Page 65 of Christmas Wishes

I should take it with me to the mountains tomorrow. Jesus. Did I actually ask Riggs to take me skiing? What the hell had I been thinking? I blamed the lethal combination of his pheromones and my hormones. I supposed if I were to ever tackle my fear of skiing, Riggs was the best person to do it with. I felt safer with him than with nearly anyone else.

“How long are you in town for?” Esther picked up a lipstick and held it in front of her lips as she puckered them while looking in the mirror.

“My flight is Sunday evening.”

Judith and Esther made matching “aw” sounds while Doris gave me a sad look.I don’t want me to leave either.

Except I had a life and family to get back to. The threat of impending goodbyes just had me in my feels.

“I was hoping we could arrange a full class at the senior center.” Esther smiled. “You’re great at this.”

I pressed my hand over my heart and smiled my gratitude. “I could do an online class anytime. I could be on Zoom and demonstrate on myself while the three of you go around and help people in person now that you know all my secrets. We can make it work.” I wanted to keep the connection with these people after I left.

Esther hummed. “Would be easier if you stayed, but I suppose kidnapping might get me in trouble. Orange isn’t a good color for me, so I should stay out of prison.”

The compliment made me feel ten feet tall. I’d never had an issue with leaving a place behind after a vacation before, but I’d never had a vacation like this one. I dreaded leaving Juniper Ridge, and it wasn’t only because of Riggs. I was falling in love with this snowy little town too.

* * *

RIGGS

When I pulled up to Nico’s house after another round of appointments, I was surprised to see the cars of Doris and her friends still there. I’d gotten back later than I’d planned because there was an errand I wanted to run after my last customer.

After leaving my work gear in the garage, I opened the door to the kitchen. I was hit with warm air that smelled of maple and the sounds of laughter coming from the dining nook attached to the living room. My lips reflexively curved into a smile as I set the bulky shopping bag on the floor next to the door.

“Uh-oh. The law is home. Everyone better calm down,” Esther said loudly from the other room.

I chuckled at her dramatics.

“Is he the kind of law that strips?” Judith giggled.

“Judith, that’s disgusting. He’s family.” Doris sounded morally affronted.

My chest squeezed as I tried to hunt down the source of the maple scent. It smelled like Jitterbug.

“Maple-pecan scones. I saved half the batch for you. I was thinking of freezing some.” Keaton leaned his hip against the counter and pushed a plastic container toward me. There was a sticky note on it that readFor Riggs.

I smiled, popped off the lid, and shoved one in my mouth. The dry scone was moist and flavorful, even without being heated and slathered in butter. They were better than the ones I couldn’t get enough of at Jitterbug. Keaton’s thoughtfulness was one of my favorite things about him.

“Your makeup looks great,” I said while chewing. Not polite, but politeness went out the window when fresh baked goods were involved. I was merely human. His eyelids were painted with shades of green blended together in a way that looked effortless, but I imagined took significant skill. He’d added some shimmer in spots that made him look almost elfish. He’d even added a few freckles I wanted to kiss.

“Thanks, Riggs.”

We stared at each other, electricity arcing between us like an overloaded circuit.

“Thanks so much for the lesson, Keaton! Swing by on Saturday, and I’ll load you up with goodies before you go.” Esther had a reusable grocery bag hanging off her arm as she pulled Keaton in for a hug and kiss on the cheek. She left a burgundy lip print behind. She wore more makeup than I’d seen her in before, but it looked great on her. The colors looked nice with her dark hair and skin tone.

Judith was hot on her heels. “This was so much fun. I can’t wait to go makeup shopping tonight. And thanks for Evie’s phone number. I love how her blush feels.” Judith hugged Keaton and left a mauve lip print on Keaton’s other cheek.

Doris winked at me before hugging Keaton. “I might as well finish the holy trinity.” She pressed her red lips to Keaton’s forehead.

He giggled. “Good thing my makeup remover would work on tar, huh? I’ll walk you out.” Keaton led Esther and Judith to the front door.

Doris held back. “There are a few new additions to your freezer.”

I chuckled. She spoiled me. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to. Just a few things for when you tire of Christmas leftovers.”

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