“I bet you’d do great. Maybe I’ll show you one day. Do you live on the mountain, too?”
I nodded. “Not too far from town. I scored a small cabin near the daycare I work at.”
We chatted as we walked toward the tree display, a large unlit tree looming above us in the center of town. Soon, the mayor would flick the lights on, and everyone would ooh and aah at the start of the holiday season.
I told him how much I loved being around little kids and that I was still in school, working toward my master’s degree in early education. Nolan explained he owned his own painting business, which kept him pretty busy. In the slower months, he’d pick up handy jobs throughout town, the general shop giving his name out.
His eyes lit up when he talked about something he loved, and the smell of peppermint mixed with a hint of musky cologneturned me on more. I found myself staring at his mouth, wishing he would kiss me.
Time flew like two best friends meeting for a chat, and that was exactly how it felt with Nolan. Like we’d been best friends for years.
Reaching into my jacket, I pulled out my goodie bag and fished out a few cookies, handing one to Nolan.
“Did you just give me a cookie from your pocket?” Nolan smirked.
“I did. Now eat it. It’s all part of the vibe.”
Nolan burst out laughing. “The vibe, huh? Did I mention you’re adorable?”
“You did. But I don’t mind hearing it again.”
Butterflies swirled in my stomach as we flirted back and forth.
When the lights in the town turned off, the crowd grew silent.
“Hello, Appleridge!” a booming voice echoed around the courtyard. “Mayor Little here. Are we ready to kick off the holiday season?”
The crowd erupted into cheers, and I joined in, hooting and hollering as loud as the rest of them. Nolan clapped and shouted, getting into the spirit.
Mayor Little gave a short speech about the time of year and what it means to help and give to the community. The Giving Tree was ready at the town hall to pick names for girls and boys in need of toys or clothing, and food banks were accepting all donations. I donated every year and bought a gift for the tree.
After he finished, the lights grew dim once more. A loud bell chimed to the tune of “Jingle Bells,” and a moment later, the large Christmas tree came to life, its lights glowing.
The crowd gasped as the lights twinkled and blinked to the music, the displays in the town coming to life once more. Thetown square buzzed with Christmas, and I looked around and took it all in. The best part of the holiday was this, right here.
“It’s kind of magical, isn’t it?” Nolan asked.
I nodded. “It’s so pretty, too.”
As we stood there, snow flurries fell from the sky, swirling around our heads.
Nolan took me by the hand and moved us out of the way of the crowd, which quickly dispersed after the tree was lit.
He turned to face me, and that’s when his gaze caught something above us, and a devilish look crossed his handsome features.
Immediately, my eyes rose, and I saw what he was looking at: a bundle of fresh mistletoe.
“Looks like I just got permission to kiss you,” Nolan said, his voice an octave deeper. “Something I’ve wanted to do all night.”
“Mm-hmm, we’re under some mistletoe, so we kind of have to, right?”
Nolan nodded and reached up with one hand, cupping the side of my face and running the rough pad of his thumb against my cheek. Then he leaned in close and kissed me. Soft and slow at first, but picking up speed, his mouth explored mine, tasting, learning, and sweeping me off my feet in one kiss.
It lasted forever, yet it lasted no time at all, but it was the best damn kiss of my life.
When we broke apart, I was dizzy and spent, as if I needed more of him just to keep me going.
I wanted to ask him to stay. To spend more time with me.
