Lina tries to block them. Miss Lacey hip-checks her aside effortlessly.
“Oh, Unmasked,” Joyce says, skimming the covers. “Excellent choice. That belt scene—cowboys are truly God’s apology.”
Then they pivot toward me.
“Sloane, sweetheart,” Joyce says, pen poised. “We watched the game. Becker was magnificent. Your father looked pleased. Andyou—are you pleased?”
“I’m happy for the team,” I reply, flashing Diplomatic Smile #4.
“Oh, don’t be shy,” Aunt Tina says, plopping into a chair. “The whole town is talking about the lingerie photo! Black lace? Bold.”
My face ignites.
“It was a gift,” I mutter.
“For who?” Miss Lacey presses. “Because if it’s not for you, darling, we should be concerned.”
Bless Lina. She leans in fast.
“Ladies! Aren’t you late for admiring Sebastian’s tattooed arms over Chardonnay at The Snowed Inn?”
Aunt Tina sighs dreamily—then snaps back to me.
“But before we go, one important question.”
She whips out her phone.
“Sloane, honey, will you go live with me? I promised my followers an exclusive onHow to Land a Soccer Player.”
“No,” I say weakly. “Book club. Very serious.”
She’s not listening. Her gaze drops to my mouth.
Then—
“OH MY GOD, SLOANE!”
Penny drops her spoon.
“Is that the Mistletoe Kisses lipstick from my Avon catalog?!”
My hand flies to my mouth. Yep. It’s that one. A gorgeous matte red, long-wear, and it smells like cherries.
“Yes?”
Aunt Tina claps delightedly.
“I knew it! Kiss-proof. Guaranteed.”
She spins toward the café.
“Did you hear that? Sloane’s wearing the kiss-proof lipstick! She’s clearly planning some very good kisses for our superstar footballer!”
Her thumbs fly.
“#MistletoeKisses #SloaneAndBecker #AvonCalling!”
I bury my face in my hands as the book club dissolves into laughter and Ivy makes a sound like she’s in physical pain.
