Page 64 of Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn
He opened her door and held out his hand. "Careful, it's a big step down."
Holly took his hand, and that same jolt of electricity shot through him. She stepped down, but the seat was higher than she'd anticipated. She stumbled slightly, falling forward.
Jack caught her instinctively, his arms coming around her to steady her. She looked up, her hands pressed against his chest, her face inches from his.
The world faded. The shuttle, the parking lot, and the distant sound of Christmas music all disappeared. There was only Holly, her eyes wide and dark in the lamplight, her breath catching as his gaze dropped to her lips.
They started to lean toward each other, drawn by that invisible force neither of them could resist or explain.
The back door slid closed with a loud clunk.
They jerked apart, both slightly breathless and more than a little shaken. Trinity and Maddy seemed to already be bounding along, followed by Jane and Julie, all of them talking and laughing, completely oblivious to what had almost happened.
Jack stepped back, running a hand through his hair. Holly smoothed down her sweater, her cheeks flushed.
"You two coming?" Julie asked brightly, her knowing look telling Jack she'd seen exactly what had almost happened.
They fell into step with the crowd heading toward the plaza, and Jack found himself swept up in the magic of St. Augustine at Christmas. Millions of tiny white lights draped every building, every tree, every lamppost. The historic architecture glowed against the night sky, transformed into something from a fairy tale.
And beside him, close enough that their hands occasionally brushed, walked Holly.
Jack felt more excited about showing her family the lights, about sharing this night with them, than he had about anything in years.
Maybe impossible things really were possible after all. Like finding romance at his age? His thoughts startled him for a few seconds. But instead of shaking them off, he turned to look at the beautiful woman walking beside him and decided not to fight whatever was happening between them.
Just let what happens happen!Jack decided as he walked happily with the group, leaving his stress and worry behind for the night.
HOLLY
Holly was still lightheaded from what had almost happened in the parking lot. She and Jack had nearly kissed. Would have kissed if the girls hadn't slammed the door at exactly that moment.
Her lips still tingled with the anticipation of it. Her heart still raced.
Jack stayed close to her side as they walked through the historic district, close enough that she could feel the warmth of him, smell the clean scent of his soap. Every accidental brush of their hands sent sparks racing up her arm.
It wasn't until they'd walked several blocks that Holly realized everyone had naturally paired off. Charlie and Logan walked together a few paces ahead, Logan pointing out architectural details Jack might have missed, his hand hovering near Charlie's back but never quite touching. Jane and Julie flanked the girls, adding their own favorite spots and stories to the mix. Maddy pointed out things she loved about the lighting display, and Trinity kept catching sight of Christmas stalls and vendor carts, asking if they could browse later.
Holly let herself be swept up in the magic of it all. The lights were breathtaking, transforming the entire city into something otherworldly. Every building glowed. Every tree sparkled. The air smelled of hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and cinnamon. Christmas music drifted from storefronts and street performers.
They reached the plaza where the tree lighting ceremony would take place, and Jack guided them to a prime spot near the front. Trinity and Maddy were both tall for their age, but this position meant they'd have an unobstructed view.
A small stage had been set up in front of an enormous Christmas tree, easily forty feet tall, covered in unlit lights and decorations. City officials and local dignitaries stood on the stage, along with a children's choir dressed in red and green.
The mayor stepped up to the microphone as the crowd quieted. "Welcome, everyone, to St. Augustine's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony!"
The crowd cheered. Trinity and Maddy bounced on their toes with excitement.
"For over three decades," the mayor continued, "this ceremony has marked the official beginning of the Nights of Lights celebration. Tonight, we gather as a community to light up the darkness, to celebrate the season, and to remember what truly matters: family, friendship, and hope."
The children's choir began to sing "O Christmas Tree," their young voices sweet and clear in the night air. Holly felt tears prick her eyes at the beauty of it.
"And now," the mayor said when the song ended, "let's count down together. Ten... nine..."
The crowd joined in, voices rising in unison. Trinity and Maddy were shouting the numbers, their faces bright with anticipation.
"Three... two... one!"
The tree exploded with light.
