When I was about Aspen’s age.
But I’m squinting in concentration as I aim for the dart board, looking for the same spot that I hit a moment ago.
I let the dart go, andyesssss.
It bounces off the frame again, flips in the air, and while it doesn’t land quite at Aspen’s feet this time, she still claps her hands and throws her head back with a laugh. “You didnotjust do—oh, fuuuu—crap.”
She’s staring at the ceiling.
I glance up too.
Hear a snicker behind me that could’ve come from any of my siblings or buddies or their siblings.
“Huh.” My pulse ticks higher. I stretch my fingers out and close them into a fist in my suddenly clammy hands. Have to swallow against the sudden dry mouth.
We’re standing under a massive ball of mistletoe.
It’s not the only mistletoe in the room either.
See again, this place was decorated by an inebriated elf.
But it’s the mistletoe that we’re standing under.
Levi’s kissing his wife under another ball of mistletoe by the stairs. Beck just snagged Sarah beneath some mistletoe in the corner I was just standing in with Davis.
“Mistletoe time!” my sister crows.
Fuck.
The kissing has to be done.
I swallow again and look down at Aspen.
She’s staring at me. But is she staring at me like there are rules, and then there arerules, and this rule of kissing someone under the mistletoe must be obeyed regardless of who you’re standing there with? Or is she staring at me likethis dude better not try anything?
Not just my pulse inching higher now.
My dick is as well.
Her eyes dip to my lips.
I tell my cock she’s staring at my nose and contemplating logistics. Kinda known for having a big schnoz.
My cock—and my brain—don’t believe me.
She’s staring at my mouth.
Her eyes dart back to mine. She bites her plump lower lip.
“There’s—” My voice cracks. I clear my throat and try again. “There’s this thing here where if you don’t play by the rules, you’re in danger of being the target of pranks for the next year.”
“Huh.”
That’s it.
That’s all she says.
Justhuh.
