Page 81 of Clued in to Love
Marissa laughed and let her head fall into his chest.
“I think I could use a drink. What about you?”
“Yeah, a drink would be good,” Marissa said, unable to catch her breath.
William linked his fingers through her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Is this real life?
Is this actually happening?
Did I just kiss William Graff?
And not just a kiss, but the most passionate, burning kiss Marissa had ever experienced.
She tried to make contact with the floor but was finding it difficult to center herself in the moment. If William’s flushed cheeks and labored breathing were any indication, Marissa suspected he might feel the same way.
“Wine?” William asked; his words sounded crisp and measured like he was trying to hold back his emotion, too.
“Wine would be lovely,” Marissa said, squeezing his hand tighter, in part to confirm this was actually happening. “Hey, what about Parker, though? She made it sound like you two are practically engaged.”
“What? Huh?” William recoiled and shook his head.
But a judge approached the bar as the bartender poured their wine. She recognized him immediately. It was Samesh, the parks and recreation director who had helped them during their Christmas lights untangling debacle, but he didn’t look happy to see them. “I’m glad I found you both. I need to speak with you right away,” Samesh said in a hurried tone.
Marissa assumed he wanted to get a close look at their crowns. The challenge specified that extra points would be awarded for creativity. She reluctantly let go of William’s hand, took off her crown, and handed it to Samesh. “Are you inspecting our last task?” She couldn’t contain the glow she felt internally. She wondered if it showed on the outside.
“Note the copious use of sequins and glitter,” William added, removing his crown, too. “I think ours should get sparkle points, if nothing else.”
Marissa smiled.
Samesh’s face remained serious.
Was something wrong?
Had she misread the clue? Was glitter banned? But there had been a baggie of glitter included in her crown kit.
“I’m afraid there’s been a development,” Samesh replied. He motioned to the food and drink tables. “Let’s go have a seat. Hilary asked me to find you.”
“What’s going on?” William asked as they walked to a nearby table.
Marissa set her wine glass down, wondering why there was a need for such formality.
“There’s no easy way to say this.” Samesh let out a long sigh. “You’ve both been disqualified.”
“What?” Marissa blurted out. She realized she must have spoken too loudly when heads turned in their direction. “Why?”
Samesh motioned to Hilary, who was walking toward them. “Hilary will explain everything, but we received word that you have cheated.”
“Cheated? How? What?” She stared at William, who shrugged in disbelief.
Samesh kept his voice calm. “I don’t have all the details. Hilary should be able to give you more information.”
They had to have been in the running to win Passport to the Holidays. They had crushed every task. They worked well together as a team. Marissa would even go so far as to say they had formed a bond, especially with that kiss. Now they were disqualified. It couldn’t be true.
Her dream had turned into a nightmare.
It was completely unfair, and she would not end the night without a fight.
