by JoAnn Ross
Oh boy . . .
The mistletoe kiss was supposed to happen later, after Ava had a few drinks and he’d—what was the word? Oh yeah, wooed her. Clint looked over at his dad at the bar and gave him a “don’t do it” look, but it must have been misinterpreted and he was given a thumbs-up. He saw his dad reach for the bell, almost in slow motion. If Clint didn’t show up for the kiss, Ava would stand there feeling stood up. Clint looked down at the cosmopolitan and then drained it in four gulps. A moment later, the bell rang three times, bringing a cheer from the crowd.
9
It Must Have Been the Mistletoe
When Ava heard the bell ding, she looked up and, yep, there it was, the mistletoe. With a silly smile pasted on her face, Ava came to a halt even though she really wanted to bolt. Ava hoped that she had a ten-dollar bill tucked in her purse in case she wanted to pass, even though she probably wouldn’t hurt someone’s feelings by refusing the kiss.
Then she saw Clint heading in her direction, and her pulse started beating like the wings of a hummingbird. All eyes were on her, so she knew she had to make this funny rather than intimate, but the thought of being in Clint’s arms made her feel warm all over and she had the sudden urge to rip off her sweater. She really needed to stop wearing sweaters.
“Are you going to take him or leave him?” someone shouted, and although Ava tilted her head and tapped her cheek as if considering the question, the ten-buck turndown never even entered her mind. Suddenly Clint was standing in front of her, and she had to remember to keep her cool . . . well, at least act like she was keeping her cool. Because she wasn’t. So when he leaned over to give her a kiss, she artfully dodged his mouth, bringing laughter from the crowd. He tried again without success, finally grabbing her. With the crowd cheering him on, Clint dipped Ava over his arm and planted a big smacking kiss on her lips. And even though he’d kept it playful too, her lips tingled, leaving her longing for so much more. Whistles and applause had Ava laughing and feeling a little bit light-headed after the dip backward—or maybe it was the kiss.
Luckily, a moment later Mia started singing a slightly off-key but cute version of “Santa Baby,” diverting the attention of the crowd away from their theatrical display. But when Ava would have gone back to her seat, Clint pulled her down the hallway where the offices were located. She followed, feeling a surge of excitement.
“What was that kiss all about?” Ava asked after they stopped.
“For a good cause.”
“Oh, the charity?” she asked, slightly disappointed.
“No . . . for me. I wanted to send a message to the rest of the guys in the bar.”
“And what would that message be?”
“That you’re with me,” he said in a low, sexy tone that slid over her like smooth Southern Comfort.
“You tasted like a cosmopolitan,” Ava commented with a slow grin.
“Sorry. Dad made it for you, but I just downed it.”
Ava raised her eyebrows. “You just tossed back a cosmo?”
Clint grinned. “Yeah. I always thought it was a girly drink, but it packs quite a punch.” He took a step closer and her heart thudded.
“It’s pink, but it’s still a martini.”
“Yeah, pretty but potent,” he agreed, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. Ava realized that feelings she’d been fighting had been buried deep within her heart and had resurfaced stronger than ever. The cocky young athlete had returned to her a man who had been humbled by life but was better for the experience.
“Hey, wait. You owe me one now,” she pointed out, wanting to see where this night was going.
“And you owe me a real kiss. I paid five bucks for it,” Clint said. Before Ava could protest—not that she was going to put up a fight—he pushed her up against the wall and gave her a slow, sexy, bone-melting kiss that was more intoxicating than the glass of wine she had consumed. When he finally pulled away, he looked into her eyes. “What’s changed, Ava?”
“Nothing . . . even though I was fighting it tooth and nail,” she said. She watched him frown, but then he gave her a slow smile as if understanding. “That’s just it. My feelings for you haven’t changed even after all of these years apart.”
Clint ran a fingertip down her cheek. “You already know I feel the same way.”
