by Taylor Hart
She sniffed and nodded. “Well, then, you should follow your own advice. If she doesn’t see you like that, then you should walk away too.”
The words hit him like a gut punch. As Mike finished the dance with her, though, he couldn’t deny it. “You’re right. You’re definitely right. Thanks, Nellie. I gotta go take more pictures.” Tugging away from her, he picked up his camera and snapped a couple of some people.
As he was focusing on another picture, he heard Zoey’s voice at his side. “It’s been a great wedding.”
“It has,” he said, suddenly very interested in his camera. “Thanks again for coming. It’s made it a lot better to not have to answer all the questions.” Although at this point, with how he was feeling so intensely about her, he didn’t know if it had made everything better.
“Do you want to dance?” she asked quietly.
He paused and turned to her. “Why?”
She shrugged. “It’s the deal. I have to sell it, right?”
“No, it’s fine.” He picked up the camera to take another shot.
“Mike. I’m sorry. Can’t we be friends?”
He didn’t look at her. “Of course we’re friends.”
“Please, dance with me.”
After a long moment, he took his camera all the way off and put it on an empty table. He couldn’t stop his attraction for her, and he’d wanted to dance with her all day. “Okay.”
A faster song came on, and he took her into some country dance moves. It was easy to dance with her. He even picked her up and twirled her to the side of him.
She laughed, and it was the same happy laugh he’d seen her have with Morgan earlier. Putting her down, he smiled at her and took her into more complicated moves.
By the end, he had gained respect for her dancing. A slow one kicked on, and he knew it was stupid, but he asked, “Want to keep dancing?”
She nodded, easily putting her hand in his and her other on his shoulder. “I love this song. Do you know Cameron Cruz wrote it?”
“Yeah. He wrote it when he was dating his wife. Sad story.” He thought of how the Storm quarterback turned Storm owner had lost the love of his life in a car crash last Christmas. “I feel bad for the guy.”
“I do too.”
That made sense. Cruz’s story would strike a chord with her. He sighed. “Look, Zoey, I know I shouldn’t be pushing boundaries with you like I did on the snowmobile earlier. I know I hired you to be here.” He whispered all of this into her ear, not wanting anyone to hear. “But I find myself having feelings for you. Unable to stop thinking about you and wanting to kiss you. I know it’s not part of the deal, and that’s on me.”
She looked up at him, meeting his eyes, and hers were shimmering. “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have gotten so mad earlier. I mean, I agreed to this.”
“But you didn’t agree to kissing. That just happened.”
Her face reddened and she leaned into him, putting her head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what’s happening, Mike, but I do have feelings for you. I’m just a mess right now.”
Maybe he would quit demanding answers and just wait for her to realize that she did like him. “It’s okay. I’m a mess, too.”
She scoffed. “That’s for sure.”
He smiled and let himself get lost in the music.
Chapter 15
It didn’t surprise Zoey when, after the pretty awesome toast Mike gave his sister and brother-in-law, his mother stood and announced that she wanted Ann Smith, their new friend, to read a poem. Zoey had worried over this all last night. Fortunately, this afternoon, she’d found the solution.
On the way up to the front, she asked a band member if she could borrow his guitar. She’d spoken to him earlier, so he happily gave it to her.
Zoey got to the front and smiled at the group. “First,” she said into the microphone, “I want to tell Lacey and Dom how excited I am for them.” Her gaze swung to the rest of them. “Second, I want you to all know that Mike bragged up this town, and he didn’t disappoint. You all know how to celebrate Christmas, and you know how to put on a wedding.”
The whole place clapped and let out whistles.
Her eyes turned to Mike, and butterflies went off inside of her like crazy. “The truth is, I love to sing. This afternoon—” She met Mike’s eyes. “—this song came to me, and I decided to sing it for you because that’s more my style.”
She strummed the guitar. This tune had been so easy to write, so easy to put words and music to. “It’s called ‘Falling with You,’” she said. She played the melody for a minute, then closed her eyes and thought about Mike.
“The night I met you, I can say … I hated it. I didn’t want to give you a second, but you made me.” She opened her eyes and found Mike grinning, such an intense look on his face.
“When we jumped off that roof, you took my hand, and I was falling with you. And there was nothing like the feeling inside—falling with you, and I realized that falling with you was something that I just might like.
“It was hard to let the past go, but you took my hand and told me I could trust you. I found myself wanting to trust you.
“I found myself falling with you. Like I’d never really fallen before.
“And there was nothing like that feeling with you. And I realized that fall with you was something … was something that I needed too.
“Today I found myself so unsure. Just like the first day on that roof. But now I think I want to take your hand forever.
“I want to … fall with you. There’s nothing I want to do but fall with you. And I need you beside me…because I’m falling with you. And together, when we fall, we fly!”
Mike shot to his feet and clapped wildly, tears in his eyes. She had tears in hers too. In that moment, she did know that Mike meant something more to her than she had ever thought possible.
The whole tent applauded. Lacey was suddenly next to her, crying and hugging her. Zoey held Lacey and wanted to tell her the truth.
