Page 23 of Storybook Christmas

My heart warms. “That, Finn Hayes, is a beautiful holiday story.”

Our eyes meet, and his sparkle, especially in the glint of the eight miles of lights. His hair dusted in snow, he’s gazing at me inthatway again, something he’s done since the night we met.

And I want more of it. Lots more.

Finn’s voice is low but soft. “I’ll take your word for it—you’re the expert on what makes for a beautiful story.”

“You think?” My cheeks warm, or they do as much as they can in the chill.

Finn closes the distance between us, brushing a finger over my cheek. “I do. You’re awesome at your job, that’s clear. You’re also awesome outside your job—you’re kind, thoughtful, and trustworthy. You never once considered telling anyone my secret. You’re just… awesome, Lacy Callahan.”

His words make my heart float in my chest, and electricity sparks where he touches me. I can’t stop myself from leaning into him too, taking in his scent of warm skin, whiskey, and pine.

And those beautiful full lips, the perfect shade of raspberry.

If I kiss Finn now, maybe Bertha will check off my “being bold” assignment, which I still need to accomplish. I didn’t get credit for asking him why he stripped.

Finn wraps his arms around me, and I can’t believe how much it warms me, body and soul. Clearly, I’m lying to myself—getting credit for Bertha’s bold challenge is just an excuse for me to do something I so very badly want to do, anyway.

I want to kiss Finn, and this time, it’s not because I’m drunk out of my mind or want to make Joshua jealous.

Now, it’s because of Finn. He’s sweet, smart, funny, charming… the total package. But more than that, I like who I am when I’m with him.

And maybe I don’t just want to kiss Finn Hayes.

Maybe I want all of Finn Hayes.

The thought should warm me more, but it doesn’t.

A shiver runs down my spine at the very next thought—which is of all the other women who want him, too.

I know it’s not the same—stripping is something he does as a job—but my emotions can’t seem to separate the two. Now that I have feelings for him, I want him all to myself.

I pull away.

Not comfortable verbalizing all the thoughts and feelings that just collided in my mind, I say, “We shouldn’t. We work together, Finn.”

He hesitates, looking down. When he looks back up, his eyes are filled with disappointment, but he nods slowly as he steps away. “Yes. We do.”

“We should get back.” My tone is flat.

“We should.”

10

Party Surprise

I STEP INSIDEthe ballroom of The Opulence, a five-star hotel in Buckhead. This year, the Suttons have really outdone themselves for the holiday party.

Which is really saying something because it’s always off the hook.

Two-story glass windows provide a hundred-and-eighty-degree view of downtown Buckhead, and in the distance, downtown Atlanta.

The night cooperated with a crystal-clear sky.

Bertha told me that as a part of “removing the two by four from my tush,” I had to ditch my glasses for contacts, and wear a form-fitting black lace cocktail dress with stilettos and my hair down in loose waves. It’s not really me per se, but I must admit—I like the way I look.

“Lacy.” It’s Finn.

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