There was a beat where Asher acknowledged with his silence that Cliff had made a joke. “When someone comes in with a head cold, we tell them to wait a couple days. It will either get worse or clear up. Dumping antibiotics on a virus accomplishes nothing and can even lead to an immunity to them. So we advise the patient to ride it out.”
“You think I have a head cold for Diana?”
“In a manner of speaking. You two are in an incubator—close, warm holiday quarters with a lot of expectations. Enjoy the experience, the feelings, knowing that they could clear up once you’re back home.”
Cliff nodded even though Asher couldn’t see it. His nod slowly moved to a shake. “I don’t know if I can be that open.” Although it was easy to sit next to her and to kiss her head, the sense that he was on a sledding hill gaining speed had forced him out of the house.
“Think of it as practice. If she doesn’t know it’s real to you, you can hold back but still go through the motions.”
“I guess.”
A woman’s voice came through the line, sounding like she was reminding Asher he had a patient waiting.
“I’ll let you go,” Cliff offered.
“I’ll call you on my lunch tomorrow.”
“I’ll answer. Asher—” He had to say something. “Thanks for sticking with me even when I was a jerk.”
“So, like, your whole life?”
“Shut up.” Cliff grinned. He might not have a mansion full of relatives, but the ones he had were pretty great. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.”
They hung up, and Cliff started back to the house. Asher was right. This swirling of emotions inside of him could be fabricated by the situation. Dropping himself into a family unit, acting the part of an interested boyfriend/undercover fiancé, holding a woman close for the first time in ages … it all added up to create feelings that could possibly, maybe fade with the holiday lights. The only one way to figure out if what he felt for Diana was real or a Christmas mirage was to throw himself into the thick of it and hope it didn’t evaporate on contact.
Chapter 13
Diana
“Christmas Eve was meant for cookie decorating,” said Celine.
Diana added a fluffy white beard to the Santa-shaped sugar cookie in front of her. She was at the “professionals” table with her mom, her aunt, Celine, Sadie, and Layla. They were in charge of decorating the cookies that would be served after the Mistletoe Mile as friends from the community gathered to sing carols of Christ’s birth in the restored barn out back. In the spring and summer, the barn and house were rented out for weddings, but Diana always liked it best at Christmas. Green wreaths with red bows were hung from exposed timber, and garlands draped with fairy lights graced the entrance. It felt like the whole town showed up for their devotional and Mom always wanted the cookies to be top notch.
The other tables were crowded with children decorating a special treat for Santa. Besides sugar cookies, there were ginger snaps and pinwheels.
Sadie snatched a ginger bell and outlined it in white, adding sugar sprinkles. “I’m still confused about how you and Cliff ended up together.”
Diana’s hands trembled and the beard took a wrong turn. She concentrated on making the next swoop to cover the mistake. “What do you mean?”
“The last time you talked about your neighbor, you said you scared him.”
She giggled, thinking back to her first impression of the scowling electrician who’d practically fallen into his apartment when she’d said hello. “I did. You can ask him.” Thinking about it now, she understood why he’d wanted to run from her—from any woman.
“What changed?”
Celine leaned in, listening without looking up. Layla smiled, eager for a romantic story.
Diana slowed down, thinking more about her and Cliff’s friendship and the new feelings growing steadily inside of her. “Little things.” She set the Santa aside and picked up an angel. “Like, he shovels my walk every time it snows. He even spreads salt so I don’t slip in heels.”
Celine gave her a dubious look. “You fell in love with him because of salt?”
She smiled easily. She liked the sound of “love” in relation to her and Cliff and had no desire to correct Celine. “Not just that.” She shifted, warming to the topic. “He listens to me. Really hears my needs. Like, this one time, I mentioned I was having a hard time sleeping because my neighbor’s toilet was running. He knocked on their door and offered to fix it for free—just so I could sleep better.”
Layla cooed. “He’s so in love with you.”
