Page 15 of Yours to Ho Ho Hold
“That’s why you were in the Santa suit,” I say in understanding, and he nods. “You said they were big time romance authors. Is it anyone I would know?”
He flashes me that cocky grin of his. “I’d say so. That was one of their books I stole from you on the plane.”
My mouth falls open, and I slap his arm with the back of my hand. “Are you shitting me right now? You’re modeling for Kandy Kane? That’s how you know what my book was really about? She’s been my favorite author since I picked up my first smutty Christmas novella on accident when I was fourteen.”
His grin widens, and he nods. “Fourteen, huh? That’s a little young to be reading dirty books, don’t you think?”
I roll my eyes. “It was an accident, but I’ve been hooked ever since. She’s the reason I had the courage to go after the store. I was always so inspired by her kickass heroines. Which just further proves books and real life are not the same thing.”
“I’m not sure I believe that. I think life can be just as magical if you’re doing it right.” He gives me a little smirk, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know what he’s insinuating.
Drew may look like a book boyfriend, and even act like one, but I’ve been burned enough to know if something seems too good to be true, then it usually is.
“What? I had to do my research. I had to see what I was tying my image to before accepting the job. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy the homework. All anyone can want is for a love like you read in a romance novel, so why settle for anything less than that? I know I won’t.”
“Well, I feel like an idiot now. Seriously, what are the chances of you not only having read her books but actually being the freaking cover model?” I say, pretending like his last words didn’t just make my heart skip a beat.
He bumps me with his thick arm. “Almost like we were destined to meet.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far. More like the universe really loves to make an ass of me.”
“I guess that’s another way of looking at it.” He winks, sending a swarm of butterflies straight to my belly.
I must be hungrier than I realized if I’m feeling butterflies over this man’s wink.
“But why keep it a secret from your family? You haven’t told me much about them, but do you really think they’d be upset if they found out?”
He sighs, twisting his lips as he considers my question. “No, they wouldn’t be upset, but they like to tease me a lot. I don’t really mind, most of the time, but it gets kind of old sometimes. I don’t mind being the butt of the joke. Hell, I thrive off the attention, but sometimes, I’d like to be taken seriously.”
“Have you ever told them their teasing bothers you?”
“No. It’s really not a big deal. I don’t want to change the playful dynamic we’ve got going for something so little.”
“But it’s not little. Not if you feel like you need to hide your career from them.”
We come to a stop at the entrance of a small café with a chalkboard sign that says, “Hot Soup Inside.”
He looks to me and nods toward the sign. “How does soup sound for lunch?”
“Actually, soup is my favorite meal.”
“Then what are we waiting for? If baby wants soup, then baby gets soup.” He pulls me inside, and I almost correct him but decide it’s not worth it.
Besides, at least Baby is a step up from Cujo.
ChapterSeven
Drew
I feellike I’m in the best fucking dream of my life, and I’m afraid to wake up.
We sat in that cozy diner on the corner of Main Street overlooking this little Christmas town as snow fell all around us like we were sitting in the middle of a snow globe.
I’ve always loved Christmas, but growing up in Florida, I never saw real snow, so I guess I sort of became obsessed with the traditional white Christmas I saw in movies. Sure, I’ve traveled around enough and experienced true winters on work trips, but I’ve never had a white Christmas, never even spent a Christmas away from home. But if I had to miss spending my favorite holiday with the people I love most in the world, I’m glad I’m here, and I’m glad it’s with Holly.
I pull out my phone to send a quick update to my family to tell them I plan to be home by tomorrow morning … hopefully.
Holly looks over her little compact mirror as she reapplies her red lips—the one’s I’ve been fantasizing about all fucking day—and lifts an eyebrow when she notices me watching her. “What? Did I get lipstick on my teeth?” She flashes her straight white teeth, checking them in the mirror.
