Page 19 of Mistletoe Magic

“Smart move. Can I get eight shots of fireball?” I ask. He nods, and I head over to the tables that Jack and Lyssa put together. “I ordered a round of shots to get us started.”

The night flows of shots, drinks, dancing, and laughter. It’s like we all grew up together and have been best friends for life. We left no one out in conversation.

“I’ll be home for Christmas”comes on through the speakers.

“May I have this dance?” Hunter stands beside me, and I nod. We walk onto the crowded dance floor. I lay my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. We sway to the music. Enjoying each other. I never want this to end. How do I tell him? I look up and realize we’re under the mistletoe. I smile.

“What?” he asks.

“Look.” I motion up.

“Well, we can’t have seven terrible years.” He leans down and kisses me. It’s a kiss that stops the world. Everyone around us disappears. The music fades away, time stops ticking— the world belongs to Hunter and me.

Once we break apart, I stare into those eyes. “I love you,” I whisper. I step out of his arms and run outside. I’m trying to catch my breath as his hand rubs my back. “I got caught up in the moment.”

“So you don’t love me?” Hunter sounds disappointed.

“I didn’t say that. Wait, do you love me?” My head turns to look over my shoulder at him. He’s standing with a smile on his face.

“I do. I’ve almost said it a few times. I’ve never said it to a woman before. It scares me.”

“I’m terrified. Matthew was the last man I said it to, but what I’m feeling . . . it was never like this with him. When you aren’t around, I feel like there is a missing piece to me.”

“That’s how I feel. You know how you forget your cell phone, and you’re so lost without it you keep checking for it. That’s what it’s like for me when you’re not with me. I’m lost.” We both laugh. I hug him tight. “We’ll worry about California and Florida later. Right now, we enjoy each other.”

“Okay,” is all I can say because I know I’ll start crying once I let myself think about him leaving. How would this work? “Let’s go back in and finish our drinks?”

A couple of hours later, Micah yells last call, making us all groan. I can’t believe we stayed until two a.m. and I have to be up in three hours. This is going to be a long-ass day. I hug Micah goodbye, and he promises me he’ll see me at the pageant. I pay the bill as I told the King brothers it was my treat.

We walk back to the hotel, enjoying the cool air for Florida. The waves crashing in the background, the smell of the sea salt in the air. There is no better place than this area. I smile.

“Today is going to suck big time. We have to be up in three hours,” Lyssa reminds me. “I’m thankful your dad is going to bring Timmy to the ice rink. I don’t think I can function to be a mom right now.” She giggles. She is drunk as she slurs her words and is all over Jack. He doesn’t mind.

“I’m skipping breakfast, so I’m sleeping until six. I need the four hours. Sleep and nothing more, Mister.” I point to Hunter.

“I think I’m your bitch tomorrow, so I’m going to need my sleep too,” Hunter teases as he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. We laugh as he carries me into the hotel this way. As Hunter sets me down in the elevator, I lean up against him. Lyssa and Jack are the first to get off. Then Brad and Tina, and Tony and Chrissy. We all make plans to meet at the rink at eight. I’m going in early because I’m the owner and there is still work that needs to be done. Hunter and I are alone in the elevator. The doors open, and as I go to get out, I’m met with my mother.

“Mom. How are you?” I’m startled to see her up this late. I swallow hard.

“I’m well. How are you?”

“This is Hunter. Hunter, this is my mom, Beverly.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. Your daughter is amazing.” Hunter sounds like a teenage girl when he says amazing.

“I know.” My mom sounds disgusted like she didn’t know. “What are you doing here?”

“Hunter is staying here. We were just at Joes.” My mother looks at me disapprovingly as I roll my eyes. “Well, it was nice to see you. I know you won’t be at the pageant since you have the wedding rehearsal and all. Come on, Hunter, let’s go have hot, wild sex.”

“Really, Ava? Why are you so crass?”

“Because it’s what you expect from me. Why not give it to you?” Once in the room, I cry. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have behaved that way.”

“How did you behave? Your mom made an assumption about us because you were staying with me. It’s fine. I’m not worried about it. I’m going to shower. Do you want to join me before bed?” Hunter asks. “No sex, maybe some making out.” I agree with it.

There is sex in the bed once we’re both wet and naked.

Can love be this heavenly?

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