“As y’all know,” he continues, “I have a sordid history with one very lovely, feisty reporter that started way back in junior high when we had band together.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd.
He turns to me in a challenge. “You’re a part of this. Care to join me at the microphone?”
Swallowing, I place the drumsticks down and scramble off the throne. Where’s he going with this?
I go and stand beside him, feeling the weight of all the staring eyes.
“The ugly business started when London asked me to a dance, and I stood her up.”
“Boo,” a man in the front bellows.
Axel holds up a hand with a droll smile. “I know, I was a dense teenager. I thought it would be more fun to hang out with my buddies and play video games rather than take a girl to a dance.”
More people boo.
He faces me. “For that, I’m truly sorry.”
My eyes glisten, and I utter in a low tone. “You’re apologizing to me … after all I’ve done?” He truly is a remarkable person. I don’t deserve him, but I desperately need him.
A low chuckle rumbles in his throat. “Oh, you’re not off the hook yet.” His eyes sparkle with amusement. “I figure it’ll take a lifetime for you to make it up to me. And I fully intend to cash in on the debt.”
As soon as the meaning of his words sinks in, I sputter out a laugh. “Does this mean you’re giving me another chance?”
“Only if you’ll agree to spend Christmas with my family and me. And you have to agree to watchIt’s a Wonderful Life.” A smile curves his lips. “Whaddaya say?”
Giddiness overtakes me as I tip my head. “I think that can be arranged. Under one condition.”
He crooks a grin. “Oh, yeah?”
“We have to watchAn Affair to Rememberafterwards. A double feature.”
A large smile breaks over his handsome face. “Deal.” He encircles my waist with his free arm, pulls me to him, and crushes my lips with his.
Thunderous applause fills the hall, but it gets drowned out by the joyful beating of my heart.
This went from the worst Christmas Eve ever to the best.
I guess dreams really do come true.
Even for this hard-headed, grudge-holding reporter who went to get the scoop on her childhood crush, turned unwitting adversary, and got scooped instead.
I don’t think I could’ve written this any better myself.
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER
Mom looksup from where she’s cutting up veggies for a salad as I step into the kitchen. “What time is Seth picking you up?”
“He should be here any minute.”
“Well, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” I glance down at my red evening dress.
“Where’s he taking you?”
