Page 13 of Storybook Christmas

With our eyes locked, he says, “What’s your dream, Lacy?”

Trying to process the rapid topic shift, I ask, “What do you mean?”

“What do you daydream about?”

I shoot him a puzzled look. “No one’s ever asked me that before.”

“Take your time.”

After some thought, I shrug and say, “This. What we’re doing right now. But with more books and more responsibility. And more regular hours. I guess I’m boring.”

“That’s not boring.” He smiles that smile of his—the one that makes me feel like I’m the most special person in the world. “And this is what youshouldbe doing. It’s pretty awesome that your dreams and talents are one in the same.”

“Itisawesome.” I love that Finn seems to see things so simply, but also, so deeply. “I’ve wanted to do this since I was little. Eleanor, my older sister, used to read me stories before bed, and I always imagined myself being the one who helped bring them to life. Every December, she’d read me How the Grinch Stole Christmas! while we drank hot chili cocoa with marshmallows.”

“She sounds like a great big sister.”

“She is…” I trail off, realizing my tone gives away my lie. Eleanor is seven years older than me, and when we were young, she was like my second mom. Lately, though, she’s become distant. But I don’t want to get into that right now, so I say, “What about you, Finn Hayes?”

“Same. This.” He sighs wistfully. “Well, and to travel the world.”

“That.” I point at him, then I lean in so close our shoulders brush.

He doesn’t pull away.

In fact, he inches closer to me, too.

I glance at my office door out of habit—looking for someone to catch us. Except I remember that everyone’s gone home.

“I’m sorry about Paris, Lacy,” he says, his tone soft, empathetic.

My mouth curves. “Thanks. I’ll get there, eventually. But you know what bothers me about canceling the trip, more than seeing Paris?”

“What?”

“I was ready to go alone, and have this unique, solo experience. I’m proud of myself for that because that’s sonotme.” I shrug. “Anyway, whether I’m in Atlanta or France, I should take more risks.”

He nods slowly. Then his eyes lock with mine, and his jaw quirks when he says, “You could take one on me.”

Bolts of sensation strike my chest. His mouth quirks up, and something flickers in his eyes.

He’s teasing… right?

6

Holiday Ties

I RUSH TOthe announcement board, my breath trapped in my chest as I work my way through the crowd to see which books got selected for next year.

It’s been difficult waiting, but it’s finally December twentieth. Admittedly, the time’s passed quickly, likely because it’s been fun working with Finn. He and I seem to have a million and one things to talk about, and we always find ourselves laughing.

Last Friday, I never addressed his question about taking a chance on him. Right after, he winked and changed the subject, so I’m pretty sure he was joking. And even if he wasn’t, I can’t consider anything romantic with him or anyone else when I know Joshua and I will get back together. And even if there was no Joshua, I know better than to get involved with someone I work with again. Especially if that someone strips at night.

An elbow to my side brings me back to this moment.

Tension fills the air—some Sutton employees let out cheers as others hang their heads and shuffle away.

I’m getting closer, but the crowd is thick, and… why is the fontso small? I should’ve brought a magnifying glass!

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