Christmas Connection

“You wouldn't be alone, Bailey.” He scooted closer. “Would it make you feel better to know I get nervous before every performance?”

“But you're used to it.”

“No, I'm not. I just do what I love.” That was true, right? He fixed his gaze at her. “Can I be honest with you?”

“Please do,” she said.

“I think singing is your passion. I think you love it more than anything else in this world. You just need to believe in yourself.”

Bailey's bottom lip trembled. “I haven't been brave like that in a long time.”

He reached for her hand. “I think you can do it.”

She shook her head as her eyes shimmered. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then help me understand. What’s holding you back?”

She turned at an angle, avoiding eye contact with him altogether. “It wouldn't work.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” Jackson asked.

Bailey released his hand and stood to her feet. “I need to go.”

He rose from his seat. “Don't run, Bailey.”

She fingered at her gold necklace. “What do you want from me?”

Jackson reached for her hand again. “I want to know the woman who loves Christmas music.”

Bailey giggled.

“I want to know the woman who's obsessed with chocolate.”

“It's not an obsession.”

“I beg to differ based on our last conversation.” He cupped her cheek. “More than anything, I want to know the woman who has the soul of a singer. Your voice radiates the room. It's smooth, unique, and pure. I want to get to know that woman.”

Bailey's lips parted. “I don't think I've ever heard that before.”

He pressed his forehead against hers. “I think it's about time you did.”

Bailey touched her hands to his chest. Heat singed Jackson’s skin despite the thick layers in his coat.

“I don't know what's happening here, Bailey,” he said. It was true. His heart palpitated as heat rose up his back.

“Me neither.” She lifted her chin.

Jackson's breath hitched as he inched closer to her full lips. The lips of a woman whose voice touched his soul.

“Bailey?”

Jackson blinked to see another woman coming up behind Bailey. Bailey groaned. Did she not care for this woman interrupting them? At the moment, Jackson wasn't fond of her either.

“I thought that was you,” the woman said.

Bailey hugged her. “Kenya.” Her voice sounded annoyed. “What brings you here?”

Kenya held up a shopping bag. “I had some last minute Christmas shopping. Imagine my surprise to see you here. Who's this?”