Page 50 of Catching the Mistletoe

I put my water glass back on the table. “Well, that guy’s a hoot. I hope we get the chance to meet him before the night is over.” Mack smiled in reply and why that made my heart all fluttery, I couldn’t say. “I’m just going to go to the bathroom. Thought I might swing by the bar on my way back and grab a drink, since it looks like the servers are going to be busy for a while yet. You want something?”

“Sure, a beer would be nice.”

“Okay. Evelyn? Sam?” They both nodded and let me know what they wanted. “Be right back.”

Coming out from the bathroom, I made my way through the tables, nodding and smiling at people as I passed, but not stopping. When I got to the bar, there was a bit of a line and I shifted impatiently from one foot to the other, waiting my turn.

“Arabella Snow, right?”

I turned to see a tall, dark-haired guy with a cute smile standing next to me.

“That’s me.”

“You look even better in real life.”

“Oh, uh, thanks.”

He held out his hand. “I’m Chris.”

“Pleased to meet you.” I put my hand in his, noticing how smooth it was. No callouses from hard, outdoor work on this guy.

“Likewise. I’ve been watching the show. You guys are doing great.”

“Thank you. We’re trying our best.”

“Confession time, though.”

“Yeah?”

“There’s one particular reason I watch it.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t elaborate, and I frowned in confusion. Then I noticed the way he was looking at me. Oh. Ooohhh. He was flirting with me.

Undeterred, he moved a little closer. “I know you guys are a team, but you’re the real star.”

I shrugged, not sure how to handle this. “Thanks, but I couldn’t do it without Mack.”

“Would you like to sit with me? I’ve got a table over there.”

“I’m with Evelyn and Sam. And Mack.”

His shoulders sagged. He wasn’t even trying to hide his disappointment. “Ah. I see.”

“Sorry.”

He rallied, flashing me a smile. “Can’t blame a guy for trying, though, right?”

“Of course not.” I smiled, because I was honestly flattered. He was a good-looking guy, if you liked the clean cut city type. Finally, it was my turn, and I ordered our drinks, then turned to Chris. “Nice to meet you. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Sure.”

I returned to our table and handed the drinks around, feeling Evelyn’s eyes on me. “Who was that?”

“Who?”

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