Page 55 of Holiday Hook Up

Chapter 13

“IthinkMary wants me to open a pizzeria,” Adam said to Josh, and leaned against the Lakeside Inn bar.

It was the day after Christmas. Bethany had sent him a text earlier saying that Emma had arranged a small get-together at Brandon’s inn and asked if he’d like to join her.

Of course he said yes without hesitation and offered to drive. Truth be told, Caitlin had already invited him when he stopped over for some coffee and to drop off his presents for the triplets. He’d replied back that he’d love to extend their Holiday Hook Up, which she responded with a smiley face emoji.

And that text had been responsible for the large grin he sported all day.

His gaze fell on Bethany as she talked and laughed by the fireplace with Abby and Emma. Man, she looked gorgeous in her dark jeans and black V-neck sweater. Tonight, her hair was down, big waves brushing past her shoulders.

He imagined what it would be like to run his fingers through her dark locks, smiled at that thought, and turned back to Josh. “Yeah, Mary wants me to go into the pizza business. That or thinks I should take over Ralph’s when he retires.”

“Man, you sucked at tossing pizzas.” Josh went behind the bar, grabbed two new bottlenecks, popped the tops, and passed one to Adam. “Didn’t most of them end up on the floor?”

“Pretty much. Wasn’t my idea. You’ll have to ask Mary.”

“So, you really talked to her?” Josh came back around.

“Yep.” Adam nodded. “Not like last time, though. It was more like channeling her spirit, but the crazy gal was definitely in the living room. I could feel her presence.”

“In your house?”

“No. Bethany’s. It happened on Christmas Eve. I was using a Ouija Board.”

That got a laugh from his best friend. “Since when did you start conducting séances?”

“It wasn’t me. Bethany borrowed it from your aunt.”

“Why would she do that?”

Just then, Caitlin came up and wrapped her arms around Josh, snuggling into his chest. “Adam, will you stop hogging my husband? What are you two talking about?”

“How beautiful you are, of course,” Adam said without missing a beat.

She grinned, showing off her dimples. “Well, that goes without saying. You know . . . someone else is looking pretty dolled up tonight.” She nodded in the direction of Bethany, while staring right at Adam.

He furrowed his brows. “Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

“Do I need to?” she shot back.

He didn’t get a chance to answer that question because Emma got up off the sofa and asked that everyone join her near the fireplace.

Adam grabbed a mini grilled cheese off a plate Abby had brought out to the bar, popped it into his mouth, and walked over, taking Emma’s vacated seat on the sofa next to Bethany. She smelled like vanilla and cinnamon.

He leaned back and inhaled her delicious scent, looking around. He was a lucky man to have such good friends.

To have Josh living in Buttermilk Falls after all his years in New York City was fantastic. He’d missed his best friend and was glad they resumed their high school ritual of watching Sunday afternoon football. He also loved how close he and Caitlin had gotten this year. She fit the role of little sister he never had perfectly, and he made it a point to stop by her house almost every morning to fill his thermos with coffee and catch up on the Buttermilk Falls gossip.

His gaze moved over to Abby, in conversation with Emma in front of the fireplace. Spending more time with them as he tried to nail the Batter Up spell was pretty darn cool. He’d always liked the Stevens cousins and had been curious about their magic skills. That he had similar—albeit less developed—abilities was pretty neat.

He turned his head and smiled at the beautiful brunette next to him. Moving in next door to her was the best thing he’d done this year. Even if his growing feelings were only one-sided. There was something about having her nearby that made him feel . . . well . . . happy.

Bethany narrowed her lashes. “What are you all smiles about?”

“Nothing. Just thinking that itiswonderful.”

“What is?”

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