Page 15 of Christmas Kisses

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yes."

Her mouth is saying yes, but I see panic in her eyes as she takes one and then another step back to put distance between us. Pretty soon, she's in full flight and goes to hide in her tiny office. I'm left to wonder if I should go after her or let her absorb what just happened between us. Personally, it affected me more than I thought possible.

And if before I wasn't going after Samantha Bower's heart, I certainly am now.

Chapter 6

Sam

I'm still reeling from that kiss last night. I took the morning off because Brandy arrived last night, and I need to talk to her desperately. My doorbell rings, and I put the cookies that I baked aside so I can rush over and let her in. As soon as I open the door, she comes barreling in and practically runs me over. She stops, however, and pulls me into her arms.

"Oh my god, Sam, it's so good to see you."

"Hey, bestie, glad to have you back, even if just for two weeks."

She pulls back and gets a good look at me.

"Oooh, you're keeping secrets."

"How can you possibly know that?" My eyebrows rise.

"Wait! I've got presents."

I clap my hands. "Can I open them now, or do I have to wait for Christmas day?"

"Some you can open, some will have to wait. Whoa, it smells like chocolate chip cookies in here."

"Baked a batch just for you."

Behind her, just beyond the doorway, I see several bags that I imagine contain my goodies. She picks them up and puts them all on my living room table to be opened as we gossip the morning away. I go to the kitchen, put the cookie plate on a tray, and add one hot chocolate and one glass of cold milk. Even though it is cold as heck out there, Brandy likes her cookies with cold milk.

I place the tray next to the presents and sit beside her on the couch. She picks up her cookie and milk and looks straight at me.

"Tell me the secret."

I hesitate, and then my shoulders slump. "Remember the handyman?"

"You asked him out!"

"This is me we're talking about."

"Oh, right. Well, what happened? You wanted him to do some repairs in the shop, as I recall."

"Yes, I asked him that, but…you know how I tend to get flustered when I'm in front of a cute guy?"

"Yup, I know I've failed you. Want to work on that while I'm here?"

"No need. I asked him to give me dating lessons—” I read her face, “—but there's been a glitch."

"Back up a minute. Are you doing this to get Mayor Douchebag to like you?"

"Don't call him that."

"Are you?"

"I thought it might help. Talking to him always overwhelms me, and I don't know what to say or do in front of him."

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