Page 41 of The Snuggle is Real
“What?No ugly Christmas sweater. I’m disappointed, Ford.”
Charlie and I turned toward Mason, coming up to join us in the parking area of the Milton Falls Christmas Tree Farm, a leash held loosely in his hand as his dog trotted at his side.
“Sorry, man. It’s not happening,” I called, spreading my arms wide to display my plaid jacket.
“Going for the lumberjack vibe, huh? I can dig it.”
Mason grinned, gaze running over my chest and arms. I shifted, cheeks heating.
He was just teasing me, right? He wasn’t…
No. Of course not. Mason had been into that soap star, and that guy was polished and sophisticated. Nothing like a lumberjack. Not that I was really one of those.
“Seemed appropriate to dress like one today,” I said gruffly. “We’re gonna cut down a tree, right?”
His dog barked sharply, seemingly in agreement.
“Can I pet your dog?” Charlie asked, darting forward, hand outstretched.
“Oh, hon, wait for permission.”
“It’s all right,” Mason said just as the dog licked a big stripe right up the side of her face, sending her into giggles. “Peppermint Bark is friendly.”
I snorted. “Peppermint Bark. Really?”
He grinned and shrugged. “It’s the name the shelter gave him.”
“Typical Christmas Falls.”
His eyes met mine, full of amusement. “So I’m learning.”
Charlie and Peppermint Bark indulged in a love fest, and I fidgeted, watching, as Mason took off his stocking cap and smoothed his hair, which gleamed brightly under the winter sun.
Those cute freckles across his cheeks drew my eyes, and his lips?—
What the fuck was I thinking right now?
“Come on, Charlie. There’s plenty of time to play with the dog later. Let’s go find that Christmas tree.”
She straightened, and Peppermint barked, chasing after her. She stumbled a couple of steps back against me, laughing. “He’s gonna get me!”
Judging by the laughing, she wasn’t too worried. And judging by Peppermint’s lolling tongue, he was about as dangerous as a bunny rabbit.
“Heel, Pepper!” Mason called. “Heel!”
Pepper ignored him thoroughly, running circles around his legs and just about taking him out. I grabbed his arm as he wobbled, then slipped my arm around his waist, letting him lean against me as he untangled himself.
“Sorry, he’s not exactly well-trained. He should behave if we get moving.” Mason flashed a smile, pink tinting his cheeks. “I hope it’s okay I brought him? He gets restless at the house for too long, and I already worked all day?—”
“It’s fine, Mason. I’m sorry we’re a hassle when you’re so busy. You could have canceled.”
“I didn’t mean that,” he said quickly. “I wanted to be here, and it’s better that we’re coming in the evening.”
“Why?” Charlie asked from beside us, making me suddenly aware that Mason and I weren’t alone.
And I was still holding him like he was some sort of damsel in distress, even though he’d managed to get untangled from the leash.
I took a big step away from him—and toward Charlie. Then I put an arm around her shoulders, hugging her against my side.
