Page 27 of The Merriest Christmas

"Yes."

I laughed at how serious she sounded.

"Second, earlier when you left, he looked worried."

Trying not to sound too interested, I said, "Was he?"

Rose raised a brow."Hmmm.You sound happy about that."

I was.

"Third, he was staring at you all throughout dinner."

"Maybe I had something in my teeth."

"You didn't," she said."I checked."

"Nice of you."

"Emmy, just tell me what's going on."

"Honestly, I'm not sure," I said.

"Nope," she said back.

I tilted my head."No what?"

"You don't get to deflect and answer with a non-answer."Rose held up a hand."Not after that trick you pulled with the mistletoe.I demand the truth."

"A little dramatic," I said dryly.

"And I know you love spilling tea."She shrugged."So?What's the story?"

"I love hearing other people's drama.Not my own.So…"

"Emmy."

"Okay, fine," I said with a sigh."But only because you're my friend, and I do feel like I owe after the mistletoe."

I glanced at her.

"Though you and my brother seemed to enjoy yourselves.A lot."

"Emmy!"

"Geez, keep it down," I said, looking over at where my mom was, thankfully, still fast asleep.The roads weren't safe—which was the reason Rose decided to stay over.We were bunking together since the guys had taken my brothers' rooms.Rose and I had rolled out sleeping bags on the floor.I hadn't wanted anyone in the living room since there was still work to do downstairs."My mom and brothers don't know what I'm about to tell you.So you have to stay quiet.Okay?"

She nodded."Sounds juicy.I can't wait to hear."

I pointed at her."And this cannot be used for one of your books."

"Fine.But even if you did let me include anything, I never use real names, so no one would ever know."

"Rose."

She rolled her eyes then gestured for me to continue."Whatever you tell me is safe, Emmy."

I took a deep breath then…

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