Page 22 of Flown in for Christmas

I chuckle. “I’ll teach you.”

She does a little giddy hop and throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you.”

I hug her back. “For what?”

She pulls away, shaking her head and smiling. “I just—” She stops herself and the excitement dims a little in her eyes. “I’m just happy to be spending Christmas with you and your family, is all.” She gestures at herself. “I guess I better go get ready,” she adds,leaning in to kiss me. Her lips are soft against mine and she tastes sweet and fresh with hints of chocolate and peppermint. My hand still resting on her waist tightens—begging for more.

My pleas go unanswered as the moment ends far too soon for my liking. She smiles and walks away.

No one else was around to see that kiss, my brain immediately takes note.

She kissed me simply because shewantedto.

And I’m greedy for more.

Ten.

Joy

The park is awinter wonderland filled with people and activities. There is ice skating and sledding, a snowman-building contest, games for the kids, holiday music playing over several speakers, and multiple food and craft vendors lined up.

My jaw drops at the sight of an amazing sculpture made of ice in the center of the rink. It’s a plump Santa waving with a sack of toys hauled over his shoulder and his lower half stuffed in a chimney top—and it ishuge!

I can’t stop smiling.

As an avid lover of all things Christmas, I’ve dreamed of finding a place like this. I used to sit at home and watch cheesyHallmarkmovies and get lost in the spirit of it all. I was so jealous of those actors living my dream.

Now, here I am, about to enjoy the Christmasofmy dreams with themanof my dreams.

My cheeks burn under the thick knit scarf Nick insisted I wear to help keep my face and neck warm. I’ve got two pairs of socks on, a thermal long sleeve (at his demand), his hoodie (also at his demand), my new long winter coat, boots, hat, andtwopairs of mittens borrowed from his sister.

Meanwhile, all he has on is a hoodie, jacket, hat, and gloves. “I’m used to the cold,” he said. I argued that he lives in Texas now and should bundle up, but he seems to be doing fine.

I shift in place. My toes are already getting a cold bite to them and we just got here.

Nick’s low chuckle catches my attention as he steers us toward the rental skate booth. “I take it they don’t have anything like this in LA?”

“Not even close.” I smile over the scarf tucked around my chin. “This is amazing. There’s so much going on.”

He grins. “Don’t worry, we’ll walk around afterward and see everything. We usually do ice skating first before it gets too crowded on the rink.”

I nod, holding his hand as we move up in line. My head is still on a swivel taking it all in when I see a certain someone talking to Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Or should I say, a ‘couple’ someones.

I squeeze Nick’s hand. He was so stressed yesterday and last night. I want today to be fun for him. I admit, Eric is…strange, but Darcy is the one who reeks of trouble in my opinion. Yet, Nickhasn’t seemed to say much about her. Although, his face says it all. I wonder how close she was to the family after their breakup? Close enough to meet Eric, I assume.

“Joy?”

I’m pulled from my thoughts to Nick’s voice. I peer up at him. “Hm?”

“What size shoe are you?” he asks with a smile, making me think that wasn’t the first time he’s asked in the last few minutes.

“Oh, an eight.”

He huffs. “Eight. Right.”

I lean into him. “I won’t hold it against you for not remembering.”

“This time,” he muses, and I smile.

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