“I do,” Ava answered softly. “Of course, we’re adults now and have to get to know each other all over again, but that foundation of caring is still there, and I think it’s something we can try and build upon.”
“Are you telling me you’re willing to take the risk after all?”
“Blame it on the mistletoe,” Ava answered with a grin, but then she angled her head to the side. “Actually, a little Christmas elf told me that there are worse things than getting burned.”
“And what would that be?” Clint asked softly.
“Having a shot at happiness and not taking it.” Ava swallowed hard. “Never knowing what might have been . . .”
“Christmas elves are never wrong,” Clint said in such a serious tone that Ava giggled.
“Ah, so you’re a believer?”
“I’m head of the elves, remember?” he replied with a lopsided grin. “But yes. I’m a true believer in new beginnings and second chances.” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “Now, what do you say we blow this Popsicle stand?”
“Don’t you have to bartend?”
“Noah and Mia are helping Dad. The rest of the floor is covered. Besides, I could use a bite to eat. You?”
“Yes, I could eat, but most of the restaurants on Main Street are closed.”
“Well, I’d offer to cook for you at my condo, but—”
“Let me guess. There’s mustard, pickles, and beer in your fridge.”
Clint chuckled. “Pretty much, but I stand behind the fact that I’m good chef. I’m just not stocked up right now. Guys only buy what they need at the moment.”
“Well, let’s head back to my place. We can throw together something. Besides, I need to look after Rosie.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me. Is your car here?”
Ava shook her head. “No. Ronnie picked me up.”
“Perfect, I’ll drive you.”
“I should let them know I’m leaving.”
Clint shrugged. “You could send a text message instead of getting back into that crazy crowd.”
“Point taken,” Ava said. “And I already have my purse with me.” Besides, she didn’t want to be anywhere else but by his side, or even better yet, in his arms.
After getting their coats, they headed outside into the crisp cool air. Ava felt a warm rush of happiness when Clint took her hand. It has been such a long time since someone had held her hand, a simple gesture that meant so much. He led her over to his car, and any remaining fear completely fell away, leaving excitement that was coupled with a sense of peace. The feeling was a heady experience. It might be cold and dark outside, but on the inside Ava was walking on sunshine.
When they reached the BMW, instead of opening the door, Clint drew her close and kissed her once more. His lips felt warm against her chilled skin, and she felt a tingle all the way to her toes. When Clint came up for air, he brushed her hair back and moved his mouth to her neck. “What are you doing?” Ava asked with a breathless giggle.
Clint lifted his head and gave her a slow smile. “Trying to make up for lost time,” he replied, but his eyes turned serious. “I’m so sorry, Ava. I—”
“No.” Ava put a gentle fingertip to his lips. “We don’t need to go there, Clint. Listen. We were young, trying to find our way in this big old world. I didn’t walk in your shoes, nor did you walk in mine. The past is, well, the past. Let’s not dredge it up once more, but instead concentrate on the future.”
Clint’s brows drew together. “While I like the way you think, I would also like to explain why I stayed away so long. Don’t you think you deserve answers?”
“No, because I’m done asking questions. We don’t need to
open old wounds. We’re starting fresh. Let’s leave it at that.” Ava eased up on tiptoe and gave him a light kiss. “Okay?”
“Okay,” Clint answered gruffly. “And I know there’s no way to make up for lost time, but I’ll tell you this. From this point forward, I want to make every moment count.”
Ava gave him a trembling smile. “Deal.”
“Let’s seal it with another kiss.” He dipped his head and kissed her softly, gently but with a slow, simmering heat that held promise of the passion to come.
A sudden gust of wind had them both laughing. “Guess we should get out of the cold,” Clint said, but in truth, Ava hadn’t noticed anything but being in his arms. It was still sort of surreal to her that he was back in Cricket Creek. After another quick kiss, Clint finally opened the passenger door for Ava. “I cannot stop kissing you.”
