“I know,” she said simply. “They’re no better than the bugs I’m studying.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Come on. We’re going to have to head home soon and I want to see that Christmas light show first.” She looped her arm through his and leaned into him as she nibbled at her apple again.
“Yeah, we might have to hurry before the bugs descend.”
“What?” she asked with a laugh.
“Decker and his crew. The lights are going to attract them, right? Best if we get there before it’s swarmed.”
She snickered and gave him a shove. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Missed you too.”
“That was so much fun.Thanks for taking me.” Wynter squeaked when her toe caught on the steps leading to the house, and Marcus reached out to steady her.
“I couldn’t exactly break our pact.”
She beamed at him. “That goes for both of us.”
They lumbered up the stairs and made it to the door. She glanced toward the house and frowned. “I’d invite you in, but Gramps is in a mood.”
Marcus grimaced good-naturedly. “I could tell. You think he’ll ever like me?”
Wynter placed both hands on his shoulders. “Absolutely. What’s not to love?”
The door opened and they both jumped. But it wasn’t Wynter’s grandfather at the door. It was Nora. Wynter’s grandmother grinned, and the smile lines around her eyes deepened. “You’re back! Marcus, would you like to join us?”
“Oh, I’m good. My folks are driving into town tonight, so I should probably head home.”
“How are your parents?”
“They’re good.” Marcus glanced past her, half expecting to see Wynter’s grandfather watching. But he didn’t appear. Then Nora’s eyes lifted overhead, and he found himself tilting his head to find a fresh sprig of mistletoe hanging above them.
Wynter must have noticed as well, and she gasped. “Grams!”
“It’s tradition, and the two of you got caught.”
Marcus chuckled as he glanced at his best friend. Nora had made a couple comments regarding their friendship being more, but they’d managed to deflect them. Apparently, she wasn’t done hoping.
Wynter looked mortified.
“It’s fine,” Marcus whispered.
“What? No, it isn’t,” she practically squawked, turning to head inside.
Marcus rolled his eyes with a laugh. “Humor her,” he said under his breath, reaching for her arm. He tugged her closer and placed a hand lightly on her right cheek. If he had been paying attention better, he might have realized that she gasped at the contact. That should have been enough to give him pause.
Unfortunately, Marcus wouldn’t learn his lesson until later.
Her eyes widened and she nodded, ever so slightly. He leaned forward and brushed a chaste kiss to her lips.
Never in a million years would he have expected what happened next.
Up until this point, he didn’t believe in fireworks.
Love? Yes. True love? Most likely. But earth-shattering, life-changing sparks?