Lacey pulled back and winked at her, giving her a little kiss on the cheek. She leaned in and whispered, “I know you’re not Ann, but I think you do like my brother.”
Stunned, Zoey just stared at her.
Lacey put the microphone to her mouth. “Thank you. Let’s hear it again for ‘Falling with You’!”
The band played the melody behind them, and Zoey was shocked when Mike stepped close to her, took her into his arms, and kissed her in front of everyone.
Chapter 16
Mike threw his last handful of rice at the four-wheel-drive truck that had “just married” written on the back. The crowd had finally sent off Lacey and Dom, and Mike was exhausted.
“That was amazing.” Zoey was next to him, tossing one more handful. Her eyes met his, and suddenly, all the tiredness evaporated. He couldn’t get that song out of his mind, couldn’t forget the way she’d kissed him.
“Hey,” he said, feeling like this was the first time he’d seen her since she sang. There had been the bouquet throwing and the garter toss and endless picture taking. Finally, here was a second to really talk to her.
“Hey.” Her lip turned up.
His mother and father approached them. Tears were sliding down his mother’s face. “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?” She hugged Mike, then hugged Zoey. “And that song, wow.”
His dad gave him a hug too, then patted Zoey’s shoulder. “You’ve got some pipes on you, girl. You should try out for one of those shows—America’s Got Talent or … what’s the name of the other one?”
Zoey and Mike grinned at each other.
“Night, Dad.” Mike patted his shoulder.
His dad yawned. “I’m just paying the crew to take this down for us, so you guys can call it quits whenever.”
His mother leaned sleepily against his father. “Yes, I’m just having them stack all the decorations in the trailer. We won’t deal with them until the twenty-sixth. I need some sleep.”
Mike waved the
m off, a nervous rustle in his gut. “Okay.”
He and Zoey watched them both start walking down the path toward their house. Thank heavens it had been shoveled.
“Mike, Ann.”
Turning, he saw Nellie. He really didn’t want the Spanish Inquisition.
Nellie’s eyes had tears in them. “I just wanted to tell you guys that—” She rushed at them, pulling them both into a hug. “—you’re beautiful. When I saw you singing up there, Ann, I knew that you were meant for Mike. I know I could never have with him what you have.” She pulled back. “You’re really good.”
Zoey looked embarrassed but took the compliment. “Thank you.”
“You should really go to The Voice tryout that’s coming to Salt Lake.”
Zoey and Mike exchanged glances.
“For real,” Nellie said, giving them a light wave.
“Nellie,” Zoey called out before Nellie could walk away.
Mike wondered what she would say.
Zoey nudged him. “I think there’s someone great out there that will sweep you off your feet.”
Nellie smiled. “You think?”
Zoey nodded. “I know it.”
Mike and Zoey stood there for a bit as Nellie went on her way. Neither of them said much.
“That was great,” Zoey said. “Perfect.”
Mike put his hand out. “Want to walk back? I’m tired.”
She took his hand, and they found themselves walking, just like his parents, back to the house.
Mike couldn’t explain what had happened tonight. This morning, he’d felt chastised for trying to kiss her, for wanting to be with her; after that song, all kinds of other things were going off in his mind “Was that song for me?” he asked as they stood outside of his parents’ door. It felt strange that he was dropping her off at his house.
Her eyes met his. They were usually so guarded and feisty. Now they were vulnerable. “Did you like it?” she asked.
Gently, Mike put his hand on her cheek. The electricity between them ratcheted up a notch when he said, “I loved it. You’re really good.”
She smiled. “For so long, I’ve wondered if I’m good enough, especially after Josh died. I’ve been so alone. I don’t show people my singing. I just do it.”
He trailed a finger down the side of her face. He didn’t know if he loved or hated how much he was falling for her.
Every part of him wanted to lean in, but he didn’t want to upset her like this morning. His hand brushed through her hair and he took out the barrette that was holding it in place. “Will you sing it for me again? Right here. Right now.”
The soft moonlight kissed her pale skin. She’d accentuated her eyes with makeup, and she smelled like flowers.
“Please, even just the chorus?” He loved it, and he wanted more of it.
“A new verse, Falling with You,” she whispered, before quietly singing. “You take my hand, and we jump so high, and I knew we always would … falling back to here. I knew I always would … want to be falling with you.”
He couldn’t stop himself. “I have to kiss you, Zoey,” he whispered right above her lips. “I have to.”
For a moment, their breath mingled, and she didn’t speak. She just lifted her head, and her lips met his, so soft and tender and amazing.
Mike put one hand around her waist. They both had coats on, but he could feel her body heat. He needed this woman in so many ways. He’d never really needed a woman before. Sure, they were fun. He liked dating, hanging out with women. He’d seen the way his father looked at his mom, and he’d never felt that. It was part of the reason he’d broken things off with Nellie a long time ago. He hadn’t needed her.
Now, he deepened the kiss and heard her sigh in the back of her throat. He tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer.
Her hands were in his hair. “Mike,” she whispered. “Mike. I shouldn’t be kissing you. I shouldn’t even like kissing you so much.”
