“Perfect,” he growled as he swept her past the tree to the spotlight on the dance floor where the mistletoe hung.
Allie held her breath when Ash stopped them in place.
Her pale gown swirled around them both as he cupped her cheek in one big hand and bent to kiss her.
As his warm mouth claimed hers, Alliefelt her heart crack open and all the love she had been holding back fell over her like a waterfall. She clung to him, trying not to be washed away in the rush of her feelings.
A little light applause from a nearby couple woke her from her half-trance and she pulled back, feeling her cheeks heat.
But Ash was gazing down at her, his beautiful eyes filled with adoration, and she couldn’t bring herself to really be sorry that she had allowed him to kiss her in front of everyone.
The song ended and Ash squeezed her hands, smiling with a warmth that sparkled in his eyes.
“Congratulations,” Principal Chittenden said, squeezing Allie’s elbow. “You two look great together. Are you excited about the winter break, Allie?”
“Yes,” Allie told her, shining with pride. “It will be wonderful to have extra family time and planning time too.”
“Speaking of planning, when you have a chance, I’d love to talk with you about the physical activities you’ve been doing with your kindergarteners,” the principal said. “I’m hearing that they’ve been great for the kids. Maybe you could do a presentation for the district?”
“You two chat,” Ash said quietly. “I’ll grab us a glass of punch and meet you back by the Christmas tree.”
Allie nodded to him gratefully and turned her attention back to her principal.
“I’d love to do that,” she told her honestly. “Anything I can do to help. Honestly, this whole event has made me think of you. I know it wasn’t an official mentoring relationship, but you’ve taken me under your wing since theday I came to visit and tell you about my college major. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” the principal said, pulling Allie into a hug. “I’ve always said you have great instincts and a big heart. It’s a joy to see you put them to work, and not just at work.”
She glanced in the direction Ash had disappeared in before turning back to Allie and winking.
“I’ve had a good year so far,” Allie said with a smile. “Let me know when you’d like to meet. You know me. I don’t go anywhere during break, so if next week is too busy, it can be whenever.”
“Wonderful, dear,” Principal Chittenden said, giving her a big smile. “I’ll be in touch then.”
The principal headed back to the table where her husband was chatting with a few other teachers and staff from the school.
Allie went over to the Christmas tree to wait for Ash.
As she was admiring the beautifully decorated branches, she happened to overhear some people talking on the other side of the tree.
“The schoolteacher is great for this small-town image he’s trying to pull off, and she has a good idea with her greenhouse project,” Geraldine was saying. “I think we can take that national too.”
“Why would we do that?” Patrick scoffed. “It’s a waste of money.”
“Not if it’s branded with the Tailor Turbo logo,” Geraldine said. “Think about getting that logo in front of the kids starting in kindergarten. We’d grabthem for life.”
Allie’s heart thudded in her chest and her mouth dropped open in horror.
“Oh,” Patrick said. “Yeah, I get it. That’s actually kind of slick. And it’s cheaper than billboards.”
“Tailor’s a genius,” Geraldine said.
She went on speaking, but by then Allie’s pulse was so loud in her ears that she couldn’t hear anything else.
She felt like her face was on fire and like she’d been hit with a bucket of ice water at the same time. Suddenly, even the big ballroom seemed like not enough space to breathe.
I have to get out of here…
The shortest way to the doors was straight across the ballroom, and she took off, brushing past her fellow townsfolk in their finery in her haste to get out into the fresh air where she could think.
