Page 15 of The Holiday Ex-Files

I took a step back. “I’m not,” I stuttered, not really enjoying this heart-to-heart. Holly Black was once quoted as saying, “The truth is messy. It’s raw and uncomfortable. You can’t blame people for preferring lies.” I wouldn’t mind a lie or two right now. One like, “Cami, you handled your divorce like a rock star. And your avoidance of the holidays is simply amazing.”

Dad sighed and tapped my nose. “Don’t let Ben,” he growled his name, “steal another thing from you. Find your sparkle again.”

I didn’t know what to say, and thankfully, I didn’t have to respond.

Noah popped his head in. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Dad gave him the widest of smiles. “You’re not. In fact, this is perfect timing. Cami’s looking for something, and maybe you can help her find it.”

“I’d love to,” Noah said without any hesitation, not knowing that what was lost might never be found—and even if it could be found, he probably wasn’t the right person for the job, seeing as his best friend stole my sparkle in the first place.

“Don’t worry about it,” I was quick to say.

Dad waved Noah in anyway. “I’ll leave you two alone. You can start planning your recovery efforts.” He gave me a wink before walking off.

I opened my mouth to stop him, but it was of no use. He was out of the room in a flash, and Noah zipped in. They high-fived each other in passing. Weird.

Noah came to stand next to me, and he gave me a good once-over in my sweats. I looked like a slob compared to him. Yet, I didn’t see any signs of disgust in his features. “What do you need help finding?”

“Nothing. My dad misspoke.”

“Are you sure?”

“No,” I whispered the messy truth, but recovered quickly. “I mean, yes.”

He tilted his head. “Cams, I’m sorry if I did or said something at dinner that upset you. I didn’t realize burping a song was such a sensitive topic, especially after your post today.”

I turned and stared at the picture of me. That girl with her edgy layered haircut, that fell just below her chin, wouldn’t have been bothered. She would have taken it in stride. But that girl didn’t know the heartache that I knew. I thought of my dad’s words about how fearless people had been scared but overcome the scary stuff. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. I mostly enjoyed my nice, safe cocoon of sarcasm and obliterating exes in photos. But there were things I missed—Noah’s friendship included.

“It’s just, well . . . it’s hard to be around you, Noah, and not think about him.” I was honest.

He let out a heavy sigh. “How do we change that?”

I shrugged; not sure it was possible.

“Maybe if you burped me a song, that would help.” He nudged me.

I couldn’t help but smile. “I doubt it; besides, your favorite song, if I remember correctly, is that country ballad “Stealing Cinderella” that’s not exactly easy to burp.” I had always wondered why he loved that song so much. Especially for a man I thought was never going to settle down with his own Cinderella.

His enigmatic blue eyes twinkled. “I’ve had a new favorite for a while now.”

“What’s that?” I was always curious about his taste in music and had even teased him about it. While he loved classic rock, he also had this sweet spot for sappy country songs.

He stepped closer until we were inches apart as if he were going to share some top-secret government intel with me.

My head drifted up and caught his intense gaze. For the last ten years I’d heard women say that Noah Cullen, with one look, could steal your heart and soul. I had never believed it, but for half a second, I understood what they meant. It freaked me out so much, I stepped back, blinking a million times a minute. I shouldn’t have thoughts like that about Noah. About any man for that matter. I was living my best single life with Neville. Besides, Noah had his bride all picked out. I brushed it off as my mind playing tricks on me.

“You okay there?”

“Yeah. Yeah,” I said, flustered. “Tell me which song.” I needed a change of subject.

He leaned in. Apparently, he was bent on having this be a private conversation. He paused as if he were doing it for dramatic effect, before saying slowly and succinctly, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”

“Of course it’s some cheesy Elvis song,” I laughed. “Kellan will be thrilled. By the way, you said it wrong. It’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’”

His shoulders rose and fell dramatically. “No, Cams, I said it right.”

“No, you didn’t. Regardless, I think it’s sweet—but don’t tell anyone I said that, especially Mara.” I shoved my hands in my hoodie pocket. “This mystery woman must have some hold on you.”

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