Page 41 of Mistletoe Meet Cute
But Holly loves it.
She’s beaming as she holds Sophie against her chest, a red-and-green romper and white sweater-looking tights on my girl’s chubby legs. Her tiny coat and bright-red bow make her look like she belongs here. Unlike me. I’m not sure where Holly found the outfit. Maybe Emmie bought it, or possibly Holly did. But either way, she looks adorable as she takes everything in wide-eyed.
She and Holly sway to the Christmas music blaring from the speakers as Holly stands chatting with Rosie and Emmie while I stand here pretending to care about the lighting schedule and trying not to stare at Holly.
“What the hell, man?” Mav asks as he sips a cup of peppermint hot chocolate by my side. “You look like you’re in pain.”
“I’m fine,” I try to blow him off.
“Sure you are,” he laughs. “Just standing here watching the nanny like you’re trying to come up with the best way to get on the naughty list.
I growl and the fucker laughs.
I remember the days when Maverick was a moody bastard just like me.
“Careful, Monroe. You’re giving the Grinch a bad name.”
Before I can tell him to fuck off, Holly looks over her shoulder, her eyes finding mine, and I swear the noise around us fades away for a half a second. She smiles, soft and easy, and the rest of the world just. . . disappears.
“Camden,” she calls, waving me over. “Do you want to try this? It’s really good.”
She holds out a paper cup topped with whipped cream and crushed red-and-white candies. “It’s peppermint cocoa and it’s delicious.”
I step closer, wrapping a hand around hers as I take the cup. My fingers brush hers, warm against the chill. “You realize this is basically liquid sugar?” I ask. But what I really want to say is do you realize this is exactly what you smell like and I’d rather taste you.
Her lips curve. “That’s the point.”
Sophie babbles between us, tugging at the collar of my coat as I give Holly her cup back and take my baby.
“Are you okay?” She asks, softly.
I kiss the top of Sophie’s head. “Just tired.”
Holly’s brow creases, like she knows I’m lying but won’t push it. Maybe because this is the closest we’ve come to a conversation in nearly a week.
“No one would have blamed you if you skipped this, you know.”
I shake my head. “Coach insisted. Said it’s good for the image.”
“And for the soul.” She runs a hand down Sophie’s back. “You might just have fun if you let yourself.”
“Doubtful,” I grin and she laughs, light and melodic and I’m about to say something stupid like,you make if fun, when Jamie’s voice booms.
“Hey, Monroe! Looks like you’re standing under the mistletoe. You and Holly should give the fans something to swoon over.”
What fucking grown man says swoon?
I shoot him a look that could probably curdle the damn egg nog he’s drinking but it’s too late. A few of the players start chanting. . . Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.
Holly’s eyes go wide. “Oh no,” she laughs. “Absolutely not.”
But it’s the look in those wide eyes that draws me in. “Afraid you’ll like it vixen?”
Her lips part and her tongue darts out before she sucks her lip. “Afraid you will,” she breathes back, barely above a whisper.
The crowd around us laughs and cheers as Jamie holds up phone. “Do it for the foundation.”
Holly sighs and rolls her eyes as she steps into my chest. “Fine. For the foundation,” she mutters under her breath.
