Kissmas Wishes (Love In All Seasons 3)

Sophia looks over at James who just shrugs, he’s got his phone above his head, trying to get a signal. “Whatever is easiest.”

“In that case, you don’t need me,” I say, noticing the way Noelle’s face has fallen with this decision. She really wanted the ceremony out here. “Unless there’s something you need to be built at the lodge?”

“Are we done here?” James calls. He is already at his car. “I’m starving.”

Sophia and Noelle stare in silent conversation, but I’m so put off by this weird dynamic I refuse to butt in.

“Okay, James,” Sophia finally groans. “We’ll go. But Noelle is coming with.”

“Actually,” Noelle says. “I’m just going to head to the lodge for a sec and check on a few measurements. Make sure all the chairs fit in the space.”

“You sure? We can go to the pub and catch up.”

“It’s fine. James seems…”

Sophia rolls her eyes as we all begin walking toward the small parking lot. “Needy? Annoying? Obnoxious?”

Noelle just smiles. “You’re such a brat. I was going to say on the verge of hangry.”

“You’re way too generous.” Sophia leans in and kisses Noelle on the cheek. I notice the large diamond glittering on her ring finger and she pulls in her maid of honor for a hug. “Don’t forget, my dad flies in tomorrow. We can all meet up for lunch or something?”

“Text me,” Noelle says, as we all reach our cars. Sophia and James pull away and it’s just me and Noelle again. I have so many questions for her — like what the hell is she getting out of this relationship, but it’s none of my business.

“So, you don’t need my help?” I ask, wanting an excuse to stay here, with her, a little bit longer.

Noelle twists her lips, a smile forming. “I know you said you were good with a hammer, but how about a measuring tape?”

“Oh,” I say. “I measure long.”

Her mouth drops into an O, but she likes it. She pushes her hand on my chest, laughing, “You are trouble, Brooks. But I like your confidence.”

“Good,” I say with a smirk. “Now show me how you’d like me to use my hands.”NoelleBy the time we’ve finished measuring the lodge, it’s dark out. After our parking lot innuendos, I was nervous that I’d be too flustered to continue the conversation, but we focused on the work at hand and we didn’t stray beyond feet and inches and I made notes on the paper on my clipboard.

“Thank you,” I tell Brooks as I push my notepad back in my tote bag.

“No problem. Measuring this space was easier than making that arbor.”

“True,” I say, wistfully. The ceremony would have looked way better on the cliff, but who am I? Just a bridesmaid. “Can I at least buy you a drink for sticking around?”

“Sure,” he says. “But you have to tell me where to go, I’m new in town.”

We walk out of the lodge and I lock it with the key Martin gave me. I’m trusted with it for the next week until the wedding is over.

I tell him to follow me and then I get in my little SUV and start driving into town. I’m just beginning to warm up as the heat is finally kicking in, but my stomach is growling, and it wins out over warmth. I lock up the car and head to a pub on the corner.

This Bavarian town is brimming with bars, and I pick one that’s not very busy, and that I know Sophia won’t visit. Even though I’m dying to catch up with my best friend — and maybe cross-examine her to figure out what’s the deal between her and James.

But right now. I kind of like the idea of holding Brooks’ attention for myself.

When a waitress tells us to find a seat, we slide into a booth, and I catch Brooks’ eye. He looks so ruggedly handsome, his cheeks a little red from the cold, his flannel shirt rolled up to his elbows and his thick beard reminding me that he is a real man. All man.

“So, what’s good here?” he asks, reaching for the menu.

I lick my lips. “Every pub in this town touts their German sausages and lager.”

“You like sausage.”

I cough, wishing I had a cool glass of water. “I love them,” I finally say.

He runs a hand over his beard, trying to gauge my tone. “Good to know.”

A waitress swings by and I’m able to avoid forming a response to Brooks by ordering a bratwurst, fries, and beer. “I’ll have the same,” Brooks says. After she’s brought us back our pints, he lifts his to mine. “To love.”

My eyes widen.

“Sophia and James, their love?” Brooks adds, knowing his words are making me squirm. What’s the deal with him? He makes me all nervous and on edge. It’s not my typical disposition.