Page 38 of A Very Merry Matchup
“Hey, did you hear that, guys? She finally admits to saving my life.” I tap the bell into another jingle. I love these bells.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Merry Christmas, you old wonderful bookstore!
Ivy
When I wake the next morning, I’m prepared to ease into a fun, festive Christmas Eve day. I’m not prepared for a freshly showered Beau to greet me outside my bedroom door before I’ve even had a chance to brush my teeth.
“I still need to get gifts for Janey’s girls.” His damp hair curls at the edges around his ears, and he’s obviously brushed his teeth. I can smell the minty flavor on his breath. “Can you come shopping with me later? I have no idea what to get.”
How can I say no to the panic in his pleading blue eyes? Ican’t. Especially not with the morning breath I have going on right now. I’m not saying anything. I dip my head in a nod.
A few hours later, after brushing my teeth, showering, eating, and helping Beau unbury my car, the two of us are parked downtown in front of a little boutique. The flashy outfits on the mannequins in the window’s display could’ve come straight out ofThe Nutcracker.“That looks like a cute store.”
Beau undoes his seat belt and we both climb out of the car. “Want to go inside?”
“I doubt that store will have anything for the girls. Maybe some cute pajamas. Those pink ones with the Christmas trees are cute, but...” I peer through the window a second, then turn back to face Beau. “I’m sure they’d rather have toys. Where were you thinking?”
Beau points across the street. “There’s a bookstore around the corner. They might have something.”
“Bookstore?” I grab Beau’s hand. Don’t have to tell me twice. The shop wasn’t open the day we picked up things for gift baskets, so I’m excited to check it out. Maybe too excited. We’re across the street and to the store before I realize I’m still holding Beau’s hand.
“Finally coming around to the idea of PDA, I see.”
I drop his hand just as the door of the shop swings open. A woman steps outside, shoving her wallet into her purse asshe carries a brown sack full of books. Beau steps aside, his hand resting on my back as we make room for her.
“Hey, Misty,” says Beau.
Her head jerks up from her purse and she freezes. Misty. That’s right. The pregnant lady I tried delivering a basket to the other day. Almost didn’t recognize her without the antlers.
“Oh, hey, you two. I was actually hoping to run into you again. Troy and I are hosting a little get-together later this week. We’d love for you to come.”
“Wish I could, but I’m leaving town on the twenty-sixth.” A burst of icy wind rushes through, making my shoulders hunch. Beau tugs me closer to his side as Misty tugs her stocking cap further down around her ears.
“Really? I thought I heard you were staying longer.”
I feel Beau looking at me. “That was the original plan. But a friend of mine wants me to come see her in Nashville sooner.”
“Well, tell your friend that we want you here.”
Beau’s hand tightens on my waist. I can’t help but smile and shake my head. Have I ever met so many people fighting for my simple presence? “I don’t think my friend will care. She’s apparently having a miserable time with her fiancé’s family.”
“What’s wrong with his family?” Beau asks.
“They don’t like to lounge around in their pajamas past seven in the morning for starters.”
“Oof.” Misty makes a face. “Don’t they know lounging around in comfy pajamas is part of the joy of the Christmas season?”
“Right? My grandma would always give my brother and me new pajamas on Christmas Eve just so we could stay in them all Christmas Day.” I look up and catch Beau still staring at me, his blue eyes unreadable.
“Well, if your plans change, the invitation is open,” says Misty, drawing my focus back to her.
“Thanks. By the way, how’s Troy? Is his back doing okay?”
Misty flaps a hand and gives a little eye roll. “He’s fine. Already back to work. You can scratch our names off the charity list. Or maybe don’t. I’m sort of regretting giving up that ham. Bye, now.”
Soon as we step into the bookstore, the papery scent of books mixed with pine and cranberry-scented candles hits me. When I spot a rolling ladder leaning against the built-in bookcases, it’s all I can do not to climb on and pretend I’m Belle fromBeauty and the Beast.