“I like that!” Ava blushed with pleasure. It has been so long since she’d felt the butterflies-in-her-stomach reaction to a man, and it felt warm and wonderful. She climbed inside and rubbed her hands together. When Clint slid behind the wheel, she said, “This is a pretty sweet ride you have here, Clint.”
Clint patted the dashboard and grinned. “Bought it off of a friend. Coaching paid the bills, but I made pretty good extra income doing some personal training for high school kids.”
Ava nodded. There was so much she wanted to know. “Will you be coaching here in Cricket Creek?”
Clint pulled out of the parking lot. “I’ve been talking with Noah Falcon about joining the staff of the Cougars. I’m going to meet up with him this week. I might do some scouting too. I really enjoy discovering new talent, especially if it’s at a smaller school that might get overlooked.”
“You sound as if you have a real passion for coaching.”
“I do. I wanted the head coaching job at SCU, but that job is locked up for a while.”
Ava felt a stab of disappointment. “Oh, so you would have stayed in California if you had gotten the offer?”
“Well . . .” When they paused at a red light, Clint looked her way. “I have a confession to make.”
Ava’s heart started to thud. “Go on . . .”
Clint reached over and took her hand. “I felt such a connection to you while riding in the parade that it helped solidify my decision to move back.”
“Seriously?”
Clint nodded slowly. “Yep . . .” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “And I’m glad I did.”
Ava felt a rush of pleasure both from his admission and his warm lips on her cold fingers. “Me too,” she said softly.
A horn honking behind them let Clint know that the light had turned green. He laughed, and she joined him. When they caught the next red light, Clint groaned. “Are we going to catch every doggone red light?”
“I hope not,” Ava said, understanding his hurry. They couldn’t get to her apartment soon enough. They had so much to find out about each other. “There’s a concrete apron behind the shop where you can park.”
“This feels kind of surreal, doesn’t it?” Clint asked after he killed the engine.
“Yes, but in a good way.” The low rumble of his laugh was so endearing that even though Ava wanted to be up in the apartment, she couldn’t help but lean over the console and hope for a kiss. Clint didn’t disappoint. He all but pulled her across the barrier and gave her a deep, long, lingering exploration of her mouth that stole her breath.
While Ava was still in a kiss coma, Clint got out of the vehicle and came over to her side to open her door. Ava slid into his arms and they kissed again, oblivious to the cold, the breeze, the rest of the world . . . until Rosie barked, bringing them somewhat back to reality.
Ava laughed. “Rosie must be standing by the kitchen door.”
“Let’s get up there and let her out.” Clint took her hand and started walking.
Ava laughed as she tried to keep up. “Hey, your legs are longer than mine!” she protested, but the real problem was that her knees wobbled from the excitement and anticipation of what was to come.
“No problem.” Clint came to an abrupt halt, pivoted, and scooped Ava up into his arms.
“What are you doing?” Ava asked breathlessly.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m in a big hurry. I’m carrying you.”
“Up the stairs?” Ava squeaked.
“I’m stronger than I look.”
“Well, I’m heavier than I used to be,” Ava warned him, but to her delight Clint carried her with apparent ease.
“Hush. You don’t feel one bit heavy,” Clint assured her. When they reached the small deck, Rosie started barking in earnest. “Someone else is in a hurry,” Clint commented as he put Ava down.
Ava chuckled while she dug in her purse for her keys. “She’s actually pretty good, especially for a puppy. The only thing she does is chew my shoes, and then she hangs her head in shame.”
“You always did love animals,” Clint commented. He laughed when Rosie practically jumped up into Ava’s arms.
After petting the eager puppy, Ava let Rosie outside. Clint helped her shrug out of her coat, and then she held out her arms for his leather jacket. “Can I get you something to drink before I round up something to eat?”
“No, thanks.”
“I thought you were hungry.”
“That was an excuse to get you to myself,” Clint admitted. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” He dipped his head and gave her a lingering kiss. This was going to be the best Christmas he’d had in a long time.
