Page 64 of Tied Up In Tinsel
A hum of satisfaction rumbled low in my throat. “Can we sneak off to the kitchen again? Replay what we did the other day?”
Annie swatted my chest with a laugh. “This time there are people in there.”
“What a shame.”
She crouched slightly, whispering something to Ruby before pressing a kiss to her daughter’s cheek. Then she turned back to me, her eyes alight, and extended her hand. “Come on.”
“Where are we going?” I asked as she tugged me away from the table.
“I have to make my rounds.”
I followed obediently, still holding her hand like some lovesick fool who didn’t want to let go. Truth was, I didn’t. From where I trailed behind, her hips swayed in time with the music, her legs strong and elegant in those damn heels. I had to remind myself to look up every now and then, or risk being caught staring.
“Then let me go back with Ruby so you can shine in the spotlight,” I suggested.
“No way.” She turned suddenly, spinning to face me in the middle of the dance floor, her smile radiant. “You’re coming with me.”
“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself like I had no clue why I’d earned the honor.
She nodded firmly. “Without you stepping in for my ex, I couldn’t have pulled this off.”
“You would’ve found a way,” I countered, because I knew her strength, knew she could take on the world if she had to.
Annie’s smile softened. “Maybe. But I’m really glad I didn’t have to.”
Before I could answer, she stepped closer, sliding her arms around my neck. The music swelled, a familiar Christmasmelody drifting through the speakers, and suddenly the floor filled with couples swaying under the glow of string lights.
I wrapped my hands low at her back, just above the curve I ached to touch more freely, and we began to sway with the others.
“Me too,” I murmured, my voice rougher than I intended. “I’m glad I stumbled into that forum and found your post.”
Her head tilted curiously. “What even made you look there?”
I shrugged, feeling almost sheepish. “Honestly? I was just trying to find handyman work. Something to get me by for the holidays. Never imagined I’d end up being a nanny to a seven-year-old who insisted I wear dresses and take her shopping.”
Annie laughed, her eyes crinkling. “Well, you were pretty damn good at it.”
“I guess I was.”
She leaned her head against my chest, and I pulled her closer, breathing her in, feeling the way her body molded so perfectly to mine. My chest tightened with words I couldn’t hold back any longer.
“And I never would’ve guessed I’d be falling for her mom,” I whispered, my voice brushing the crown of her hair, “or that the thought of leaving this town, leaving you, would hurt too much to even imagine.”
Annie lifted her head, her eyes searching mine, emotion flickering there in a way that stole the air from the room.
“And I never thought I’d end up tied in tinsel with my nanny,” she whispered back, her lips curving into a smile.
I cupped her chin gently, lifting her face until her eyes locked on mine. Then I bent down and pressed a tender kiss to the lips I’d already come to crave, a kiss that felt like promise and possibility.
“You’re amazing, Brooks Bennett.”
“And you,” I whispered against her mouth, “are magnificent, Annie Cringle. And I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”
Annie
The town square glowed with strings of white lights, the air sharp with winter chill and the faint scent of hot cocoa drifting from the vendor tents that lined the street. Music played softly over the speakers, the kind that felt festive and hopeful all at once. It had been years since I’d let myself enjoy New Year’s Eve like this—surrounded by people, lost in celebration.
Ruby was perched high in Ollie’s arms, her sparkly silver headband slipping slightly as she rested her head on his shoulder. My brother—forever the protective sheriff, uniform crisp even when he didn’t have to wear it—looked entirely at peace holding her, his arm wrapped around her securely as she giggled at something he whispered.
