Page 14 of Booked for the Holidays
“I’ll get right on that.”
My mom pops open the champagne, then hands each of us a glass. I take mine and down it, hoping the bubbles will lift me out of this awkward situation.
“Liam, where are you staying?” my mom asks.
I set down the champagne glass and focus on reorganizing the books on the front holiday themed table. I already did it earlier, but I need a distraction, so I mindlessly do it again.
“I don’t have lodging yet.”
My mom’s eyes widen with panic. “We’ve got family and guests coming in from all over this year. My mother-in-law will be staying with us, and we’ve got Jasper and Juniper’s cousins and their new baby.”
Jasper nods. “We’re staying with Stella’s family, but it’s a full house there as well.”
“No problem. I’m sure I can book a room at the inn like I did last year.”
“Oh no,” my mom gasps, “I hate to say, I already spoke to Mildred at the Snowshoe Inn. It’s completely booked through New Year’s.”
“Oh.” Liam’s grin drops a notch. His eyes shift to me, but I cross my arms and glance away. I’ve got no sympathy.
Should have planned ahead,buddy.
“What about a vacation rental?” Jasper suggests. “I could have Janelle at the office book something for you.”
“I already had her check for the cabin you rented last year, and everything is booked up,” Stella adds.
“Oh no. I guess he can’t stay.” I widen my eyes, my fake worry so sweet I almost gag on it.
“What about your place, June Bug?” my mom says brightly, like she’s just dropped the last piece into a thousand-piece puzzle we’ve been working on for days.
My heart rate kicks into high gear.
My jaw drops.
“Mom—"
She steamrolls my protest. “It’s perfect! We just finished setting up her guest room. It has new bedding and the coziest reading nook.”
“I’m sure that’s exactly what Liam needs—a cozy reading nook,” Jasper teases.
When my eyes meet Liam’s, I silently scream a warning:Say. No.
But he ignores my plea and that stupid, devastating smile curves his mouth.
“I’d be honored to be Juniper’s first guest.”
His eyes find mine, sparking with something I can’t name and definitely don’t trust.
Well, fan-fucking-tastic. The man who humiliated me last Christmas is now sleeping down the hall. And I’m supposed to play nice? Pretend like nothing happened?
Oh, ho ho, hell no.
TWO
LIAM
I standbehind Juniper on the stairs, waiting for her to unlock the door to her flat above her bookshop. It’s a narrow space, but I don’t mind. Standing this close, I can smell her—something soft and floral, like jasmine and winter air. And something sweet, like plums.
I need a moment to look at her. With her defensive edge and everyone else around earlier, I hadn’t been able to stare at her openly.
