Mistletoe Baby (Crescent Cove 9.50)

“No. Well, maybe a little. I’m in no rush for the baby part, but I’m tired of the dating roulette wheel. I’d like a guy who isn’t into games.” I peeked out into the dining room. I could just glimpse Callum on the couch. “He’s got games stamped all over him.”

“Even in the granddad sweater?”

I let the door close. “Not sure I’ve ever seen a grandfather fill out the shoulders of a sweater like that.”

“So, you have been looking. I knew there was a story. I can always smell it.”

“Your nose should be singed from coffee.”

“Blaspheme.”

I laughed as I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter. “We had a stupid moment under the mistletoe at the festival last night. It was snowing and the twinkle lights were bright and there he was all chilled and out of place. Rosy nose and funnel cake powder on his coat. Then he just sort of…”

“Planted one on you?”

“Ugh.” I could feel the heat flooding my neck and cheeks. “Yes. I wasn’t expecting it, and he actually knows how to kiss—which is kind of a miracle compared to a lot of guys out there.”

“That’s a fact. Kinda how Gideon and I got into trouble. Though I was the one planting one on him.”

“On camera.”

Macy rolled her eyes. “Yeah, let’s not talk about that. Especially since it wasn’t the first time. Look, there’s no harm in finding out how it might go between you. I mean, he’s not from the Cove so maybe he isn’t afflicted like the rest of them. Just you know, wrap it twice.”

“Macy.” I twisted the end of my ponytail and wrinkled my nose.

“What? It’s true. Then again, we’ve had a few strangers wander through, and they still end up planting babies in unsuspecting women of this town. Maybe you’re right. Don’t hook up with the hot artist dude.”

“Right. See? That’s the smart thing.”

“Smart thing. Yep. You’re a smart girl.”

“I am.” I nodded. “See, you’re good at this stuff.”

“But…”

I tipped back my head. “No buts.”

“First of all—no, this is definitely not my bag. However, you not going to be under my daily watch anymore.”

“I’ll only be a few storefronts down. I’m not moving to Syracuse or anything.”

“Still.”

I grinned at her. “Maybe you’ll even let me cut your hair.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “I do okay.”

I sighed. So much for Macy as my first paid customer. “That’s true. Someone must have taught you how to cut.”

She shrugged. “My mom was a hairdresser. It’s not an easy life. Then again, you’re used to being on your feet all day anyway. And I have a feeling you’ll be just fine.”

My eyes burned. “You think?”

“As I said, you’re smart. You don’t trip over your tongue because a hot dude smiles at you like a lot of the baristas who have worked here. If he gets your blood pumping, maybe don’t shut him down right away. You can go on a date like normal people.”

“I’m starting a new job.”

“Right. A job—not three like you have been doing. Just one job, like the rest of us.”