Page 61 of Mistletoe Kisses

“Isn’t her meatloaf amazing?” He rubbed his belly. “There’s a call for you, Arlo. It’s an author, but I didn’t catch his name. Said he had some follow-up questions from your email exchange.”

Karen gave him a dirty look. “He’s on lunch. Take a damn message.” She turned back to me. “We’re paying you, by the way. In case Ron hasn’t told you yet today. We sorted the details last night.”

I opened my mouth to argue. How could I accept their money when I knew how badly the business needed it? But she silenced me with a look. If I were honest with myself, the money would be a relief. I was getting increasingly antsy about not having a job lined up when I got home. But between the bookstore and spending as much time with Lucas as possible, I couldn’t focus on the search. And I wasn’t yet clear on how much of my stuff was ruined and would need to be replaced. That alone could cost a huge amount if insurance didn’t pay for it. It was hard to tell with any level of detail from the photos our landlord had sent us yesterday.

“Thank you. I appreciate that. And I’ll take the call. It’ll be quick, I’m sure.”

Karen arched her perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

“I promise to take off early tonight. I might head to the caroling event before Lucas gets off work.”

“That sounds lovely, dear. But you’d better finish this food after you get off the phone.”

My stomach rumbled. “Try and take it from me. It’s delicious. Reminds me of the meatloaf my grandma used to make.”

She beamed at me.

* * *

LUCAS

Once more, I glanced at Arlo’s last text that said he was on his way home from the bookstore. I wanted to make sure I had the timing right. He should be back in two minutes, so I lit the candles I’d set out on my coffee table. I wished I had the space for a dining table so I could make a proper romantic dinner.

I’d been buzzing all day and couldn’t wait to see him. With not much time left together, I wanted to pull out all the stops to make it a memorable trip for him, in and out of bed. Arlo had let me in, and I wanted nothing more than to make him feel as special as he was.

I couldn’t get enough of making him squirm and reach for me as his flush crept farther and farther down his chest. Or how he opened up to me when we talked, sharing more of his life and dreams. Arlo drew me in on every level.

I loved watching him blossom in Dahlia Springs. He was still the same shy guy I’d met at work who had trouble making eye contact and kept his nose buried in a book. But he was more animated, more open, teased me, and showed affection. He’d opened to me like the best present I’d never known to ask for.

A key turning the front door lock snagged my attention. Arlo stumbled inside, looking ragged with bags under his eyes. I sprang to my feet and greeted him with a hug and a soft kiss. He melted into me and sighed.

“Rough day?”

“No. Why?”

I brushed his hair back and kissed the crease on his forehead. “I know this always comes off as rude, but you look exhausted, babe.”

His frown softened at my words. “I guess I’m a little tired.”

“Then my evil plan might be perfect. Since I had the early shift today, I thought we could have a quiet night. Maybe cuddle and read our books after we eat? You’ve been working your ass off at the bookstore, and I thought you’d like to unwind.”

Arlo looked over my shoulder and took in the candles. “You did this for me? It smells amazing.”

“I did, but if you have other plans or want to go somewhere, that’s perfect too.”

Arlo kicked off his shoes as I hung his coat. He walked over to the couch and collapsed with a hearty exhale. “I can’t even express how perfect this is. Thank you.”

The compliment sparked electricity under my skin. I got so much pleasure from taking care of Arlo. I’d always enjoyed caring for people and making them happy, which was probably why I enjoyed working in food service so much. But it hit differently with Arlo.

“You relax, and I’ll bring over the food.” It only took a few minutes to pull the lasagna and garlic bread from the oven and plate it. I poured us each a glass of a local Cabernet Sauvignon I liked, then brought it all over to the coffee table.

Arlo smiled at me with a tenderness in his eyes that I wanted to hold on to forever.

Conversation remained light during dinner as I told him stories about my day at work. He made the appropriate responsive sounds as I talked. Arlo preferred to listen, which worked well since I was happy to chat all day.

After he’d cleaned his plate, he pushed it forward on the coffee table. “This was delicious. Thank you.”

“My mom deserves the credit. She goes on a lasagna baking kick a few times a year and loads each of us kids up with a couple of them for our freezers. But I’ll take credit for proper reheating.”

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