Mistletoe in the Snow (New Hope Sweet Christmas Romance 1)
“You weren’t supposed to get here until tomorrow,” she said, hitting him playfully on the shoulder.
He pulled her into a kiss that lingered on his lips even after they parted. “I couldn’t wait that long.”
“I got your special delivery.” She held out the roses and shook her head. “You really didn’t have to do that. Having Brandon deliver them was a nice touch, by the way. You really have them wrapped around your finger at that Children’s Home, don’t you?”
He shrugged, grinning. “What can I say? I’m a charming guy.”
“No kidding.” She grabbed him by the lapel and kissed him again. This time, a little bit of heat flashed between their lips. “Thank you.”
Chloe and Laurie finally joined them. They oohed and ahhed over the flowers, sighing at the romantic life of their best friend.
“No man has ever bought me a dozen roses,” Laurie said in a desolate tone, stroking the soft blooms.
“Me, neither.” Chloe stomped her foot and pursed her lips. “The only kind of surprises I seem to get from men are impromptu audits. Yay, me. I’ll bet this guy is incredibly stuffy and boring.”
“Be careful,” Lance warned. He put his arm around Gemma and a grin stretched across his face. “That’s what I thought you guys were going to be. Boy, was I wrong. And thank God.”
“Well, thanks to this guy, I’m stuck going through every piece of our financials this weekend.” She held up a heavy leather briefcase that looked like it might have been fashionable once in the eighties. “Say goodbye to my life. I already hate him.”
“I’m sorry.” Gemma frowned and placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “Let me know if you need help.”
“It’s my cross to bear.” Chloe threw her arm across her forehead and sighed. “Besides, it looks like you’re going to be busy.” She winked at Lance and then linked her arm with Laurie’s. The two of them waved goodbye and then set off in the direction of the Blue Stem Bistro.
“Ready to go? I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve for you tonight,” Lance asked as he held the door open for her.
She smiled and tilted her head to one side. “There’s more? I don’t know if I can handle any more surprises.”
“Trust me.” He put a hand on the small of her back and led her into the back seat of the town car. “This is going to be fun.”
He went to shut the door, but she held out her hand and ducked under the frame to smile up at him. “I love you, Lance Barkley.”
His heart jumped up to his throat. Clearing it with a cough, he smiled. “I love you, too, Gemma Rink.”
Shutting the door, he practically sprinted around the front of the car and headed for his door. He passed Frankie’s open window, where his assistant was leaning out.
“Are you sure you want to do this, boss?” he whispered, raising one eyebrow. There was an ornery flicker in his eyes. “There’s still time to escape back to the cities.”
“Absolutely.”
Lance dug into his pocket and felt for the small velvet box he’d stashed there only hours before now. Inside was a small piece of circular jewelry that could change his life forever. He’d spoken to Katherine about it months ago and had the ring specially designed. Now, all that was left was to ask the girl the big four word question.
It was crazy to think that just a year ago they didn’t even know that each other existed. All it took was one dreaded business trip to set him on this path. He wouldn’t change a thing.
New Hope had exceeded his every expectation.
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Much love,
Lacy
EXCERPT
Keep reading to check out an exclusive excerpt from Caroling in the Snow - Book 2 in the New
Hope Sweet Romance series!
Chapter One