"Probably."
"People will notice we're gone."
"Let them notice."
Riley's laugh was breathless. "Grant Lawson, are you?—"
"Well, well, well!"
They jumped apart like teenagers caught by a teacher.
Mrs. Ames stood at the entrance to the alley, holding her own cup of hot chocolate, eyes wide with delight behind her glasses.
"Mrs. Ames," Grant managed, his heart pounding. "Hi."
"Grant. Riley." Mrs. Ames's smile could have powered the entire town's Christmas lights. "I was just looking for the restroom and happened to see—well." She fanned herself with her free hand. "You two certainly aren't holding back, are you?"
Riley's face went nuclear. "We were just?—"
"Oh, honey, I know what you were doing." Mrs. Ames winked. "Young love. It's beautiful. Passionate. Nothing to be ashamed of."
"We should get back," Riley said quickly, grabbing Grant's hand.
"Of course, of course. Don't let me interrupt." Mrs. Ames was still beaming. "Though I must say, this will make an excellent addition to my holiday newsletter. 'Local Couple Rekindles Romance at Tree Lighting.' Has a nice ring to it."
Grant bit back a groan. Mrs. Ames's newsletter went to half the town.
"That's really not necessary—" he started.
"Nonsense! Everyone loves a good love story." Mrs. Ames patted Riley's arm. "Your mother will be thrilled. She's been hoping you two would work things out for years."
With that, Mrs. Ames bustled away, already pulling out her phone—probably to text the news to everyone she knew.
Grant and Riley stood in the alley, staring after her.
"Well," Grant said finally. "That happened."
Riley pressed her hands to her face. "She's going to tell everyone."
"She's definitely going to tell everyone."
"By tomorrow morning, the whole town will know we were making out behind the concessions."
"Probably by tonight, knowing Mrs. Ames."
Riley groaned. "This is mortifying."
Grant pulled her hands away from her face. "Hey. Look at me."
She did, her cheeks still flushed.
"We're supposed to be dating," he said. "Couples make out. At Christmas events. In parking lots. Wherever. It's practically tradition."
"Not usually where Mrs. Ames can find them."
"Fair point." Grant couldn't help but grin. "But for what it's worth? Totally worth it."
Riley's laugh was reluctant but genuine. "You're impossible."
