Page 11 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
I glance over at her, and my scowl deepens at the amusement written on her face. “What?”
“The last time you acted this way, you dated Nate Derek for two years.”
“Yeah, and he was awful, too.”
“Okay, okay,” she says, raising her hands in surrender, the letter catching my attention.
“If you’re not going to read that, I’ll take it back.” I reach over to grab the envelope from her hand, only to have her pull it away from me.
“Geez, you’re super cranky today.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a deep breath. I didn’t sleep well the few times I tried to nap while on shift last night,so I’m definitely tired. But she’s right, I have been more cranky than usual.
It’s fear. A fear of feeling again. Of getting hurt.
Lucien really messed me up, and the heartstrings that Michael is tugging have me on edge.
Noelle’s hand wraps around my shoulder and squeezes gently. I glance over and find her reading the note from Mrs. Claus, a soft smile on her face.
“Mel,” she lets out a surprised sigh. “It’s like whoever wrote this letter had an inside view of your world.”
Turning away from her, I place my focus on the people walking across the street—each one of them in their own world, on their way to their destinations.
“I know.” I say, inhaling a shaky breath. “It just all feels so big, Noe.”
There’s a click as she unbuckles her seatbelt and turns toward me, grabbing my hand. “It is, but it’s worth it. I know the last thing you remember is the pain of whathedid.”The corners of my lips tug up at Noelle’s reference to Lucien. She has refused to say his name since the night he ended our engagement. “But there are good men out in the world, too, just like Mrs. Claus said.”
Something in me sparks, and something in my stomach flickers. A tiny bit of excitement at the possibility of love in my life again sends a warmth through me.
As if Noelle can read my thoughts, a glint of humor crosses her eyes.
“Don’t even joke about that!” I scoff.
She’s crazy, right? Michael and me? Not possible. We’re complete opposites and yet there’s something…
“Remember that sometimes first impressions are not always an accurate depiction of a person or a situation.”
Mrs. Claus’ words float through my head, and I pull my bottom lip through my teeth.
What if?
It’s obvious from the coffee shop and how he’s always helping Mrs. Fletcher that he has a good heart. Even if he is maddening.
“Nah,” I whisper, shaking my head. I can’t think about anything long-term right now. A simple meeting is perfect.
Noelle’s laughter rings out, and she grabs my arm. “Let’s focus on finding you a dress first.”
Chapter Six
Mel
Present Day
'Tiny Tots with their eyes all aglow,'Nat King Cole's voice croons throughout the party, and my heart bangs against my chest.
My stomach churns. Mike isMichael. I stare down at the hand he’s holding out to me, hesitant to take it. The person my best friend raved about is my inconsiderate neighbor?
How could this happen?
