“Oh.” She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face.
“Oh?” He laughed, spinning her around and pulling her against him. His face grew earnest and real and so damn gorgeous her heart was on the verge of bursting from her chest. His kiss was featherlight, but his words made her light-headed. “I love you, Jo. I’m doing my best not to screw things up here.”
She blinked. He said it. He loved her.
“Come on.” He glanced at his watch. “We’re late. Any later and people will talk.” His kiss was deep, leaving her heart and body spinning.
“Because we’re late?” she asked, still processing.
He smiled, stroking his fingertips over her cheek. “You don’t know what you want yet—I get that.” His voice faltered. “Until you do, I’d rather keep things a little discreet.” He kissed her forehead, sighing. “That way it’ll be easier for Eli, your dad and me if you go. We’ll still be here, you know?”
He wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed—he was protecting her, protecting her father and his son. And she loved him all the more for it. She should tell him. She should say it. But a flash of Eli, of Amy’s smug grin and the agony of losing Hunter silenced her.
“I need five minutes,” she pleaded, pointing to the makeup.
“You don’t need it.” He shook his head but gave her enough time to put on some mascara, a little eye shadow and some bright red holiday-cheer lipstick.
“Ready?” He took her in, head to toe, before shaking his head. “I’m fine being late, Jo.” He pulled her close, bending forward to kiss her.
She laughed, covering his lips with her fingers. “I’m ready.”
He pressed a kiss to her fingers, sighing dramatically. “Fine.”
She shook her head but took the hand he offered her. “How’s Mars?” she asked as they put on their coats and headed out of the bakery.
“She’s good, taking a few steps. Her pups are a handful, so we’re not letting them nurse all the time. Their poor mama needs time to recover.” He paused. “Owners offered me a pup and I’m thinking about giving one to my dad.” Hunter led her around the corner.
“Wow,” she said finally, looking at all the floats, the lights, the carolers, the canopies that dotted the courthouse lawn. The air hummed with excitement, warding off some of the night chill. “Was it this big when we were in high school?”
“Gets bigger every year. Good to see you, Lance.” Hunter nodded at someone but kept them moving.
She called out “hellos” and “nice to see yous” as Hunter led them around another corner. Their float was waiting, hooked up to a large hunter green truck with Boone Ranch and Rehabilitation Reserve on the doors. The younger kids were all giggling and playing tag while the older kids were checking the garland and float decorations.
“They’re here,” someone called out. All the kids waved.
Hunter waved back, giving her a quick grin over his shoulder.
“They wanted to send out a search party,” Fisher whispered to Hunter as they walked up. “I figured that might not be the best idea. Didn’t want them to find you two in a compromising situation. Might scar them for life.”
Hunter punched him in the shoulder. “Got sidetracked with—”
Fisher held up his hands. “Don’t need or want to know.”
Josie couldn’t help but notice Eli. The boy looked so downtrodden, she wanted to hug him. But since she was probably the reason he was upset, she should keep her hugs to herself. His one long, lingering glance at Dara spoke volumes, though.
“Hey, Miss Josie.” Dara was red-cheeked and excited, her green sparkly Santa hat and mittens only adding to her adorableness. “Your chair is nice and secure. I rode on it here, just to make sure.”
“Thanks, Dara.” Josie hugged the girl, surveying the float. It looked even better now, the fairy-light glow illuminating the hours of work the kids had put into making 34 and Floppy Feet come to life. “It’s just amazing. You guys did a really incredible job.” She spoke to Eli, too, who was circling the perimeter of the trailer to check that the garlands and lights were secure.
Eli looked at her, then Dara, shoved his hands in his pockets and mumbled, “Guess so.” His attention wandered back to Dara, but the girl was making a point of ignoring him.
Josie didn’t know what to say, or do. Young love could seriously suck.
“Are you Joselyn Stephens?” A man approached, his smile a little too appreciative.
She didn’t recognize him. “Yes.”
“Renata Boone suggested I interview you for the piece we’re putting together on the best undiscovered small towns of Texas.” He held his hand out. “Ray Garza, State Tourism Department.”