Page 42 of Unexpected Christmas

She holds my gaze for a moment before turning her attention back to her cousins.

I order my own cup of the thick, rich brew and chat with the Reynolds brothers. I keep one eye on Lia the entire time, and every so often her gaze drifts to meet mine.

Even across the sidewalk and with people between us, the electricity sparks.

I want to know why you’re running.

She lifts her chin as though reading my mind.

I’m not.

I smirk.Bullshit.

She frowns and averts her gaze.

“Hey, Jake. How are you?”

Megan Gentry walks up next to me with a smile.

I return her smile and bump her shoulder. “Hey, there. Haven’t seen much of you lately.”

Megan’s one of the newer residents in Madison Ridge. She’s gorgeous, friendly, and head over heels in love with Aidan Reynolds.

She’s also not Lia Gray. No one is, which means only one thing.

I’m fucked.

She nods, sipping her drink. “Good, busy with getting all the pictures for the Chamber over the last few weeks. She lifts the camera hanging around her neck. “And I’m on duty tonight.”

“Where’s Aidan?”

She grins at the sound of his name. “Working. His mom roped him into it since we’re leaving for Florida in a few days.”

“Visiting your brother?”

“Yep, I haven’t seen Nate in a while now. I miss him.”

I shake my head. “I still can’t believe he retired from baseball. He had better than a .300 batting average over the last five years.”

“I know. I’m a bit surprised myself, but he said it was time.” She sighs. “I hope that means I get to see him more. Up until meeting Aidan, Nate was my only family. It’s been hard staying close when we’re so far apart.”

I glance over to Lia, who’s looking at me with her blue eyes blazing and her lips in a flat line. I raise my brow.

Jealous?

She looks away with a frown and I smile darkly.

Lia and I have unfinished business. Before we can move forward, we need to hash out what the fuck is going on between us.

“I need to go ask Lia something. I’ll catch up with you later. Tell Aidan I said hey.”

“See ya round.” Megan smiles and falls into conversation with Del and Noah.

My eyes hold Lia’s and my blood heats when those cherry-red lips part as I walk closer.

I grin. “Evenin’, ladies.”

Amelia, Grace, and Emma murmur hellos.

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