Mistletoe Baby (Crescent Cove 9.50)

“Is that what we’re going to call it? And not ransom?”

“I’ll do what I have to so I can spend time with you.” He twirled me around. “Now let’s get you dressed for outside. Even if I really like this one-shoulder deal.” His thumb caressed my skin before he held up my gray wool coat for me to put on.

I shivered when he flipped my hair out and draped it over my shoulder to make sure it didn’t get tangled in my hood. When I glanced back at him, he was so damn close.

Indecision lurked in his eyes. It would be so easy to just let this wicked chemistry lead me upstairs with him in tow. He seemed to understand that as much as we both wanted it, maybe it wasn’t a good idea.

Exhaling, he reached for his sweater on the couch and shrugged it on. He should have looked stodgy. Instead, he was all broad shoulders and sinful muscles. A thin leather bracelet peeked from his cuffs. It consisted of a heavy silver bead with some sort of intricate knots that clung to his wide wrist. He was far too intriguing in too many ways.

He pulled on his coat and handed me my red scarf. “Shall we?” He crooked his arm.

I couldn’t stop the smile as I slid my arm through his. “We shall.”

Even walking through the door made me feel like there was a change in the air. Evening had descended on the town. Just the barest hint of setting sun peeked from the trees over the water. The café was kitty corner from the park. The street lamps had been capped

with lanterns to give the street an old world feel.

The gazebo—and scene of the crime—was lit up with white twinkle lights and fat retro bulbs in traditional colors, never mind the glistening tree itself. It reminded me of when I was really young, before my mother forgot what holidays were. When we tried to eke out an existence in the shabby apartment in a small town that was more famous for the waterfall and old factories than anyone who lived there.

My mother had actually made an effort to give me a good Christmas that year. She’d been clear-eyed and not focused on some jerk to take care of her for once. She’d found decorations in the shed behind the old two-family house. We’d strung the ancient lights on the tiny Charlie Brown tree, and we had draped the remaining strings over the window ledge in my bedroom.

The lights on the gazebo shimmered in my vision, and the slap of cold singed my lungs.

Suddenly, I was twirling, and the lights seemed merry rather than sad. Callum caught my hand on the twirl out, and then I was overwhelmed with his cedar scent carrying on the cold breeze. A flashback to yesterday. No snow this time, but just like last night, he was nearly irresistible.

“I don’t like that faraway look.”

His lips were so close that each word was a small puff of air against mine. Part of me wanted to blurt out the sadness that sneaked up on me this time of year, but the rest…

I didn’t want to be the woman with the absentee parents. I was a strong, single woman who was just starting her career.

And I’d be strong and brave right now too.

I leaned in and closed the gap. His tongue was warm and a little too talented, but that was exactly what I needed.

A man who knew what he was doing. If I was going to act a little crazy, then it should be with a guy who knew what the hell he was doing.

The sound of a clearing throat had us pulling apart. Callum dragged his thumb over his lower lip right before he stepped away.

“Sorry to interrupt.” The jangle of keys dragged my attention away from the best kisser in the known universe. Well, at least my universe. Goodness.

Dare Kramer held up the keys. He had on a heavy tan jacket and an obviously homemade hat. There was no way he picked that blue out for himself. “We have the order in for the customization we talked about, but for now, we’ve got you all fixed up.”

“Fixed up?”

Callum flushed. “A guy in a truck backed out without looking, and I slid into a ditch.”

“Oh. Wow, so that’s why you’ve been hanging out.” Disappointment hit me harder than it should have. Of course he’d have a reason besides trying to get me to go out with him.

He took the keys from Dare. “Thanks, man. Do I need to sign anything?”

“Nah. We’re all set. I put the receipt in the glove box for your records or if you want to submit it to your insurance.”

“Thanks, but my premiums are enough.”

Dare chuckled. “I bet. It’s a sweet ride. We’re excited to work on it. We’ll give you a call in a few weeks.”

“Sounds good.” Callum pocketed his keys then tucked my arm through his. “Heading to the festival?”