10
A Christmas Love Song
Clint sat down on the sofa and then smiled when he heard Ava coaxing Rosie back inside with the promise of a doggie biscuit. She was still the same sweet-natured but down-to-earth girl that he had fallen in love with back in high school. Clint’s grin remained when he recalled that she also had some sass when she got riled up, especially if it was something she was passionate about or if someone was getting bullied. Ava had been his best friend and his first love, and he was coming to realize that no one else ever really had the power to take her place. But after his parents’ divorce, his heart had become guarded, and it felt so damned great to let that insecurity fly out the window and allow his true feelings to take center stage. Ava’s little elf was right. Taking a risk was better than never knowing what might have been. “There you are,” he said when she walked into the room.
“I needed to text Ronnie and let her know I’d left for the evening.” She set two glasses of sweet tea on the coffee table. “I also needed to get Rosie settled into her bed for the night or she would want to play forever.” She grinned. “And I cheated and changed into jeans and a sweatshirt. I hope you don’t mind,” she added as she sat down next to him, tucking her feet under her legs just like she used to do.
“Ava, you look great in anything. And you need to be comfortable because we have a lot to talk about. For starters, why did you decide on a toy store?”
She immediately warmed to the subject. “It’s no secret that family farms have struggled for a long time, and my parents’ was no exception. For Christmas we’d always get handmade gifts instead of the latest electronic gadgets. Of course, I always wished for the latest toy being pushed on television, not realizing what treasures the wooden toys and handmade dolls were. When I asked for the Barbie dollhouse, my father built a handmade masterpiece that put the plastic version to shame. When the Christmas season is over, I’ll put it back in its rightful place of honor in the front window.” Her eyes misted over. “I’ve had countless offers to buy it, but I’ll never part with it.”
Clint reached over and took her hand.
“And I’ve tried to keep my prices low. I hate to think of a child without a present underneath the tree, you know? I’ve always admired your dad for heading up the toy drive each year.”
Clint nodded. “My dad is a good guy. When I found out his health was on the line, I knew I needed to come home. I’m just sorry it took so long.
”
“Why did it?” she asked softly.
Clint took a swallow of the tea and then said, “I was so hell-bent on making the big leagues. Ava, I felt such guilt leaving them . . . you. And when things didn’t pan out for me, pride kept me away.” He shrugged. “And in truth, for a long time I was angry with them for splitting up.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “Dad still loves her. He told me.” He gave Ava a long look. “And he doesn’t want me to make the same mistake.” He leaned over and kissed her. “All I want for Christmas is a second chance.”
Ava smiled. “Well, since you have an inside track with Santa, I think you might get your wish.”
“I sure hope so,” he admitted.
“And thank you for all of the gifts.” She dropped her gaze. “I should have called you, but . . .”
“Hey, don’t worry about that. I was following Dad’s suggestion to get your attention. I’m just glad it worked.”
“Do you think your dad might ever try to patch things up with your mom?” she asked hesitantly.
Clint raised his eyebrows. “Well, I don’t know, but I can tell you this much. Mom was really upset when I let her know about Dad’s health issues. She’s been asking about him every time we talk. I understand that there are people who, no matter how much they love each other, just can’t be together, but if there’s a chance, I sure hope they take it. Not for my sake, but for their own. Now tell me about your family. How are they doing?”
Ava smiled as she spoke of her family, especially her nieces and nephews, making him wonder if she wanted children. He didn’t go that far, though, and ask. They finally decided to order pizza and ended up talking well into the night about everything from movies to baseball. . . . It didn’t matter because all Clint wanted to do was be with her. They ended up cuddling on the couch while watching Christmas Vacation, laughing at Clark Griswold competing with his neighbor.
When Ava fell asleep, it felt so right having her in his arms. He kissed her head and held her close, longing to make love to her but not wanting to rush before completely regaining her trust. Ah, but this was a start . . . a very good start. Christmas just kept getting merrier.
