Page 13 of Mistletoe Season
“How could I miss it?” She moved toward the coatrack and started to pick up the last garment hanging from one of the hooks, a yellow drawstring hoodie jacket.
Kieran intercepted and pointed to the garland around her neck. “You plan on takin’ that home with you?”
She glanced at her chest. “I completely forgot I had this on. I was just looking for a place to put it when I was unpacking the bins.” She started to pull it over her neck, but it was tangled up.
He gently removed her hands from the garland and untwisted it until it could be easily removed.
“Thanks,” she said, her gaze on his as he handed her the garland. Then she glanced up. They were standing only a few inches from another sprig of mistletoe. The stuff was all over the place.
She moved away as fast as he did, cementing the fact that she wasn’t attracted to him. And although that was a good thing since he wasn’t interested in a romantic entanglement, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
Emmy hurried back to the coatrack. She grabbed her jacket and shoved it on.
“Is that all you wore today?” At her nod he said, “It won’t keep you warm, lass. Not on a cold one like tonight.”
“I’ll be fine. I live in the apartment upstairs. The entrance is between my shop and the building next door.”
“The one that’s for sale, right?”
She nodded and turned off several lights until only two of them remained on, leaving her expression shadowed. “It’s been on the market for years. When I purchased this building, I was hoping to buy it shortly after I started my shop, but...” She waved her hand, brushing off the rest of her words, and opened the door. Cold air rushed inside.
They stepped onto the stoop in front of the store, and he waited for her to lock up, then walked her to the door leading to her apartment. It couldn’t have been more than ten steps.
“Thank for your help with the decorations,” she said. “Even with Carina and Jeremy’s assistance, I would still be working if it wasn’t for you.”
“My pleasure. I got to see what I’ve been missing all these years. Christmas decorating, I mean.”
They stared at each other for a long moment. She took a halting step toward him. Paused. Then she hugged him.
Surprised, his arms went around her. Even though it was a friendly hug, he couldn’t help but notice how nicely she fit in hisembrace, the top of her head fitting under his chin. She smelled like Christmas—a mix of cinnamon and vanilla. Although he wasn’t tense, he felt his muscles relax as warmth flowed through him.
Emmy moved away, not looking at him this time. “Good night, Kieran.” Then she disappeared inside the building.
He stared at the door and smiled. “Good night, lass.”
Four
The next morning Emmy was running late for work for the first time since she’d opened Mistletoe Antiques. After she and Kieran went their separate ways the night before, she had difficulty sleeping. All she could think about was her impulsive decision to hug him, and how amazing it felt to be in his strong arms. She had no idea why she hugged him, just that a simple thank-you for doing so much work didn’t seem adequate. Trouble was, the moment she was in his arms, she didn’t want to let go.
Even as she hastily brushed her teeth, she could still feel the softness of his sweater against her cheek, the oaky scent of his cologne.Sigh.
Emmy put on an ugly Christmas sweater from her extensive collection, white jeans, and her white tennis shoes and rushed downstairs, then realized she’d forgotten her jacket when she opened the door to the outside.Get it together!Why was she letting a simple,platonichug turn her upside down? A few flakes of snow floated in the icy air as she pulled her keys out of her purse and went to unlock the door. Before she could insert the key in the lock, the door flew open and Carina yanked her inside.
“I’ve been waiting half an hour for you to show up,” Carina said, grinning as she shut the door. She turned and faced Emmy. “Oldhigh school friend, huh? I don’t even have current friends as hot as Kieran.”
Emmy straightened, trying to get her bearings. “Jeremy is a handsome young man.”
Carina paused, a dreamy expression on her face. Then she smirked. “He’s cute. But Kieran? Hubba-hubba.”
Laughing, Emmy went to the counter. “What?”
“Isn’t that what y’all said back in the day?”
“In your grandmother’s day, maybe.”
The door chimed and Sheryl came in. “Brrr. I want to go back to Cancún already.”
Emmy looked at her, surprised, then turned to Sheryl. “What are you doing here? You’re not scheduled until tomorrow.”
