Page 36 of The Crush of Christmas Past
I know he’d hate any hint of pity, so I say the only thing that makes sense: “If you ever need a ghostbuster…I’m here.”
I’llalwaysbe here.
Of course, I don’t dare voice that part out loud.
Thirteen
Isla
“Akiss?Onskates?Areyou kidding me?”
I scan the card containing our final clue, rubbing my thumb over the paper like I can make the words change through sheer willpower.
With warm lips, hearts will thaw,
In a land where ice is law.
Blades will glide, mouths will meet,
Only then will the game complete.
“That’s what it takes to win?” I gesture toward the frozen pond. “Really?”
The smooth ice stretches out before us, sparkling beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. Couplesglide hand in hand, swaying to the soft, slow string version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”
At the center of the makeshift rink looms a towering arch, draped in greenery and mistletoe. Thegallows—if you ask me. Every so often, a pair skates under it, their lips locking in a dramatic kiss that’s met with a chorus of applause and a gaudy, sparkling trophy.
Nerves coil in the pit of my stomach. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s a holiday scavenger hunt for couples,” Theo says. “It makes perfect sense.”
“The wholelips-and-mouthspart had me hoping forfood!” I moan, and my stomach growls in solidarity.
He lets out a quiet laugh. “I’m sure we can still find you a bite to eat. They usually serve pretzels around here.”
“Shouldn’t you be angrier?” I huff. “You like winning. This was a waste of your time.”
“I beg to differ.”
I’m not sure how to decipher his relaxed posture or the gravity behind that statement, so I go with indifference. “Well, whatever. We came close. Good effort, partner!” I throw him a spiritless high-five, hoping my voice sounds more casual than my pounding heart feels. “Let’s get out of here.”
Pivoting, I’m about to head in the opposite direction of the rink when Theo’s fingers wrap around my bicep.
“Hang on.” His grip is steady but gentle as he turns me toward him again. “You’re really going to let one little kiss stop you from claiming that glittery monstrosity? Think of the design inspiration—it’s begging for a makeover.”
“I—” Shaking my head, I pull away. “I can’t kiss you.” Can’t willingly expose my heart to the crushing pain of rejection again. And even if I were to lose my mind and throw caution to the wind, an Asher-shaped barrier stands between us. Thankfully,for once, our charade presents the perfect shield for imprudent feelings. “I’m dating your brother.”
“My brother,” Theo says coolly. “You mean the brother who’s with Sienna right now?”
I swallow, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. “I won’t humiliate my best friend.”
He steps closer, looming over me. “And if Asher wasn’t in the way…?”
The deliciously sharp edge in his voice pulls me toward something darker. Something combustible. A place where I press myself against him and finish that sentence with a kiss that’s years overdue.
“What then, Isla?”
My mouth dries. The rink disappears, all noise fading into the periphery.
