Page 25 of Storybook Christmas

Everything blurs as I feel Bertha squeeze me into a hug.

“I’m so proud of him,” I whisper.

“Me too,” she says, swiping a tear from her face.

“Congratulations, Finn,” Isaac says as he hands over the trophy, which looks so small in Finn’s hands.

Finn flashes everyone that dazzling smile of his as whistles ring out. After he gives a quick speech thanking the Suttons, Joshua, me, Bertha, and the rest of his team, he exits the stage and approaches me.

After I give him a hearty high-five, he says, “Thanks, Lacy. Really. For everything.”

“You’re welcome. With a teasing wink, I say, “But honestly, that reinbot idea was all you.”

“True.” Finn smiles, but it falls off his face as he glances around. “Where’s Joshua? I noticed he wasn’t here when I was giving my speech. I really wanted to thank him.”

My smile fades as my eyes roam the room, as I don’t see Joshua anywhere either.

I can’t believe I didn’t notice his absence.

And Joshua better have a good excuse why he’s not here to congratulate his assistant editor who just won The Sutty.

When the award ceremony ends, the party officially kicks off, and the dance floor fills up with bodies moving to the tune, or not, depending on the person. Still no Joshua.

Finn approaches me with a shy smile. “So. I had a little chat with my heart.”

“Did you?”

“Yes. Would you allow me the pleasure of dancing with you, Lacy Callahan?” Finn opens his palm toward me.

“Of course.” I take it.

Butterflies explode in my stomach, and electricity skitters across my skin from Finn’s touch. The air heats in the space between us, and I can’t wait to have his body flush with mine again.

He escorts me onto the dance floor, and when he puts his hand on my back, it scorches where he rests it.

That uncontrollable urge to kiss him returns, and it’s getting harder and harder to resist. Every part of me wants Finn, and my body isn’t listening to my mind.

Mybodyneeds Bertha’s training program—and maybe another good hard pinching.

That thought vanishes when I discover Finn knows how to tango.

But of course he does. Finn does everything with swag.

And it feels amazing—to cut loose with someone who not only knows how to dance but enjoys it too.

I’m reminded that once, a long time ago, I used to love dancing.

And, oh my, is Finn’s body nice to be up against, all those muscles flexing with each movement.

After a swirl and a few steps, I say, “So what other deep dark secrets do you have, Finn Hayes?”

“Oh, no. I never reveal that kind of information.” He raises a brow. “At least not without the bribery of a Mo Cheese pizza.”

My smile widens. “A slice of Mo Cheese will buy me access to all your secrets?”

“Three slices, minimum.”

“That could be arranged.”

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