Page 23 of Touchdown Under the Mistletoe
“Quinn has selected the silver sphere. A classic choice that says,I’m here to win, but I respect the game. Notice how she’s testing the weight and is feeling the balance. This is an athlete who leaves nothing to chance.”
I approach the tree with theatrical slowness, scanning the branches like I’m a sniper looking for the perfect shot.
“She’s surveying the tree and looking for that perfect spot. The middle branches are thick with competition thanks to otherornaments that have already claimed the prime real estate. But Quinn isn’t intimidated.”
I hang the ornament carefully, and Travis’s voice reaches a fever pitch.
“The placement is… Yes! Perfect! Look at how the ornament catches the light! The symmetry! The balance! This is what we came here to see, Bob! It’s what Christmas is all about!”
I step back and raise my arms in victory, and the room erupts in cheers and laughter. Both of our families are clapping.
“Riley Quinn, ladies and gentlemen,” Travis announces while he gives me a look that makes me weak in the knees. “A true champion. The ornament hanging champion of Maplewood Springs.”
He grabs my hand and raises it like a referee declaring a boxing winner, and I can’t stop smiling.
When the applause finally dies down and we collapse back onto our spot on the floor, Travis leans close to whisper in my ear.
“We crushed it.”
“We really did,” I whisper back.
His shoulder is pressed against mine, and I’m acutely aware of the warmth radiating from him, the way his eyes are still bright with excitement, and the smile that hasn’t left his face. In this moment, with the Christmas lights twinkling and our family surrounding us, I’ve never been happier.
The rest of the show continues with Rebecca’s act, but I barely register anything. I’m too focused on the fact that Travis hasn’t moved away. That our shoulders are still touching and that every few minutes he leans over to whisper something to me, and I get to inhale his intoxicating scent.
When all the acts are finished and all the votes are counted, Rebecca stands up to announce the winner.
“Travis and Riley, congratulations! You’ve won the coveted Summit Sweets gift certificate!”
“Yes,” Travis says and punches the air.
He stands up and pulls me with him. Before I fully realize what’s happening, he wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me off the ground, spinning me in a circle. I grab onto his strong shoulders, and when he sets me down, we’re face to face, his hands still on my waist, my hands still on his shoulders. His eyes drop to my lips, and mine drop to his, and the room around us fades into nothing. This is it. He’s going to kiss me. Right here, in front of everyone, and I don’t even care—
“Speech! Speech!” Beau calls out, breaking the moment.
Great. I make a mental note to kick my brother later. Hard.
Travis steps back, his hands dropping from my waist like it was on fire, but he has color in his cheeks that wasn’t there before. I’m pretty sure my face is also bright red.
“Uh, thank you. We’d like to thank the Academy, our families, and most importantly, quality adhesive tape,” Travis says.
Everyone laughs, and the moment passes. We sit back down as the talent show wraps up with hot cider and cookies, but I can still feel the warmth of his hands on my waist, can still see the way he looked at me like he was about to kiss me in front of everyone. I was certain he was going to, but then he didn’t.
I wonder if he’s ever going to kiss me or if I’m seeing things that aren’t there. I don’t know what’s in the cards for me. All I know is that time’s running out. Tomorrow’s Christmas, and then, Travis will leave.
Chapter Ten
Travis
I wake up to the sound of my family downstairs. Right, it’s Christmas Day. I can hear Rosie shrieking with delight, pots and pans clattering in the kitchen, and someone singingJingle Bellsbadly off-key. I should go downstairs too and join the festivities, but I want to lie here for a bit longer so I can listen to Riley’s quiet breathing. She’s still asleep. Her hair is spread across the pillow, and her right hand is tucked under her cheek. I can’t imagine a more gorgeous view in this entire town.
I almost kissed her last night. Right in front of our families. The thing that stopped me was Beau’s voice breaking through the moment. And the fact that I’m still technically under contract with Sienna. Not for long, though. I’m ending it. Today. I don’t care what it costs me anymore. I can’t keep pretending I love Sienna when the only person I want to be with is sleeping six feet away from me.
I slip out of bed and head to the kitchen, where Mom is making her famous cinnamon roll casserole, Dad is attempting to flip pancakes, and Grandma is sitting at the table directing traffic like a general.
“Travis! Merry Christmas!” Mom wraps me in a hug. “Can you believe it? Our whole family together, plus the Quinns! This isexactly what I wanted. Not that their house flooded, of course, but to share Christmas with all of us… It’s a blessing.”
“It sure is. Merry Christmas, Mom. And Dad. And Grandma,” I say as I make my round through the kitchen and give everyone a hug.
