Page 84 of Merry Me
“Mistletoe,” Easton said innocently, flashing the grin that had probably gotten him out of three parking tickets and half his high school detentions…and made him a famous Hollywood star. “Makes the season merry.”
I opened my mouth to deny everything—and then promptlyclosed it again when I realized I had no poker face left. None. Zilch. My cheeks were still flaming, my lips probably kiss-swollen, and I was ninety percent sure my hair looked like someone had run their hands through it. Because someone had.
“Mm-hmm,” Paige said, narrowing her eyes like she was conducting a full forensic sweep. “I see.”
I busied myself with the cookie tray, grabbing a snowman-shaped treat I wasn’t going to be able to taste because my mouth still remembered Easton.
He leaned over and whispered low in my ear, “That’s your ‘trying to look innocent’ face. It’s adorable. But very obvious.”
I gave him a sharp elbow to the gut, which only made him laugh under his breath.
But despite the embarrassment coursing through me, despite my every instinct yelling that this was dangerous territory, I couldn’t deny the thrill still dancing through my veins. The way my skin buzzed where he’d touched me. The way his smile had settled somewhere under my ribs and refused to leave.
It had been worth every reckless, scandalous second.
And judging by the victorious gleam in his eyes, he knew it, too.
The jerk.
I’d missed him.
And that was the problem.
Because missing him…
It was starting to feel an awful lot like falling for him all over again.
CHAPTER 16
NATALIE
Me: SOS. I have tragic news. Send chocolate immediately.
Casey: Did you lose your phone in the freezer again?
Me: THAT HAPPENED ONCE!
Riley: Twice. But anyway, spill.
Me: I’m afraid I’ve contracted a dangerous condition.
Me: Symptoms: accelerated pulse, emotional vulnerability, mild nausea.
Me: WebMD says death is imminent.
Casey: …
Riley: Sounds familiar…
Me: It’s love, guys. I think I’m falling in love. Send help.
Riley: WITHEASTON???
Casey: Finally. I’m tired of pretending I don’t know already.
Me: How do you know? You’re not even here.
Casey: I can’t believe that’s a real question.
