A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad

by Traci Douglass

  Belle smiled. “I think they were purple the first time Aunt Marlene brought me here.”

  “Then silver.” Nick squinted through the crowds, keeping an eye on Connor and Eric near the bandstand. “And red the following year.”

  “Right. They change them a lot. Who knows what it’ll be this year? Maybe all three?”

  “Maybe.” Nick moved closer to her as more people gathered around them, his heart squeezing with their shared memories.

  “Last year they were blue,” he said after clearing his throat. A lump of emotion seemed to have gathered there, making his words emerge gruffer than he’d intended. “Connor called it a Smurf tree.”

  “Nice.” Belle laughed and returned her attention to the crowds. The band started a rousing rendition of “Jingle Bells” and people pressed closer as they sang along. Belle linked arms with him so they wouldn’t get separated.

  Connor and Eric returned, and his son tapped Nick on the elbow. “Dad?”

  The countdown to the tree lighting began.

  Ten, nine...

  Nick was looking at the tree and not his son. “Turn around, Con. They’re getting ready to flip the switch.”

  “Dad!” His son yelled, tapping his arm hard. “Look!”

  Nick frowned down at his son. “What?”

  “Mistletoe.” Connor pointed up above Nick’s head.

  A quick look skyward had Nick’s heart plummeting. Damn. He should’ve paid more attention when choosing a spot to stand. Belle too glanced upward then met Nick’s gaze, a hint of shock and mirth in her emerald eyes.

  Eight, seven, six...

  “Forget it, Con,” Nick said, shaking his head. “Doesn’t count when you’re just friends.”

  “Yeah?” his son grumbled. “Then why did you make me kiss old Mrs. Wooten on the cheek at the grocery store? She’s not even my friend. She’s my teacher. It was yucky.”

  Belle snorted. “He makes a good point.”

  “That was different,” Nick said, ignoring the heat rising from beneath the collar of his coat. Of all the times and places to have Connor notice the mistletoe, it would have to be now. And Belle wasn’t helping at all, standing there chuckling.

  Five, four, three...

  “C’mon, Dad. It’s tradition.”

  Ugh. The kid wouldn’t let it go. Persistence. Another trait he’d inherited from his mom. At the reminder of his wife, Nick waited for the familiar slash of guilt, but for some reason it didn’t come. Instead, there was a bitter-sweet sting of longing.

  Longing for connection, for peace, for companionship.

  On stage, the mayor’s hand hovered over the red button to light the tree. Belle bumped into his side, smiling up at him, as radiant as the sun. The same way she’d done their senior year of high school. The same night they’d consummated their relationship. The same night they’d confessed their love...

  Two, one...

  The crowd gasped as the tree lights flickered on, casting a bright fuchsia glow over the park, but Nick only had eyes for Belle.

  “Does kind of seem a shame to waste it, huh?” he said, blood pounding loudly in his ears and adrenaline singing in his veins, drowning out the carolers around them. All his attention was focused on her pink lips, wondering if she tasted as sweet as he remembered.

  People swayed around them, pushing him and Belle closer still. Her face was so close, her eyes darkening as their bodies brushed. Their breath mingled, frosting on the chilly air. Time seemed to halt as they seemed to really see each of for the first time after all these years.

  Need drove him to take charge. Need and want and years of pent-up denial.

  Nick gave up the fight and bent to brush his lips over Belle’s.

  One quick peck then he’d be done.

  People cheered and the band played another Christmas tune, but instead of pulling away, as he’d intended, Nick snuggled Belle closer. She tasted of sugar and cinnamon and chocolate, her body tense against him before she relaxed. Then her free hand was clutching his shoulder and he shivered despite the heat thundering through his bloodstream.

  It was as good as he remembered. It was just as right. It was...

  Over.

  “Hey, Dad?” Connor tugged on his sleeve, forcing Nick and Belle apart. “Can Eric and I go back up to the bandstand now?”

