Page 39 of Knot Beneath the Mistletoe

I narrow my eyes, and I'm not sure why I'm surprised, seeing this town loves gossip.

They both stare at me, and I busy myself selecting another sample of treats—this time apetit fourthat dissolves on my tongue in a cloud of raspberry and dark chocolate.

"It wasn't a date," I mumble around the heavenly mouthful. "We just went to the winter fair."

"Perfect!" Lily claps her hands, nearly upending a tray of croissants. Hannah steadies it without looking, used to her sister's enthusiastic gestures. "You're all set then. Which one are you picking to deal with Marcus?"

I actually choke this time.

Hannah hurries to get me water while Lily continues.

"I mean, they both sound delicious. Tourist Guide or Mysterious Fair Prince? Though I have to say, if you're taking applications..."

"It's not that straightforward," I manage after gulping down water. My eyes catch on a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls Hannah's arranging, desperate for distraction. "And hey, what about thoseperfect matchesyou said you and Hannah were trying to set me up with? Maybe cancel those since I have my hands full?"

"Yes, you do," Lily purrs. "But maybe you've already met them?"

I stare at her, slightly confused. What is she saying?

Hannah's brow furrows as she places a tray of perfect rosette cupcakes onto the glass shelf case.

"Ruby, you know you can't spend too long deciding on an Alpha. Your timing?—"

The bell above the door chimes, bringing in a rush of cold air and customers. Lily springs into action, her yellow dress swishing as she greets them. I watch in amazement as she remembers not only their names but asks about one woman's daughter's dance recital and another's recent vacation to Florida.

Hannah moves to help, but not before giving me a pointed look that says this conversation isn't over. I watch them work while munching on another cookie.

When the rush dies down and before more customers enter, Lily quickly pushes a box toward me. "Here. Extra of the sea salt caramel things because I love you. Come over tomorrow night so we can catch up?"

"Can't," I mumble, suddenly fascinated by the geometric pattern on the coffee cup display. "I'm catching up with someone."

"Oho!" Lily's eyes light up like Christmas came early. "Tourist company god or mystery fair man? Wait, don't tell me. Let me guess by your blush..."

"I hate you."

"You love me," Lily teases. "And you're going to tell us everything, eventually."

"And we want details," Hannah adds, waggling her eyebrows. "Lots of juicy details."

I grab my box and head for the door, but not before Lily calls out.

"And Ruby? Whoever you choose... just make sure it's what you want, not what you think you should want!"

The bell chimes behind me as I step back into the snow, Hannah's words about timing mixing with Lily's parting advice in my head. They're both right—I need to figure this out. Tonight, I'll go out with Knox and get to know him better. Then, I can make a clear decision and stop leading anyone on.

My stomach twists at the thought of having to let either of them down. I peek in the box, and true to her word, Lily's loaded it with those sea salt caramel tarts. There's also a perfect chocolate croissant she knows I love. Sometimes, best friends know exactly what you need, even when they're driving you crazy. Even if what they're saying makes too much sense to ignore.

I head back toward the bar, the snow crunching under my boots, trying to ignore the way my heart speeds up when I think about tonight.

12

DOMINIC

The snow falls in thick flakes around Ruby as she hurries across the street, cradling that pink pastry box like it's precious cargo. Her white coat makes her look like she's glowing against the gray day, that fur-trimmed hood framing her face just so. Those black boots of hers kick up little puffs of snow with each step.

Perfect. She's fucking perfect.

My fingers tighten on the steering wheel as I track her movement. Even from where I'm parked down the road, I can see her cheeks are flushed from the cold, see how she bites her lower lip in concentration as she navigates the slippery sidewalk. Every detail about Ruby is seared into my brain—the way she moves, the exact shade of her hair, how her scent lingers in the air even hours after she's gone.

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