Celine blew a raspberry, earning her a dirty look from her mom, who placed a protective arm over the cookie sheet. “Give me roses and symphony tickets any day,” Celine added.
Aunt Willow shook her head. “You’re going to send your husband to an early grave trying to spoil you—if you ever find one.”
Celine pushed her chair back and glared at Diana. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be spoiled.” She threw down the decorating bag and stormed off.
“Why was she looking at me like that?” asked Diana. She hadn’t done anything to Celine.
“Because she’s mad that you’re happy and she’s alone.” Aunt Willow snatched the bag of the table and tsked. “I need to wash off this tip.” She headed for the kitchen.
“And,” added Sadie, leaning over the table, “she’s the only one being nagged this year.” As a graduate of the wedding preparation program every young woman went through when she hit 21, Sadie understood the pressure all too well.
Diana pulled her lips down in an I’m sorry face. She did feel a little guilty leaving Celine to face the matchmakers alone.
Layla leaned in too. “I heard your mom saying something about inviting a guy to the devotional for her. He’s 47, but she doesn’t think the age difference will be a problem, because he’s going through a second-childhood thing. The therapist says it won’t last much longer.”
“Heaven help her,” whispered Sadie.
All guilt fled as Diana realized it would have been her on the blind date if she hadn’t brought Cliff. He’d saved her a dozen times over this weekend, but skipping a midlife crisis situation was huge.
“They’re doomed before they even start.” Layla finished a poinsettia with a quick twist of her wrist. “Not you and Cliff, though. You guys are going to make it.”
Diana didn’t hide her smile. She liked the sound of that. Plus, it was kind of funny how easily everyone believed she and Cliff were a couple. “How’s that?” she prodded, wondering what exactly they’d done that had sold the idea.
“Because of the way he looks at you.”
She flushed, feeling vulnerable and excited all at once. “How does he look at me?”
“Like you’re his world.” Layla said as if it were obvious.
“I—I—” Could it be true? She thought he’d looked at her differently today, but that wasn’t until after their little talk about being friendlier. She took flight on the hope that Cliff might feel something for her, something more than the friendship she’d pried out of him with baked goods.
“It’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it? When a man loves you like that.” Layla sighed happily.
Sadie nodded in agreement.
Diana finally found her voice. “It’s … overwhelming.” There was a certain amount of responsibility that came with a man loving her—especially a man like Cliff. He was just so good.
“Speak of the handsome devil.” Sadie giggled. She pointed over Diana’s shoulder with the pastry bag to Cliff standing in the doorway. He found her quickly enough and headed her direction.
She warmed at the sight of him before catching a nip of cold off his clothing. “Were you outside?” He’d disappeared after lunch without saying where he was going. She’d been roped into setting up for cookie decorating and hadn’t followed to make sure everything was all right.
“I called my brother.” He placed his hands on her neck and beg
an kneading the tight muscles. His skin was cold, but his touch was heaven. She leaned into him, and he dropped a kiss to her hair. Her temperature climbed and her heart raced. She probably felt like a stove burner on high under his fingers.
“That’s not a kiss.” Layla teased. She wiggled her eyebrows. “Give him something to look forward to tonight in the sleigh.”
Sadie cackled and shoved Layla.
Diana was tempted to spray them both with green frosting. “You guys!” Even as she warned them off with a look, her hopes jumped up like a child on Christmas morning.
“I got this.” Cliff hooked her chin and turned her face up. He leaned down, and his warm lips were on hers before she could think. She dropped the pastry bag, her hands taking on a life of their own and burying into his hair and tugged him closer. He grinned at her enthusiasm, breaking the kiss.
She heaved for breath. Every particle of her body rang like a jingle bell.
“I’ll see you in a half hour,” he said huskily. His dark green eyes were deep pools she could have gotten lost in for hours. She nodded, unable to form words. He walked away, his shoulders relaxed and his posture confident. She watched his every move, unable to walk away. That man had her wrapped and stashed under the tree in one kiss.
