Page 29 of Snowed In With the Maverick
Seth was waiting for her. And she would be with him again in less than twenty-four hours, a prospect that felt as promising as a cup of cold water at a marathon finish line.
That counted for something.
Chapter Ten
Downtown Tenacity, such as it was, shimmered with holiday magic that was enhanced by the flurries that swirled around, making the town look like a wonderland inside a snow globe. Ice sculptures glistened under the glow of twinkling lights, their brilliance reflecting the festive sparkle in the crisp winter air. Central Avenue buzzed with happy faces and high spirits as residents strolled past stalls offering steaming-hot apple cider and cinnamon-dusted doughnuts.
A harvest tractor was parked at the side of the road with piles of bright orange pumpkins in the back. Sheaths of cornstalks lined the bases of the lampposts lining the streets, and Betty’s Bakehouse had put out an inflatable turkey with a cowboy hat on to add to the festive atmosphere.
As much as the holiday season didn’t hold the same excitement for Andrea as it did in her youth, she couldn’t help but be buoyed by the atmosphere and the sight of the town coming together to celebrate what was, for many people, their favorite time of year.
She scanned the crowd, looking for Seth, and almost collided with Renee Trent and Buddy. Renee was hand in hand with a man holding the leash of another very scruffy, but very cute dog. “Andrea!” Renee said. “This is my husband, Miles. Miles, this is the woman I was telling you about. She’s opening that ranch out on Five Point Road.” She bent to pet the yellow Lab beside her. “Andrea, you know Buddy. And this,” she said, gesturing towards the terrier mix who was wagging his tail and doing his best not to jump up on Andrea, “is Jasper.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Miles. “Your first hoedown. You’re in for a treat.”
“So I’ve heard,” said Andrea.
“Make sure you experience the magic of the Tenacity Turkey,” said Miles, a slight smile on his face. “Nothing will get you in the festive spirit more.” He looked at Renee. “I’ll get in line for pretzels. See you around, Andrea.”
“Speaking of festive spirit,” said Renee. “We just checked out the auction. People are already bidding, and more generously than usual. Great job getting some quality items.”
Andrea felt a flush of pride. “I’ll go check it out.”
“And that donation from Taylor Beef,” Renee said, raising an eyebrow. “Well done. That’s the top item so far.” Her eyes drifted over Andrea’s shoulder. “Speak of the devil. Or should I say angel? That man was sent from heaven to walk this earth.”
Andrea turned to see Seth navigating through the crowd. If Seth was Christmas, she was a convert.
With a gray wool jacket and his sharp jawline even more pronounced than usual, Renee’s assessment was not only accurate, it was a universal truth. But it was his grin—a slow, easy smile that lit up his entire face—that sent a shiver coursing through Andrea. And it had nothing to do with the cold breeze gusting down Central Avenue.
“Evening, ladies,” Seth said, tipping his Stetson to them, and holding Andrea’s gaze for an extra beat. “How’s everyone doing tonight?”
“Just fine, Seth.” She looked sideways at Andrea. “I was just about to get some warm pretzels with Miles, actually. You both sticking around for the evening?”
“You bet,” said Seth, the corner of his lips turning up in an irresistible grin as he glanced back at Andrea.
“I’ll see you later, then,” Renee said, and gave them a quick wave before disappearing into the crowd and leaving them standing together beside the pretzel stand, the sound of the high school band playing “Deck the Halls” filling in the air between them.
“Well, I don’t think we can go one step further without hot chocolate,” said Seth, nodding to the concession.
“I’m more of an apple cider fan, myself,” said Andrea.
“Cider it is.” Seth extended his elbow, and Andrea only hesitated slightly before hooking her arm through his. She was mildly self-conscious about the other Tenacity residents catching sight of them like this, but honestly, considering how much time they’d been spending together lately, if anyone in townhadn’tput two and two together by now, she’d seriously question their observational skills.
After buying cider from the stall, they strolled down Central Avenue together. Andrea bought some tree ornaments handmade by the Quilting Club. “I need to start building my collection,” she said. “I have some decorations that belonged to my parents, and a few other ornaments I put up on the small tree in my office when I remembered to, but the ranch is going to need at least a ten-footer.”
“Probably twelve,” agreed Seth. He stopped and reached out for a small crystal star ornament and plucked it from the display, then reached for his wallet. “This’ll go well with the others,” he said.
Andrea breathed in the feeling of Seth’s thoughtfulness. She wanted more than his arm around her. She wanted the heat of his lips brushing hers again under the twinkling lights, the pull of his strong arms drawing her close, his hands finding the places on her skin that now seemed to awaken just for him. She wanted all of him. “Thank you,” she said, and examined the little ornament in her hand. “I love it.”
When she looked up at him, she was struck by the expression on his face. It was satisfaction, but it was also tenderness. It mattered to him that she was happy, and it wasn’t about him. It was about her.
They arrived at the square in front of Town Hall, where a number of residents had gathered.
“Come on,” Seth said, “let’s go see what all the fuss is about.”
They peered over the crowd to see someone in a turkey costume, complete with colorful feathers, strutting around and making a gobble-gobble sound. Children were laughing and clapping and trying to get high fives from the Tenacity Turkey, while parents snapped photos from behind them.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the turkey called in an exaggerated announcer’s voice.
