Page 62 of Flake It Til You Make It

“Sure,” Rocco said.

Taylor leaned down. “Don’t let anyone take our booth. I’ll be right back.”

Rocco sat down, slipped out of his coat, and looked around at the setup.

He’d only been in Frosty’s a handful of times since moving to Christmas Falls, but the few times he’d grabbed a quick meal or drink, he’d never seen the small stage set up at one end of the long room with a large screen behind it. Or the queue of festively dressed people waiting in line to sign up to sing their favorite holiday song.

“Young man, are you going to get up there or just sit there and listen to the rest of the town make fools of themselves?”

Rocco glanced over and Mrs. Lil was standing there, grinning at him.

“Uh,” he hesitated. “I’m not much of a singer, to be honest.”

“I vote for we listen to them make fools of themselves,” she said.

Rocco chuckled as she sat down. He wasn’t that disappointed. After waltzing in in her full glory two months ago and seeing pumpkin spice was not on his menu, he hadn’t seen her grace Jolly Java since.

Mrs. Lil wasn’t capable of a cold shoulder, but if she was, she’d have spent the last few weeks giving Rocco one.

But not now. Now, she was sitting across from him expectantly, her gaze roving over him with that appraising stare.

“That sounds like a great plan,” Rocco said.

“Well, it’s a plan ofsomekind,” she said wryly. She leaned forward. “Now, Rocco Moretti, I hear you’re seeing sense.”

“Of some kind,” Rocco said with a laugh.

She looked surprised, and he had a feeling not much surprised her. “Oh, I like you,” she said.

“I like him too. Good evening, Mrs. Lil.” Taylor slid in next to him, all graceful movements, setting a full martini glass in front of him and a beer bottle in front of himself.

Drinks delivered, he slung an arm around Rocco and tucked him in close.

“Oh, are you two here . . .oh, youare.” She smiled. “You’re on a date.”

“Guilty as charged,” Rocco said. “But you’re welcome to stay.”

“And be a third wheel?” Mrs. Lil shook her head and continued tartly, “I hardly think so. But thank you for the invitation. And Rocco? Expect to see me next week.”

Rocco nodded as she slid out of the booth and headed over, ending up at the one two down with Griff and Logan.

“I guess she doesn’t mind crashingtheirdate,” Taylor said mischievously.

“Guess we’re cuter than them,” Rocco said.

Taylor’s gaze slid to him. Eyed him up and down. “Yeah, we are,” he said. His fingertips skimmed over Rocco’s shoulder and settled on it, his touch light.

“I . . .” What Rocco was going to say died in his throat. He swallowed hard. Taylor’s eyes were so intent on him, his look so intense, it was like he could see right into Rocco. Could see all the parts where Rocco wanted this to be real.

“I should say I’m sorry,” Taylor said.

“For?” But Rocco had a feeling he knew.

Taylor winced. “Pushing you. Pushingus. Then freaking out like that. That was . . .I shouldn’t have done that.”

Rocco wanted to melt like candle wax, but he stayed strong. If he got this wrong . . .well, that didn’t bear thinking of. “To be clear, are you apologizing for kissing me?”

Taylor shook his head. “No, no way. For freaking out after. I . . .that was not my best moment.”

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