Page 67 of Dragged Home for Christmas

Especially the surprise he had planned at the end.

Chapter 22

Christmas Eve

Final Night

By the time Sam had finished applying the last touches of makeup to Mike’s face, Mike was a mess.

“I’m gonna fuck it up,” he murmured. “I just know it.”

Sam paused and tilted Mike’s chin with his fingertips. “You know no such thing,” he said quietly. “You’ve got this.”

“What he said,” Ashley added. “You look fantastic, you’ve got all your moves down, and the song is perfect. You know every word.” She gave him an encouraging smile. “You’ll knock ’em dead.”

“And if I thought it would soothe your nerves, I’d kiss you, except I’d smudge this awesome lip job that I just spent five minutes getting perfect,” Sam said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Mike chuckled. “Ooh, that soundsdirty. Kiss me anyway. I can always reapply.” He paused. “Iamthe last act, aren’t I?”

Sam nodded. “No Mean Girls number tonight. The stage will belong to you.” He grinned. “Still not going to tell us what you’re doing?”

“You’ll see it when everyone else does.”

“ButAshleyknows, apparently.” Sam pouted.

“That’s because I’m in charge of his music. Duh.” She rolled her eyes.

“I don’t even get boyfriend privileges?” Sam batted his lashes.

Mike laughed. “Thereisone thing you could do for me, all of you. When I get near the end of my song, I’d love it if you all joined me on stage.”

“As Cheap Trix’s backing singers? Sure, we can do that.” Sam stood. “Besides, you’re not the only surprise in the show. Ant is up to something too. He won’t let any of us in his room. And there’s no music cued up forhimeither. All these secrets…”

“It wouldn’t be Christmas without secrets.” Mike smiled. “He seems happy. Then again, so do Elliott and Jim.”

Sam bent low to whisper, “You just nailed it. It’s Christmas, and you know what that means.” He kissed Mike’s ear. “’Tis the season—to fall in love.”

“Apparently, seeing as I find myself in the same state.”

“Yeah?” Sam grinned. “Me too. What a coincidence.”

A soft sigh had both of them turning their heads.

Ashley gazed at them, wearing a gooey smile. “Oh, don’t mind me.”

Mike gave a mock glare. “Don’t you have something to do? Checking the spotlights or something?”

She chuckled. “I know when I’m not wanted.” She scooted out of the room.

“And now I have to go too.” Sam stood. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there to help you put the wig on. And the nerves will vanish once you’re under the lights, I promise.” He paused. “By the way, I had an idea what to make you for Christmas.”

“Makeme? Is it going to be a do-it-yourself Christmas? Because I need to tell you right now, I amnotthat creative. So what are you planning?” He narrowed his gaze. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“Nope.” Sam’s eyes gleamed. “And now you know howIfeel.”

With that, he walked out of the room, humming.

Mike had to smile.

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