CHAPTER ONE
Lyra
It wasmy favorite time of year. Christmas lights were shining, snow flurries filled the cold air, and the line for the annual tree lighting ceremony was wrapped around the corner, as usual. But like always, I came prepared.
I dressed warmly, kept a pack of cookies in my pocket for needed sugar rushes, and a warm cup of hot cocoa in my hand.
There could be a blizzard outside, and I would still be here. I hadn’t missed a year yet.
A group of carolers came by, singing “O Holy Night” and passing out candy canes.
It couldn’t get any more Christmas than this, and I was here for it. A million times over.
A young couple stood in front of me, holding hands and whispering. It made me long for what I didn’t have, but only for a split second before the line moved forward and distraction took over. There were so many pretty things to look at, from decorations to window displays and even a little Christmas village.
As I took another step forward, my boot caught on a dip in the sidewalk, and I lurched forward. I yelped as I nearly dropped my drink, my free hand flying out by my side.
“Whoa, there. Are you okay?” a deep voice rumbled through me from behind as a hand grabbed my arm. I looked up to find a handsome, older man helping me regain my balance, his smile gentle and warm.
“I…I think so…” I stuttered for the first time in my life. The man was insanely good-looking.
How did I not see this hunk of a man standing only inches behind me?
“You almost took a spill there.”
“Thanks for catching me. Guess I didn’t see the sidewalk in front of me.” I chuckled, my cheeks flaming with heat. “Too into the Christmas spirit.”
The handsome man tipped his chin toward the displays surrounding us. “It’s kind of hard not to around here.”
“I love it, don’t you?” I couldn’t help but gush over my favorite holiday.
“I don’t know if I would use the wordlove,but it’s hard not to. It’s contagious.”
“It’s magical.” I sipped my hot cocoa, the warmth spreading through me. “Sorry, I sound ridiculous.”
“No, you don’t. It’s kind of adorable.”
He held my gaze, and sparks sizzled between us. Did he feel it too? He must.
“I’m Lyra, by the way.”
“Nolan.” He held out his hand for a shake, and when I slid my hand into his, my entire body reacted to his touch. My skin grew warm as I stepped into a hot tub, my pulse increasing in speed, and my breath hitching in my throat as if someone stole the air from my very lungs.
What is happening?
I had to ignore it. “Do you come here every year?”
“I did. Kind of lost sight of it for a few years. Figured it would be good to come again. I’m thinking I made the right choice.” A grin played on his lips.
Was the sexy mountain man flirting with me?
I think so.
“Do you live on the mountain or close to town?” I asked as the line began to move quickly, and the entrance doors opened. I checked my watch. Only ten minutes to go.
“About halfway up. I have a cabin near the ski trails. I love to ski in the winter,” Nolan said, his eyes lighting up as he explained.
“I’ve never skied before. I’d probably fall flat on my face.” I chuckled, even though nerves filled my belly at the thought of skiing down a mountain. “I think indoor activities are more my jam.”
