Page 30 of The Clause in Christmas
Luke inhaled the earthy aroma before bringing the mug to his lips. As soon as the smooth, rich liquid hit the tip of his tongue, he knew why Cassie couldn’t stop raving about it. It was, by far, the best coffee he’d ever tasted. In his life.
Cassie’s lips arched as she watched him. “Good, huh?”
“That’s an understatement. Normally I wouldn’t condone stealing. But for this…” He took another sip, savoring the way it slid down his throat, warming him from the inside out.
“I still can’t believe you went to his house again. And stole his coffee.” Eliza giggled, reaching for the mug.
Luke reluctantly handed it over.
“I didn’ttechnicallysteal it. I think he was so desperate for me to leave he didn’t care if I took it.”
“He should have been grateful you went inside to check on him,” Eliza pointed out. “What if he’d actually been hurt?”
Cassie gave a little half shrug. “In hindsight, I think he probably dropped his armload of firewood.”
“But you didn’t know that,” Eliza pressed.
“True. But now that I’ve not only trespassed on his property, but stumbled upon his secret identity, I have a feeling if I had any hope of connecting with him before, it’s gone now.”
She sighed, looking so dejected Luke had half a mind to march over to Frank Barrie’s that second and sort the whole thing out. But they were already running late.
“I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” he said with an encouraging smile. “But right now, we have somewhere to be.”
“Right. So mysterious.” Cassie smirked. “Don’t get me wrong. I was relieved when you called to say you and Eliza would pick me up for Pajama Christmas, but I was really hoping you’d give me some clue as to what it is.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Eliza teased, heaving her giant purse onto the counter.
“Ben isn’t coming with us?” Cassie asked.
“My parents took him a little early. He likes to…” Eliza paused, then waggled her finger at Cassie. “Nope. You’re not getting any hints from me.”
Cassie laughed. “Okay, I give up. Should we get going, then?”
“First things first.” Eliza flashed a devilish grin as she pulled a garish pair of flannel pajamas from her purse and tossed them to Cassie. “Put those on.”
Cassie gaped at the gaudy pattern of snowmen, reindeer, and Santa Clauses splattered across the plaid fabric like wacky polka dots. “Do Ihaveto wear this?”
“Yep,” Luke and Eliza said in unison.
“What about you two?” Cassie asked.
“Oh, don’t worry about us.” Eliza pulled two matching sets of PJs from her bag, handing one to Luke.
Cassie grinned. “Well, I guess if I have to embarrass myself, at least I won’t be doing it alone.”
Luke’s heart did a somersault as Cassie’s gaze met his own. Something about the idea of wearing matching pajamas sent an exhilarated shiver down his spine. But he pushed the thought aside.Distance, Luke. Distance.
But he couldn’t help it. No matter how hard he fought against the unwanted emotions, Cassie seemed to pull him toward her like a magnet.
And tonight, more than ever, it would be nearly impossible to keep his growing feelings at bay.
Chapter 11
Cassie couldn’t quite believe her eyes as they approached the town square, which had transformed into a bustling Christmas bazaar. Townspeople mingled around craft booths and dessert stands, all dressed in outlandish Christmas-themed pajamas. The night air felt crisp and cool against her cheeks, carrying the scent of caramel corn and candied chestnuts with the gentle breeze. Snow still capped the rooftops and blanketed the ground, but every glittering speck had been cleared from the center lawn, possibly from the countless space heaters and twin firepits radiating heat on either end.
As they stepped foot on the lawn, they were enveloped in a pocket of warmth, and it quickly became apparent the center of the square boasted the main attraction. A towering Christmas tree, bedecked in plaid ribbon and a plethora of handmade ornaments, waited to be lit.
“What do you think?” Luke’s hazel eyes glowed with a heartfelt earnestness.