  “Uh...” Dumbfounded, Nick just nodded. His breath was jagged, and he couldn’t seem to stop staring at Belle. At her lips, which were still parted. At her eyes, which were wide and looked as shocked as he felt. At her flushed cheeks, which showed he hadn’t been the only one affected by their impulsive kiss.

  “Yeah,” he managed to say finally, turning away to toss the remains of his now-cold hot chocolate in a nearby bin. He took a deep breath and collected himself before facing Belle again. “Sorry. Guess I got carried away.”

  “Me too,” she said, her husky tone sending ripples of awareness through him.

  She threw her cup in the trash as well, then crossed her arms, rubbing them against the chill. “We should, um, probably get going. I need to be up early in the morning.”

  “Right. Sure.” Nick called for Connor then started back for his truck, not daring to put his hand on Belle’s back again to herd her through the people for fear he might not let her go. His pulse still pounded loudly in his ears and his lips tingled from their kiss. He wasn’t sure exactly what had happened between them tonight, only that things had definitely changed.

  For better or worse remained to be seen.

  CHAPTER SIX

  SATURDAY MORNING BELLE was due back at the clinic with Nick bright and early, but she was still feeling slightly off-kilter from their kiss the night before. She wasn’t sure exactly what had possessed him to do it, or her to respond, but respond she had. In fact, her insides continued to flutter from the memory of his lips against hers—warm and soft and perfect.

  Maybe it had been their conversation in the restaurant. She knew what it was like, carrying around survivor’s guilt. She’d done it for years after her parents had died, and it was exhausting. Perhaps Nick had kissed her out of relief after she’d told him it wasn’t his fault Vicki had died. Then there was also the fact that last night had been an anniversary of sorts, the night they’d made love for the first time all those years ago, though she doubted he remembered.

  No. Last night had been a fluke. A dare started by the stupid mistletoe placed strategically above their heads. No sense getting all nostalgic and sentimental and lovesick about it because she couldn’t go there. She had enough on her plate as it was. Belle liked things to be neat and tidy, no messy emotions, no scars. And this resurgence of her connection with Nick was most definitely not tidy.

  Kissing him last night had been irrational and irresponsible and totally intoxicating and...

  Ugh.

  Belle pushed through the front door of the clinic, her arms loaded down with donuts and coffee from the bakery down the block and a white plastic bag filled with extra brushes and rollers for their painting job today.

  “Hey,” Nick greeted her as she walked into the lobby, rushing over to take the box of pastries from her. “You look tired this morning.”

  “I am. I didn’t sleep well last night.” She’d tossed and turned, unable to get Nick and his kisses out of her head.

  He frowned, his expression concerned. “I hope you’re not coming down with something. There’s a nasty flu bug going around. My PA said new cases of it are nonstop in my office.”

  “I’m fine,” she said, grateful he’d not brought up the previous evening. Whether he was choosing to ignore it or giving her an easy out, she was good with it. Or she would be, once she got her head on straight. No more stewing about this thing between them. It would all be over soon enough anyway. She only had five more days after this one left in Bayside. A tiny pang of regret pinched her chest before
she shoved it aside. It was good. It was all good. And if she just told herself that enough times, maybe she’d begin to believe it. To distract herself, she set the tray of drinks on the counter then took off her coat. “I had my flu vaccination months ago and I’m healthy. Where’s Connor?”

  “In one of the exam rooms with Eric. I showed them how to use the painter’s tape and put them to work blocking off the electrical outlets. Hey, guys?” Nick called down the hallway. “Breakfast is here. Come and get your bear claws before I eat them all.”

  He turned back to Belle and gave her a guarded smile as Connor and his friend came running, their hair sticking up at odd angles and their matching superhero T-shirts on crooked.

  “Good morning,” she said, handing each boy a donut wrapped in a napkin. “How are you today, Connor? Eric?”

  “Better now that these are here. Thanks.” Connor took a huge bite of donut and grabbed a bottled water before tearing back down the hallway.

