Page 29 of Mistletoe Kisses

As my chest swelled, I wondered if I’d woken in an alternate dimension where people recognized and praised my contributions instead of stealing my ideas or asking me to help them with projects before taking all the credit. I’d craved validation for so long, and it felt even better than I could’ve imagined. I just couldn’t understand why I’d found it in a small town across the country after a few days instead of at the job I’d poured my heart and soul into for years.

“That’s great. I’m glad you’re supporting the store,” I said. Lucas knocked his shoulder into mine.

“Have you checked out any other festival events this week?” Reed asked.

Warren lovingly rolled his eyes. “You’re not on the clock, sweetheart.”

Lucas laughed, which made me smile.

Reed held up his hands. “Hey, I’m just asking as a resident of Dahlia Springs, not as the vice chair of the Festival of Lights planning committee. Though that part of me is curious too.”

I relaxed a little more. These guys were easy to talk to. What was it about people in Dahlia Springs? I faded into the woodwork in Minneapolis, which had always suited me fine. But Dahlia Springs made me want to talk to people. Or at least be around them while they were talking to each other.

“I went to the pancake breakfast with Santa.” And got a plate to go. Deb was a decent cook, but I couldn’t handle another breakfast conversation.

“There’s some great events happening next week. Too bad you won’t be here. Ow!” Reed rubbed his arm as Warren glared at him. “I mean, there’s cool stuff happening this week too.” He glanced at Warren, who nodded.

“Yeah. Tomorrow night, the lights on Dahlia Lane start,” Warren said.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“It’s a fancy street in town where they go all out with festive decorations each year. It’s very Griswold-esque. There’s a hot cocoa booth, and you can drive or walk through. It’s pretty cool.”

“That sounds awesome.” I could check that out before I left. With the clock ticking on my trip, the urge to get out and explore was getting stronger. I would really love to see the ocean before I left, but I wasn’t sure I could make that happen.You’ve got a car. Just go.

“Do you want to go with me? I think it’ll still be running when I get off work tomorrow?” Lucas held still and looked at me expectantly.

I caught Warren and Reed sharing a look out of the corner of my eyes. “I’d love to.” I smiled, and when he returned it, my stomach went all topsy-turvy. Hanging out with Lucas was way more fun than sitting alone in the creepy B&B.

Even if I failed at telling my family who I was, I would always have fond memories of Lucas to think back on. I wasn’t sure how I would get through dinner with them, but with Lucas by my side, I almost felt like I could handle it. Almost.

“Putting my committee hat on now. Can I take a picture of you two? I want to capture happy participants.” Warren winked at Lucas.

“Of course. That okay with you?” Lucas asked me.

I nodded and nearly asked Warren if he would send it to me, but I didn’t have the nerve for that. Maybe I would get desperate enough after I went home that I could make it happen.

Lucas wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and I wrapped mine around his waist and leaned my head into his. We fit perfectly together. I barely noticed Warren snapping pictures and wasn’t positive I’d even smiled because all I could focus on was so much physical contact with Lucas. He smelled of peppermint. I loved peppermint.

“These are perfect,” Warren said as he looked at the camera screen. He pulled the strap over his head and turned the camera screen to face us.

“They are.” Lucas cleared his throat. He tightened his arm around me in a quick squeeze before dropping it.

“Yeah.” The photo was better than perfect. I was practically glowing. I couldn’t remember the last picture of myself I’d loved so much.

“Is that a cow print fanny pack with pink sequins?” Reed gestured to a shelf nearby.

We moved closer and got a good look at it. Not only was it trimmed with sequins, but the interior was lined with hot-pink velvet. I wasn’t sure that was the best material for the interior of a bag.

“Look, mistletoe!” Reed pointed above us.

I glanced up, and sure enough, a bundle of mistletoe wrapped in red ribbon hung from a fishing line pinned to the ceiling.

Reed had an innocent expression, but I caught him holding out his hand, palm up, low to his side, and Warren giving him a subtle high—low?—five.

I was scared to face Lucas. What if he didn’t want to kiss me? What if there was pity in his eyes? What if he laughed it off and didn’t follow through? But I wanted him to kiss me. Desperately. My heart thundered as time slowed to a crawl.

Lucas pressed his fingertip against my chin and turned my head toward him. “Can’t argue with tradition. It’s bad luck.”

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