Page 5 of Snowed in with my Best Friend

CHAPTER 2

POSY

I lowered my hands from my lips and let out a breath. This wasn’t the first time I’d done that motion, and it was beginning to be a problem.

Once again, I needed to stop thinking about that kiss. I had been tossing and turning all night, so now not even the best concealer could hide the dark circles under my eyes. I was doing my best though, because I couldn’t let Cullen see how he had affected me.

Of course, I could just lie and say I was stressed about the drive, the fact that my car was probably dead for good, and countless other things, but I didn’t really know how I was supposed to explain that.

I went through my packing list again, ensuring that I was taking up the least amount of space as possible. I knew that Cullen had a huge truck and there was probably enough room for more than a tiny suitcase, but for all I knew he had enough gifts for all of his siblings, and I was going to have to sit on my purse or something.

I ran my hands over my face, avoiding my lips, before I began to pace my bedroom again.

I wasn’t sure why I was acting like this. It was just a kiss under the mistletoe, and yes, I had practically jumped away in terror, but it wasn’t like it was his fault. He didn’t do it on purpose.

I had been the one to meet him underneath the mistletoe so maybe all of this was my fault rather than his.

He probably wasn’t even thinking about the kiss.

My phone buzzed, and I immediately snatched it, grateful for something else to think about. “Mercy! How is everything? Did you have fun at the party last night?”

“I did.” There was something odd in her tone, but she didn’t clarify what she meant.

“I just wanted to make sure you got home safe, but it was late so I didn’t text. Didn’t want to push that text through your Do Not Disturb.”

“Everything went well. I’m glad I got to go. The Montgomerys are so nice.”

“You grew up with them, right?” I asked, trying to remember exactly how she was connected to them.

“I did. Lex and I have known each other forever. And well, now he’s my neighbor, so I guess the Montgomerys are always going to be around.”

“Are you all set for your Christmas day?” I asked, feeling bad that she couldn’t come with me. She had already declined multiple times when I had offered, and now I didn’t even have a car to get her there.

“I’ll be okay. You have fun with your parents.”

“I will. I love seeing them.”

“Tell them ‘Hi’ for me. Your car going to make it there okay?”

I wince. “Not exactly.” I explained the whole situation from the night before, and exactly how I was getting to my parents’ home.

Mercy grinned. “That’s so sweet of Cullen. I’m glad that you’re going to make it work out.”

“Hey, Mercy, when I’m back in town after the new year, do you want to help me buy a car?” I didn’t want to think about my budget in that moment, but I couldn’t help it. This was not the time for this.

“Sure! And we can totally work on our badass looks so we can stare down any salesmen who think we need a man in order to make it happen.” Mercy rocked back on her heels, grinning.

“I’m glad I have you for that, because we both know I’m going to cower behind a pole.”

“You wouldn’t. But I can kick ass.” She held up both fists, play fighting.

“Damn straight,” I said with a laugh.

“Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Mercy.”

“Same to you. Enjoy your time and tell me all about this car trip with Cullen.”

I ignored the teasing in her tone, because frankly one of us needed to. “He’s my friend. Just like you and Lex are friends.”