He trailed kisses down her jawline and to her neck, never wanting to stop, feeling like she was some kind of drug he’d only just discovered and he had to have more of.
“Mike.” She tugged back, putting her hands against his shoulders so that he stared into those beautiful eyes. Unlike this morning on the four-wheeler, she wasn’t crying. In fact, she laughed. “Mike, I have to get to bed.”
He took off the glove on her right hand and carefully kissed the back of it. As he stared up into her eyes, he said, “Zoey, I just want you to know that no matter how this started out, it’s not fake to me anymore.”
Chapter 17
Christmas morning was the kind that Zoey had always pictured waking up to in a Lifetime movie. The smell of cinnamon rolls and bacon wafted through the air. She turned in bed and saw it was only seven in the morning.
She remembered the night before and the singing. The applause at the wedding had been nice, but what she really liked was the way Mike had looked at her. It was the same admiration Josh used to give her.
Was it stupid that she craved that look? That she wanted to be that person for him?
She turned the other way in bed, thinking of singing for them. For him. Truth be told, she hadn’t been able to get him out of her mind all night. The man was fine with his six-one frame and his easy way. People couldn’t help but love him. When her eyes had met his, she’d felt like that song had been waiting for him. For them.
She had developed feelings for this guy that she hadn’t banked on. When she danced with him, she could see herself dancing with him for the rest of her life. Mike wasn’t like most guys she knew. Not that she knew a lot of guys anyway. After everything she’d been through, could this be real?
After a few minutes of lounging in bed, she pulled the sheets back and hit the shower. It felt good to wash the wedding hair out. His parents had to be just exhausted. She needed to get down to help them.
As she descended the stairs, she noted the whole house was lit up. She walked into the kitchen to find Mike’s mom and dad standing at the sink, both in robes and slippers, looking out at the sheets of snow. More snow was falling. His father held a coffee cup, but his other arm was wrapped around his mother’s waist. They looked like they were everything to each other.
Zoey’s heart grew heavy. Was this who she could have been with Josh?
No. Josh was rougher around the edges. Sure, he tried to be good to her, but they’d both been so young. It was strange, because all she could think about was her and Mike, standing in their kitchen, looking out at their property.
The door to the house flew open, and Mike stumbled in, wearing boots, a robe, shorts, and a T-shirt. He smiled at them. “Good morning, family.”
She laughed, and his parents turned. “Oh, Ann, I didn’t realize that you were up.” His mom picked up a plate. “We just got some breakfast cooked. You’re welcome to help yourself.”
Zoey felt embarrassed, like she’d been spying on them. “Sorry, I just … you two looked so cozy standing there, and … Thanks.” She took the plate.
His mother and father just smiled, and they all piled their plates with eggs, toast, bacon, and hash browns.
Mike touched her hand. “Morning.” His voice was husky.
She turned to him and smiled. “Morning to you.”
After everyone had eaten, his mother motioned them in by the Christmas tree.
Zoey didn’t know what was happening, but she went along with it.
They sat, and Michael pulled out the Bible. “Ann, one of our traditions is that we read the Christmas story on Christmas day.”
She nodded, trying to remember when she’d last read the Christmas story. “Sounds good.”
Michael began reading. “Unto us was born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which was Christ the Lord.”
He passed the big family Bible around the room, and all of them took turns reading. Zoey read her verses whenever it was her turn.
Afterward, Michael put down his plate and moved to the tree. “Okay, tim
e to open presents.”
Zoey hadn’t expected to open any, but she found four resting at her feet. “But I didn’t …”
Mike put his hand over hers. “Sweetie, I told you I would do the shopping for everyone, remember?”
She was stunned to see that Mike had wrapped presents and put both of their names on them.
Mike’s mother nodded to the presents. “Okay, let’s all open. Then we’ll all hug and kiss.”
Zoey opened each present, starting with a soft blue cashmere sweater from his mother. “Thank you, Janet.”
Mike’s mom winked at her. “I thought it would be great for your complexion.”
It startled her how these people thought of her like she was part of them. Guilt filled her. She’d been looking at this whole thing like a job. She’d forgotten how good it felt to have someone care about her and have a family.
She opened the next one, a tire pressure checker from his father and a pair of toenail clippers.
Mike laughed when she opened them. “Dad likes to give practical things.”
She grinned at Michael. “Thank you.”
He pointed at her. “You always need a good pair of toe clippers.”
Mike snatched a small envelope from in front of her before she could even register it. “Later,” he said, pointing to a rectangular package.
She wouldn’t lie; it made her nervous. She opened it, and it was the picture of Snow Valley she’d admired in his boxing studio. “I can’t …”
“Shh.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “It’s yours. To remember your Snow Valley Christmas.” He smiled and put the envelope in her hand. “Ya know what? I don’t care if my parents see it. Why don’t you open it?”
Nervous flutters ran through her. When she ripped off the paper, she was surprised to see a ticket from Billings to Salt Lake City for the twenty-seventh. Tears sprang to her eyes. “What?” She knew it had to cost a couple hundred dollars.