  Eric followed suit, shouting behind him, “Thanks for the bear claw.”

  “You’re welcome,” she called after them, laughing. “Looks like the donuts were a success.”

  “Food’s always a big hit with boys. Even big ones like me.” Nick took a glazed donut and cup of tea then rested a hip against the receptionist desk while he ate. Her heart flip-flopped. Belle swallowed hard and nibbled on an éclair to hide her flushed cheeks. Nick took a large swig of his tea then held up his cup. “You know, before you came, I was a coffee guy through and through. But you’ve converted me to your crazy California ways.”

  She gave a nervous chuckle, looking anywhere but at him. Standing this close to him again, remembering the feel of his lips on hers, the warmth of his breath on her face, his scent surrounding her as he’d held her so close, threatened the careful stability she’d worked so hard to achieve this morning. She needed to stay focused on her goals—get the clinic ready, get the clinic open, get home. Then Nick shifted slightly, his arm brushing her shoulder, and fresh tingles zipped through her nerve endings.

  Aw, man. She was in serious trouble.

  Not to mention the fact Dr. Reyes had called her again last night after she’d gotten back to her aunt’s house, which was the other reason why she’d not slept well. In addition to the partnership, he’d also offered to let her head up the practice’s charity activities. Meaning she’d have free rein and ample resources to put toward the neediest cases. She could travel the world and make a real difference. It was almost too good to pass up, and yet she’d hesitated. Why? She wasn’t sure. Perhaps because of the past. Or because of the man in front of her. Whatever the reason, she’d thanked Dr. Reyes and assured him she still planned on being back in California the day after Christmas.

  To reinforce the idea to herself, she’d even booked her flight out of Lansing for 5 p.m. on Christmas Day. That should give her plenty of time to run the free clinic with Nick on Christmas Eve, then pack up what was left of her aunt’s things before saying goodbye to Bayside for good.

  Her heart ached at the thought, but it had to be done.

  Amazing as last night had been, it wasn’t reality. Reality was that she and Nick had separate lives, separate responsibilities, and Belle wasn’t one for flings. So, with her mind firmly made up, she took her tea and her éclair and headed toward the exam rooms they were going to paint. “Best get to work.”

  “Hey.” Nick caught up with her. He lowered his voice and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, obviously uncomfortable. “About last night...”

  “Don’t worry,” she said, doing her best to sound flippant. “It was just a kiss.”

  “Right.” He narrowed his gaze as he leaned his hand against the wall beside her head. Her breath hitched at his nearness. “Wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with your insomnia, would it?”

  “No. Don’t be ridiculous. We made a mistake standing under the mistletoe and your son called us out on it. It didn’t mean anything.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder and raised her chin, feigning a confidence she didn’t quite feel. “Did it?”

  He opened his mouth. Closed it. Looked away, his frown deepening. “No. I suppose not.”

  “Good.” She sidled around him and headed for the exam-room door, her heart thudding and her throat dry. “I’m going to start painting now. Lots to do and little time.”

  Thankfully, he didn’t follow her this time.

  She finished her éclair without really tasting it, hoping the sugar rush would help clear her head and keep her alert. After finishing her tea, she got busy setting up to paint the tiny room. Connor and Eric had already taped over all the outlets and Nick had covered the floors, exam table, and cabinets with tarps. A gallon of beige paint sat on the counter along with a pan, a roller, and a brush. She’d never really used any of this stuff before, but it couldn’t be hard. After prying the lid off a paint can and pouring some into a pan, she picked up the roller and moved the stepladder into position. Starting from the top down would be the most prudent form of attack.

  With her paint pan balanced on the top of the small ladder, she climbed up and began. The repetitive movements helped soothe away some of her stress and centered her. She could see why people enjoyed interior decorating.

  “Belle, I think—” Nick walked into the exam room, startling her.

  She turned too quickly and the stepladder wobbled precariously. Belle squeaked.

