Page 66 of Christmas in Mistletoe
Ruby breathed out and banged her gloved hands together. “I hope so, too.” Her heart was pounding. That was good news, right? “Can you give me a hand getting this onto the bike?”
Fran nodded and together, they heaved the tree into position.
Fran stood one side, Ruby stood the other. Six feet and thousands of pines separated them.
“Before we head back to the barn, can we clear the air? Things don’t feel settled between us and I really want them to be.” Fran fiddled with her gloves.
Ruby held back. She was still annoyed at this week. Mostly at herself for how jealousy had crept up on her. Fran had been honest with her. She shouldn’t be holding a grudge. “No better place to clear the air than here.”
Fran took in her surroundings. “You’re right,” she said. “I want you to know that I hated being away this week. Especially after Monday.” She paused. “I’ve been replaying that night in my head a lot. It’s helped me get through this week.”
Ruby broke. “I have, too.” She gave Fran a smile.
Fran’s shoulders sighed in relief. “I’ve hated the distance and not being able to chat properly.”
“Me, too.” A gust of wind sailed through the forest. Ruby glanced at Fran. “It wasn’t easy seeing photos of you with Delilah. I’ve got no hold over you, you’re not my girlfriend. We never spoke about anything beyond Monday. We slept together once. Yet, itfeltlike more. Which scared me a little.”
Fran walked to her, then put a hand on Ruby’s arm. “I missed you, too. And itwasmore.” Fran put a hand over her heart. “I felt it right here.”
Ruby’s breath caught in her throat. “I’m glad it wasn’t just me.” She glanced up at the sky, the bluest of blues. “But you scared me.” She brought her eyes back level with Fran. “When you said you might not make it back. I thought you didn’t care as much about us. About the gig. About Mistletoe.”
Fran shook her head. “I was covering my bases. But I shouldn’t have. I should have committed. To you, to my parents. I know that now. I’m sorry I’ve come off a bit flaky this week. But the thought of seeing you again today has been keeping me going.”
“Even though I’m not a superstar or vying for the Christmas number one?”
Fran shook her head. “I’m not after that, I never have been. You’re a star in your own right. I hope you know that.”
Fran really thought so? Ruby’s pulse thundered. “I don’t quite believe it yet, but I’m going to fake it until I make it.” At least having this heart-to-heart with Fran was taking Ruby’s mind off the gig. Hundreds of people staring at her.
“You’re going to be great. And you know what the best thing is? They’re here to seeyou. This isn’t a rock club and nobody’s going to heckle or boo you off stage. Just remember that when the lights come on tonight.”
Ruby blew out a breath, nodding. “I’m glad you came back.”
Fran took Ruby’s gloved hand in hers. “I’m glad, too. I’m looking forward to what we might have in the future. We can be neighbours. Friends. Lovers.”
Ruby shuddered. “I hate the term lovers. It sounds like all we do is shag.”
Fran gave her an amused look. “And that’s a problem because?”
Ruby gave her a proper, cheesy grin. “You know what I mean.” She pulled Fran closer. Now, from not quite knowing what to say or do, Ruby knewexactlywhat to do.
“What term would you prefer?”
Ruby hesitated, then decided to be brave. “Girlfriends?”
Fran’s smile grew wider. “I was hoping you’d say that. I’m sorry if I made you doubt me this week.”
“Are you coming back for Christmas, too?”
Fran nodded. “I can’t miss my first Christmas in Mistletoe, can I? It would be nearly as bad as missing my girlfriend’s big homecoming gig.” Fran pulled Ruby closer and pressed her lips to hers.
Red-hot desire throbbed through Ruby. She kissed Fran back, emotion swirling inside. When they eventually pulled back, her breath was shaky.
“I better get this tree back to base, otherwise we’re going to have a riot on our hands. Jump on the bike?”
Fran nodded. She put her helmet on, then wrapped her arms around Ruby once more. Only this time, it was perfect. This time, their bodies slotted together like they were meant to be. Ruby turned the ignition under her hand and revved the bike. When they went over rougher terrain, Fran grabbed her tighter, which made Ruby want to do it more. They pulled up outside the barn minutes later.
Scott ran over and grabbed the tree, giving them both a grin before he walked away.
