Page 78 of The Holiday Swap

“Thank you. That actually sounds perfect. And we could maybe talk more about the show in person?”

“Yes!” Charlie said with a laugh. “But not too much work talk—itisChristmas Eve, after all.”

She gave Sasha directions—and a warning to dress warmly—then hung up and turned to pick up the bag of recycling she’d brought outside with her. As she tossed it into the bin, she heard a voice.

“Hey, I could have done that for you.”

She turned and smiled. “Jake. You’ve done a lot for me recently, don’t you think?”

He stood across from her in the darkness. She wished she could see his face more clearly, be certain what he was thinking and feeling.

“I’m so sorry,” she began. “I shouldn’t have lied to you—”

But he was stepping closer, slipping his arms around her waist, and pulling her close. “No more apologizing,” he said. “I’ve already realized I have no choice but to forgive you. Last night, seeing how scared you were about Cass being lost and hurt made me realize how scared I’d be if anything happened to you. And how important it is to keep you from ever being that upset again. The thing is,Charlie, I don’t think it matters what name you were using—it’s you I’ve fallen for. I know I thought you were someone else, but I got to know the real you this week. And I love all the things I’ve learned about you.”

Charlie looked up at him. It felt too good to be true, that this man she had fallen so hard for had the same strong feelings for her—and was willing to forgive. “I still feel like I need to find a way to make it up to you.”

“There’s one thing I’d like to do actually... and it feels like it’s been too long since I have.” He leaned down to kiss her. Charlie closed her eyes, losing herself in his kiss. When she opened her eyes again, Jake rubbed his hands up and down her arms and it reminded her of the first time they had kissed, how careful and caring he had been.

“You cold? Should we go in?”

“No, I’m not cold at all. I could stay out here kissing you all night. Like you said, it’s been too long.”

“In that case...” He kissed her again and murmured, “Maybe we need to make a promise to each other never to go longer than, I don’t know, an hour? Does that sound reasonable?”

Charlie laughed and put her head against his warm, solid chest. “More than reasonable.” Not so long ago she would have said that the idea of staying in Starlight Peak instead of heading straight back to L.A. the moment the holidays were over was preposterous. But now, she was standing in the arms of a man she cared deeply for, not able to imagine a future without him—and fresh off a call that would give her career a major boost while also allowing her to focus on her personal life. With Jake. Maybe shecouldhave it all.

She pulled back and looked up at the sky above them, visible through the clouds that had just parted. Her heart waspounding—but she was no longer afraid of the depth of her feelings for him. Tonight, it felt like anything was possible.

“What are you looking for?” he asked.

“A star to wish on. Did you know Starlight Peak is the wishing capital of the world?”

“Come on now, you just made that up.”

She winked. “Maybe I did.” Then she grew serious. “But I promise you, Jake—despite the way things started between us, I am always going to be honest with you about everything, from now on.”

“I’m not worried,” he said. “You’d have to work pretty damn hard to tick me off, Charlie Goodwin. You just might be my weak spot. Now, tell me, what were you wishing for?”

“If I tell you, it won’t come true.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him once more. “Speaking of stars, though, we need to get to the Starlight Eve party to set up. Without our bread, it won’t be Christmas in Starlight Peak.”

He laughed, but he kept hold of her hand and gazed into her eyes. “Here’s my Christmas wish: once the party is over, I want you right back in my arms.”

Charlie grinned. “That’s exactly what I wished for.”

24

Cass

Friday: 1 Day Until Christmas...

Starlight Peak

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” Miguel reached out to hold Cass’s hand at her small kitchen table. She squeezed Miguel’s hand, appreciating his concern, and with gentle fingers touched the still-tender area at her temple, where a colorful bruise had formed around the stitches.

“You made a face just then,” he said, a frown going across his own gorgeous face. “I think you should rest tonight, Cass. Let me make you dinner and tuck you in, okay?”

“As tempting as that sounds,” Cass said, winking at Miguel to try and soften his worried expression, “this party is important to Woodburn Breads. It’s important to me. Especially this year.”

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