backed by the city. I will back it if I accept it. He's still smiling down at me as if he doesn't have a care in the world. I'm still struck speechless when he puts his other hand on my opposite shoulder. He's so close to me, and the smile is too bright. What do I do?

"Sure, mayor. You've got it. Christmas Mixer on the 23rd."

"That's my girl. Keep my assistant Kate posted on everything."

---