  Cursing, Nick rushed forward, pulling her close to his chest, his hands on her hips, his muscles rippling beneath the soft cotton of his gray sweatshirt. Molten heat surged through her bloodstream once more, the same kind she’d tried so hard to deny since last night.

  “Be careful,” he said, voice shaky. “I don’t want anything to happen to you too.”

  Belle saw his face was as white as a sheet, his dark eyes troubled and anxious.

  “It’s okay.” She kept her tone deliberately quiet. “I’m fine. Everything’s okay.”

  Nick let her go and turned away, running a shaky hand through his hair. “Sorry. I’m used to being overly cautious now, since...” Cursing, he rubbed his eyes and forced a stiff smile. “I overreacted. Bad habit these days. After Vicki, I...”

  His voice trailed off as he walked back toward the door and her gut wrenched. His normally affable, superman façade faltered. Yep. She’d definitely opened a bubbling cauldron of pain for him last night and now she wasn’t sure how to contain it, or if she even should. Aunt Marlene had taught her usually the easiest path to a solution was through the problem. If so, she needed to reassure Nick nothing was going to happen. She rushed forward and placed her hand on his arm. “Hey. Seriously. I’m fine. See?”

  “Are you?” Nick looked back at her over his shoulder. “This is all so nuts. I thought I’d dealt with all this stuff already. I’m sorry to bring you into it.”

  Pretending it’s not there won’t make it go away. Aunt Marlene’s words echoed through Belle’s head and she bit her tongue to keep from saying them. Nick was dealing with enough already. Instead, she looked around at the paint now splattering the tarps, ladder and wall.

  “Ack! What a mess.” In more ways than one. Inappropriate laughter bubbled up inside her and before she could stop it, giggles erupted.

  “This is not funny, Belle.” Nick gave her a stern look before his own lips twitched. Soon he shook his head and started chuckling right along with her. “Okay, yeah, maybe it is a little funny. And definitely a mess.”

  “I don’t even know why it’s so hilarious,” she wheezed, tears streaming from her eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed hard like this and it felt too good to stop.

  “Dad, what’s going on?” Connor came in with Eric, the two boys looking totally perplexed. When Nick didn’t answer right away because he was laughing too hard, Connor rolled his eyes at his friend. “Adults are so weird. Can we have another donut?”

&nb
sp; Nick finally collected himself enough to nod then wiped his eyes. “Yes. In fact, bring the box in here. I think we’re all going to need extra sugar today. What time are Eric’s parents picking you guys up for practice again?”

  “Coach said we need to be there by two.”

  Connor and his friend left, and Belle straightened, attempting to salvage what she could from her pan of paint.

  “Listen,” Nick said, moving in closer behind her. “I’m sorry about what happened last night at the tree lighting. I don’t want things to be weird between us and I had no right to kiss you, okay? It was a mistake and I take full responsibility.”

  His eager expression was at direct odds with the sharp sting of sadness inside her. She should be happy he regretted their kiss. She didn’t want to start anything with him again. She was leaving in less than a week for a glorious new future. So why did it feel like their prom night breakup all over again?

  “Apology accepted,” Belle said, not looking at him for fear he’d see the hurt in her eyes. Hurt that had no business being there but existed all the same. Darn it. She’d vowed to put Nick and all her feelings for him squarely in her past and now she found herself right back drowning in the emotional deep end with him again. He was right. This was all a huge mistake, but it was too late to get out now. The only way forward for them was through.

  She nodded and kept working. “Let’s get this cleaned up before the paint dries.”

  * * *

  Nick worked for the next few hours, painting alongside Belle, while Connor and Eric played video games in the lobby. Eric’s mom picked the boys up around one thirty and he helped Con transfer his gear from their SUV to Eric’s mom’s station wagon then wished the boys luck before walking back into the clinic. He snorted as he stood in the doorway of the last exam room, pretty sure Belle had almost as much paint on herself as she’d put on the walls, but she was a trouper. Besides, she looked adorable covered in beige.