Page 25 of Mistletoe Love Match
Anders clucked his tongue. “You looked, didn’t you? I can read your face,” his brother said, his sloppy grin widening. “You both saw it. You two are more alike than you think.”
What did that mean?
Callista expelled a pouty breath. “Anders won’t even give me a tiny hint about what he got me for Christmas. And I told him not to get me a present,” she said, blessedly changing the subject.
His brother shook his head. “I keep telling you,Lis. I didn’t get you aChristmaspresent.”
Lis.
He wasn’t so much of a Grinch to hear the adoration in Ander’s voice.
Anders and Callista gazed at each other. And despite being plastered, there was no denying that his brother was head over heels in love. Oddly, Alec found himself feeling jealous of the man.
Where had that emotion come from?
Luckily, he didn’t have time to answer the question.
A woman’s voice with a rolling British accent pierced the air. “Are you talking to Calliope?”
Callista nodded. “Yeah, Granny, I’m on a video call with Alec and Calliope. The road into Rickety Rock is closed, and they won’t be able to get here until tomorrow. Everyone, say hello to Calliope and Alec.” Her sister turned the phone and panned it across the room, capturing the merriment. The kids zipped past the adults, who were chatting and laughing, as Christmas music played in the background.
“They’re staying at Mistletoe Manor with the Krangles,” Sebastian called.
Granny Finola entered the frame. “How’d you end up at a reindeer sanctuary?”
He and Calliope must have been the only two people on the planet who didn’t know about the Krangles.
“We nearly hit a reindeer that had wandered onto the road. Alec’s car spun out, and we ended up in a ditch. The Krangles came to offer help. But don’t worry, we’re no worse for wear, Gran. The car’s fine, too.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Finola replied, then pursed her lips. “And what an odd coincidence to end up at the Krangles’ place. The kids can’t stop talking about them. Those blooming people seem to be streaming on every electronic device in this house. Do they have you sleeping in the barn with the reindeer?”
“No, we’re in a snug cabin on the property called Mistletoe Cottage,” Calliope explained. “It’s Christmas posh, Gran. You’d get a real kick out of it. The Krangles said we could stay here for the night.”
“That was mighty kind of them,” Finola answered, then narrowed her gaze. “Now, Alec?”
He swallowed hard. Finola Cress might be a granny, but the woman was damned formidable and a teensy bit scary—a lot like someone he knew. He glanced at Calliope, then directed his attention toward the screen. “Yes, Finola?” he eked out.
A crinkle of a grin bloomed on the old woman’s lips. “I hope you’re a good dancer, lad.”
What did dancing have to do with being stranded in a Christmas cottage?
He frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean?”
“It’s time for the Christmas Eve dance, dear boy. It’s a Cress family tradition.”
“Oh, Granny,” Calliope fussed when the camera swiveled and the view changed.
Sebastian popped into the frame. “You’ve got to dance, Aunt Calliope. I know you like dancing with me the best, but you’ll have to settle for Anders’ brother. You don’t mind, do you, Alec? Will you step in for me?”
The mention of touching Calliope had Alec’s fingertips tingling. But he had to keep it together. He schooled his features. “I’d be happy to dance with your aunt.”
“You’ve got to give me your word,” the boy pressed. “And you’ve got to make Aunt Calliope smile. She always smiles when we dance together.”
The kid had no idea how much he truly wanted to make Calliope Cress smile. “You have my word. I’ll make it my top priority to put a grin on your aunt’s face.”
“Do you think you’re up to it?” Calliope asked in a sassy, trouble-maker tone.
“And you have to kiss her, too,” Phoebe called, popping into the frame with a fresh hot dog.