“Excuse me.” Sadie stood up and fanned her face. “I have to go make a snow angel. Because it’s way too hot in here.”
“Stop.” Diana threw a chocolate chip at her. They teased her for a few more minutes before doubling down on frosting cookies. No one wanted to go on the Mistletoe Mile with their hair pulled back in a sloppy ponytail.
Diana’s mind moved faster than her hands. That kiss … it was more than just a kiss. Layla’s words about how obvious it was that Cliff loved her only added fuel to the fire simmering in her lower belly.
Was it possible that Cliff wasn’t pretending? She wanted to believe it was true, because she hadn’t pretended that kiss. She’d thrown a whole cupful of herself into it. He had too—if she read him right. But she didn’t have the best track record for understanding men and their motives.
Cliff was different, though. At least, she wanted him to be. And she wanted him to want her, because she was falling for him. Falling hard. And in her experience, a fall like this usually meant a mean bruise. If he didn’t love her, then she’d end up nursing her wounded heart once again.
The thought was enough to make her pause. In that pause, the feeling of his lips against hers, his warm breath, and the tingles all over her skin came rushing back. Even if she did end up hurt, Cliff was worth the risk.
Her decision made, she finished the last cookie and hustled off to her room to pull out all the stops. The Mistletoe Mile was all about romance, and she was going to look irresistible. If Cliff wanted to kiss her again, she’d make it a Christmas Eve kiss he’d never forget.
Chapter 14
Cliff
The kids were inside the house, hyped up on sugar cookies and frosting, watching various cartoons at several different stations throughout the house. They were all in their pajamas and would throw on coats and scarves to go out to the barn with their parents for the sing-along. Celine barked orders at the older kids and threatened to turn off the movie if the younger ones didn’t settle down.
Cliff wandered outside, where the atmosphere was festive and full of anticipation. A line of sleighs waited at the edge of the forest. The horses’ breath billowed around their heads. The drivers were bundled up so well he couldn’t see faces. A single lantern hung from the post near their head. The horses could probably see well enough in the dark, but the driver needed help.
The sleighs were works of art. They were red, green, white, and black with silver runners and leather seats; they looked like props out of a movie.
The adults paired off and spoke in hushed tones while they held hands. Diana was nowhere to be seen, and he was anxious to find her. They hadn’t spoken since he’d kissed her, and he was dying to know her reaction.
Each time the door opened, his breath caught in anticipation, but it was always someone else. He was beginning to think he’d been stood up for the Mistletoe Mile. Disappointment hung like a heavy ornament on a weak branch. Not that he was planning on anything happening, but watching the first couple climb up into the sleigh and pull the blanket over their laps, their eyes alight with Christmas wonder and a little bit of mischief, had him looking forward to being with Diana. To being close to Diana.
Cliff stood a few feet away from a blazing fire tended by a kid who couldn’t have been more than fifteen. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
The kid looked up, startled. “I, uh—I mean, I’m Jared.” He dropped another log on the fire. “I don’t think I’m supposed to talk to you, though.”
“Why not?” He glanced down at his worn work coveralls, the only winter wear he had. Was he considered an outcast? He thought he’d won everyone over by fixing the electrical issue last night. Maybe some prejudices were harder to overcome than others.
“My dad said not to bother the guests.”
Oh, so the kid was hired to tend that fire. Interesting. “Who’s your dad?”
Jared pointed to the first sleigh, which was disappearing into the forest in a halo of golden light. “He’s driving.”
Cliff glanced at the door again, wondering if he should go inside and find Diana or wait out here until the last sleigh left. He refocused on Jared. “Don’t worry. I talked to you first, so I’m the one bugging you, right?”
Jared grinned. “You’re not bugging me.”
“So, do you guys own the sleds?”
