Page 14 of Mistletoe Bargain with the Billionaire

I glance back in the rearview to see how mad he is and get a very nice surprise. Nick has pulled the cat puke shirt over his head and… holy snowballs!

I thought he must be fit and last night’s kiss when I was touching his chest through his shirt confirmed the impression but he’s got the washboard abs, the ripped chest and everything! And, I’m supposed to share a bed with this man for the next week? Why did I put that no-touching in bed rule in the contract? Crazy singing cat lady, what were you thinking?

Putting a cool hand against my cheek, I try to focus on the road while he’s digging around for a fresh shirt. We stop a few minutes later to finish cleaning up Mr. Jinglebell’s mess. “Carol, are you feeling okay? You’re all flushed.”

“I’m fine,” I squeak.

And so are you. Very, very fine.

???

All through Nebraska, we take turns driving, reliving old days, mentioning landmarks and noting the snow we see. “I’ve not seen snow in years until today.”

“You’ll see plenty when we get home,” Nick tells me, the thoughts of home and his smile lighting me up inside.

We roll along companionably for several hours as if last night’s kiss didn’t change anything between us. Maybe it didn’t for him. Maybe it was just me that was left breathless and needy for more.

If I’d tugged him towards me instead of pushing him back, would he have been game? Would we have gone from childhood friends to lovers? I’m probably being ridiculous. We’re playing a role here, not really falling for each other. At least, I know I’m not supposed to fall.

Not long after we hit Iowa, he mentions his ex for the first time since our trip began. I’m returning from a restroom break when I see him checking his phone. “Christ.”

“It’s his birthday soon, I hear.” Nick’s scowl tells me he’s not in the mood for my joking around. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s alright, Carol. It’s just Lydia wanting attention.”

I’ve never met the woman but something uncomfortable unfurls in my chest. “What’s she doing?” I ask,casually.

“She posted some pictures on her social media and tagged me so I’d be sure to see them. She’s already in Whistler and firmly installed in the wedding mix from the looks of it.”

“May I see?” I’m a curious cat mom.And, a masochist.

He holds out his phone where there’s a sultry redhead in a bikini soaking in a hot tub surrounded by snowy hills. She’s tagged it ‘relaxing in style.’ That’s Lydia? She looks like a model! And, she tagged Nick hoping he’d see that picture?Nutcrackers.

“So, she’s good friends with Marley?” I ask, wishing jealousy wasn’t chewing up my insides at the moment.

“I guess. Things cooled some between them after we broke up but she’s been tight with her again since Marley got engaged. But she works with Jake, Marley’s fiancé, and they reconnected this past year.”

“Ah. And, she went to MIT with you?”

“Yeah but she studied physics.”

Oh goody. His ex, the gorgeous redhead tagging him in her bikini post is also a MIT grad with a degree in physics who’s buddy-buddy with his sister.

Hi, I’m Nick’s new girlfriend, an unemployed singer/songwriter and devoted cat mom. Remember when you gave me your old Barbie doll after I broke my arm and was crying when I was seven, Marley? Good times.

“Is she friends with Anthony, too?”

“No. Anthony was never a fan of Lydia.”Interesting. He scrubs his face, looking agitated.

“Why did you break-”

“You know what? I’m getting a little stir crazy riding this many hours. How about you?”

So much for finding out why they broke up. Was it his idea or hers? Does she want to get back together? Bikini pic says yes. Does he?

Focus, Carol. The man needs a break.“There’s a popular outdoor Christmas Market just outside Des Moines,” I offer, wanting to take my mind (and Nick’s) off Lydia.

“Sounds good to me.”

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