Page 10 of Holiday Hook Up

Bethany, don’t be silly.She glanced over at her camera. That particular accessory would give her away. Everyone knew she was a photographer.

Speaking of, she probably should head down stairs and get in position to take the shots Jason had requested. She yanked off the wig and tossed it back onto the bed before gently placing the dress back into the hope chest where she’d found it.

Grabbing her camera, she left the room and headed back down the stairs. Her breath caught for a second, seeing Adam standing alone on the landing.

And he looked ever so handsome in his black sports coat and dark green tie, a red cocktail in hand.

“Hi.” She tried to sound like she wasn’t aware that her heart was now pounding against her chest. “I didn’t think I’d see you until the party was in full swing.”

He took a mushroom cap that a server offered, popping it in his mouth. “I wanted to get here early and scout out my prospects.” He raised an eyebrow. “Hey, I thought you said you were skipping tonight?”

She raised her camera, pretending to take his picture. “I’m actually on assignment. Jason is doing a story and asked if I would get a couple of snapshots to accompany it.”

That got a hearty chuckle that she recognized all too well. They’d shared a lot of laughs on his porch these last couple of months.

“Breaking news in Buttermilk Falls. Couples are hooking up tonight.”

“Nowthat’sa headline. Isn’t it funny how the word ‘hookup’ has a totally different meaning in this context?”

“Or maybe you’ve been hooking up with the wrong guys.” He playfully patted her back.

Her cheeks warmed at the thought of what it would be like to be his Holiday Hook Up. “So . . . are you planning on participating?”

“I don’t know. I never had a reason to before.” He glanced over to the dance floor and Bethany followed his gaze. Rachel had already arrived and was now dancing slowly with Carter, laughing at something he’d said. “What do you think she sees in that bore?”

Her friend did seem to be having a good time. She also looked beautiful in a satin green sleeveless dress with matching strappy heels. Bethany turned away from the couple, leaning against the stair banister. “I don’t really know him.”

That much was true. Carter had moved here over a year ago as the town’s new veterinarian. He was always friendly when they ran into each other on Main Street and genuinely seemed interested in hearing how her day was going—probably because he was dating her best friend. They’d never had a long conversation beyond polite chitchat.

Bethany glanced back at the two. Was Rachel still going through with her plan to make Adam her Holiday Hook Up? She did look rather cozy in Carter’s arms. Perhaps she changed her mind.

Just then, Rachel caught their stares, flashing a wide smile aimed directly at Adam.

Bethany had her answer.

And she’d have to photograph the God-awful moment when it happened. She scooted around Adam as he continued to watch the dance floor. “I should probably find Jason and see what kind of shots he wants. Have fun tonight with your hookup,” she said, doing her best not to sound disappointed that it wouldn’t be her.

“Thanks. Hey, neighbor. If you see a cute blonde, can you send her my way?”

“Sure thing,” she mumbled, and turned on her camera, adjusting the lens. Was he talking about Rachel or some other blonde? She needed a drink if she was going to get through this night.

She crossed the room over to the bar and set her camera down.

“What can I get you, Bethany?” Brandon asked from behind the bar.

“Another identity,” she said, not bothering to mask her sarcasm.

“That might be difficult.” He grabbed a Sprite can and cracked it open. “Although, one sip of Abby’s Potion and you might think you’re someone else.”

Getting tipsy and forgetting that she was Adam’s neighbor and nothing more sounded good right about now. She forced out her biggest smile. “That sounds fabulous.”

“You got it. One Abby’s Potion coming up.” He grabbed a bottle of vodka and, in less than a minute, set a sparkly red drink in front of her that looked exactly like the one Adam had been drinking.

“Thank you.” She brought it up to her lips.

“I created this before my wife cursed me.”

“For real?”

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