Jared shook his head. “We own the horses. The Dalagar family owns the sleds. They let us use them for free all winter if we drive them on Christmas Eve.”
“So you do this for other people too?”
“Oh yeah. We have a business in town, down by the ice skating rink.”
Cliff nodded. “Sounds like a good job.” Maybe he’d gone too far with that kiss. He should have held back. But he didn’t know if he’d get another chance, and he wouldn’t have forgiven himself if he let that one slide by. Besides, he’d decided to get into the role of boyfriend/fiancé, and kissing was part of that. If only he knew what Diana thought about the kiss.
“It’s great. I do high school rodeo, and we’re busy most of the spring and fall, so this fits right into our schedule.” He stood a little taller. “My main event is team roping—”
Cliff glanced over at the door. His heart stopped. She’s here! his heart whispered.
Jared’s voice faded off into the distance as he stared. She was magnificent. This morning, she’d bundled for warmth, but tonight she had on a red coat with black fur around the hood and down the front, black gloves, and tight black leggings. Her hair hung over her shoulders in waves that caught the firelight and warmed. But it was her eyes that held him as captive as a child in front of the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Bright. Shining. Welcoming. Accepting. He could almost believe they were wanting, too.
She crooked a finger, inviting him over. His mouth went dry.
“Sir?” Jared asked with concern.
Cliff tore his gaze away. “I’m sorry, Jared. But when a woman like that calls, a smart man goes running.”
Jared looked back and forth between the two of them. “I’ll remember that, sir.”
Cliff laughed and smacked him on the back. “Good man.” He made his way through the crowd and stopped at the bottom step. “You look like a winter goddess.”
She smiled shyly. “Thanks. You look great too.”
“I look like I just got off work. I wish I cleaned up better.”
She took a step down so they were eye to eye. “I like you just the way you are, Cliff.”
The tension below his shoulder blades eased at the same time his chest expanded with what might just be love. He couldn’t be sure—and he was still waiting to see if he felt this way when he got home. Instead of fading, the feelings got stronger with every minute. Not only the minutes they were t
ogether, but the ones they were apart too. He couldn’t get Diana out of his mind.
He offered his arm. “Would you like to take a sleigh ride with me?”
She gasped. “I can’t believe you just asked that.”
He looked over his shoulder, remembering what Layla had said about the Mistletoe Mile being a great excuse for a make-out session. His whole body flushed with embarrassment. She must think he was after a quick kiss.
Her eyes glowed. “That’s the exact same thing my great-grandpa said to my great-grandma when he asked her on their first date.”
He let out a quick breath of relief. “That’s a story I want to hear.”
“I’ll tell you while we ride around the lake.” She smiled up at him and slipped her gloved hand over his arm. They made their way to the much shorter line and exchanged a shy smile.
The first sleigh had just arrived back and was ready to pick up another couple. They ended up in a white one with a gray-and-white plaid blanket. There was a warm brick by their feet, and they tucked in the blanket edges so they were warm and toasty. Cliff put his arm around Diana and held her close to his side. She cuddled in there. As much as he enjoyed having her close, a part of him wondered if she was doing it for show or because she wanted to.
He shoved the worry aside and decided to just enjoy the moment. After all, he was practicing being open with a woman, and he couldn’t do that if he didn’t let himself relax.
“So,” Diana began, “the story goes that my great-grandpa didn’t have a lot of money, but he’d fallen in love with my great-grandma. She didn’t know he existed—they ran in different circles, as my mom puts it.”
“Like us?” He nuzzled the fur on her hat, right above her ear.
“Yeah,” she whispered.
He began to wonder if she was affected by his nearness like he was by hers. To find out, a little experimentation was in order. While she told him about her great-grandmother’s love for Christmas and her great-grandfather’s scheme to take her on a romantic sleigh ride, he took off his glove and then hers and laced their hands together under the blanket.
Her Totally Hot Forbidden Fake Fiance Page 7
