Page 36 of Holiday Hook Up

Chapter 8

Pretend it never happened.Bethany stepped up to the Lakeside Inn porch, kicking some snow off her black snow boots. If only it was that easy.

And Adam would never know what she really meant.

When he asked her to fill in for Rachel, she hadn’t known what to expect nor how much fun she’d have dressing up, playing with the kids, and getting engaged to Adam the Elf.

Why did he have to go on and ruin it by leaning down to kiss her?

Of course, she wanted him to do it. Ever since the night of the Holiday Hook Up she dreamed of his lips on hers again, but she’d blown any chance of that happening.

Not when doing so would expose what she’d done. He could say that he’d been bitten by the kissing bug and downplay what had happened, but it wasn’t hard to tell from the look in his eyes, not to mention his constantly bringing it up, that he’d be thrilled to see the mystery blonde again—and get a name this time.

Bethany sighed. And there lay the problem. She was all but sure she’d never measure up to Adam’s fantasy if he learned the truth.

Sure, she thought for a brief moment, standing on the stage and staring up into his eyes last night, that maybe he did want to kiss her.

She’d even flirted a little before their massages. Still, from his profuse apologizing, she knew he was sorry, if not embarrassed, for what he’d tried to do.

If he learned that he’d already done it, she was pretty sure he’d flip out.

She stepped to the edge of the porch, taking in the dark blue lake. If Adam had kissed her last night, would he have instantly known that it wasn’t their first time?

“Maybe he wouldn’t have realized it was me,” she said out loud.

“That sounds like wishful thinking.”

Bethany spun around to see Caitlin had joined her.

“Hey.” Bethany tightened her scarf, admiring Caitlin’s puffy, royal blue coat and matching head band. Mrs. Josh Stevens had as much style as Rachel in the winter wardrobe department. “Did Abby summon you, too?”

“Yes, she did, and it better be quick. Josh is home alone with all three kids since our nanny is traveling with her family for Christmas, and I’ve got a million things to do at the theater this morning to get ready for the First Kiss Ball.”

Bethany nodded. She understood what insanely busy felt like. In two short hours, wall-to-wall customers would line the Christmas Corner as soon as she opened the door.

When Abby had sent her a text thirty minutes ago, demanding she drop everything and meet her at Brandon’s inn, she’d finished her morning coffee, more than a bit curious. She liked Abby, but they weren’t exactly close friends who made such demands. Luckily, Abby had caught her before she’d gotten to work.

Although, she’d miss Danny stopping by. Would another shipment from MR Wedding be waiting for her?

She’d find out soon enough, but first it was time to get this show on the road. She followed Caitlin inside.

Abby wasted no time, greeting them in the foyer and taking their coats, hanging them on the coat rack. “Just the ladies we’ve been waiting for.”

“We?” Bethany asked, pulling her scarf off and handing it to Abby.

“Emma.” Abby nodded to the ceiling. “She’s upstairs.”

“Care to tell us why we needed to drop everything and meet you here?” Caitlin asked.

Abby turned and waved for them to follow her. “There’s no time for chitchat. Let’s go.” With that, she raced up to the second floor.

Bethany shot Caitlin a questioning look, but only got a shoulder shrug response. “Abby, what’s going on?” she asked, neither of them making a move.

Abby spun around at the top of the stairs. “Come on. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s just Emma in one of the guest rooms. No ghosts. I promise.”

Bethany wasn’t exactly reassured by that. However, by the determined look on Abby’s face, she had a feeling that if she attempted to make a run for it, the fiery redhead would race after her and drag her up the stairs. She took a few cautious steps to the staircase and started to climb.

“Abby, why am I here?” Caitlin asked, following Bethany up the stairs.

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