“That’d be one heck of a Christmas miracle,” I tease. “But you never know what the future holds.”
The next morning, my parents and I get up early to serve lunch at the food kitchen hosted at the church. It’s a family tradition and a way for us to help the community in our own little way. Even after I left town, my parents continued doing it, and I’m happy I can participate this year.
When we arrive, we’re assigned to different serving areas. I’m on mashed potato duty, and before they open the doors, Cole stands next to me. He and his parents have always taken part in this as well.
“Merry Christmas, Sarah. I’m gravy,” he tells me, holding up a ladle.
“Nice to meet you, Gravy,” I say with a laugh and don’t miss the way my stomach flutters at how close he is to me. “You too. Hope Santa brought you everything you asked for.”
He looks at me from head to toe, then flashes a smug grin. “He did.”
My heart skips a beat, and I look away to hide the blush forming on my cheeks.
As soon as the doors open, a long line forms at the front. I pile on large scoops and make sure everyone gets as much as they want. Cole’s arm brushes against mine on occasion, causing electricity to stream through me. Even after all this time, he still has that effect. I didn’t think it was possible, but now that I’m seeing him, I know it is.
After we’ve served everyone, made to-go plates, and cleaned up, we plan to meet at the town square for a dessert potluck around the giant gazebo. Before we head over, we stop home for our desserts, and I grab a heavier coat.
Mom picks up two pumpkin pies, and I grab the sweet potato one. Dad carries a tray of chocolate brownies that he’s been eyeing since Mom pulled them out of the oven earlier.
“Ready?” he asks.
“Yep, I can’t wait to have a week-long sugar coma. Been waiting all month,” I admit with a laugh.
Mom leads the way down the sidewalk. It makes me happy to see so many participating in the dessert party. Tables are set up around the gazebo with a hot chocolate stand nearby too. After dropping off the desserts, my parents chat with the mayor while I immediately grab a cup and add extra marshmallows. I blow on it for a moment, then just as I take a sip, Cole comes into view.
Our eyes meet, and he flashes a smile. I wave him over.
“Fancy seeing you again.” He smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. I stare at him in his thick coat and beanie, looking as good as ever. His green eyes gleam when they meet mine, and I’m in awe by how good he looks.
“Right.” I chuckle. “Wanna walk around a bit and chat?”
Different activities are set up for the kids and even a trail full of light displays for people to enjoy. We take a stroll as I sip my cocoa. Finally, I work up the courage to ask him what’s been on my mind since the first day I saw him.
“This is none of my business, but are you and Gretchen...dating?” I can hardly finish but manage to even if I don’t want to hear the answer. I need to know if he’s off-limits or not because I’d never do anything to ruin what he has.
Cole chuckles, and when I shiver, he closes the gap between us and wraps his arm around my shoulder. My entire body overheats, but I try to remain unaffected.
“What do you think?” he asks.
I shrug. “I’m not sure. I just want to…”
“We’re not. When you saw us together, it was our first and only date. We don’t have much in common and no real spark. My mother set it up, and trust me when I say it happened because I was getting tired of her nagging me about it. Same with Gretchen. We did it to appease our moms, and that’s it.”
Relief washes over me even though I have no right to feel that way. I want Cole to be happy, but the idea of him being with someone else made me sick. “Oh. Well, that’s good. Wait, I mean, not good. I just meant, well…” I sigh, giving up. “Never mind. I’ll just shut up now.”
He holds back a laugh with a fake cough, and I almost snort at how obvious he was. But it was definitely sweet of him not to make me feel dumb for asking.
“What about you?” he questions. “Seeing someone back in Chicago?”
I slow my pace and think about all the terrible dates I’ve been on. “Nope. No one. It doesn’t help that I have a chaotic work schedule, but honestly, I haven’t been serious with anyone since I moved there. I’ve just…I’ve found it hard to move on,” I admit sheepishly.
Cole nods, and I notice the frown on his scruffy face. I love that he’s let it grow out a little. It suits him. We stop under a lit-up arch. I look up at it and remember how we used to take pictures together in this very spot every Christmas.
“I know what you mean,” he says softly. “I think you broke me, Sarah. No woman has ever lived up to what we had, and if it wasn’t you, I didn’t want her.”
His words are like a knife to the heart because I hate that I’ve caused him pain. “I never wanted to hurt you, Cole. I know I’ve said that before, but I mean it. I needed to figure out who I was with a serious career. Though if it makes you feel any better, I haven’t been able to move on either.” Nervous laughter escapes me as he stares into my eyes. “Perhaps, I’m broken too.”
Before we can continue chatting, a woman slowly walks past us and points above us with a grin. We look up at the same time and notice the mistletoe hanging. I don’t even look to see if we’re being watched because my focus is on Cole. Without wasting a moment, he takes a step forward, places his warm palms on my cheeks, then brushes his lips against mine.
I feel as if I’m floating as his tongue barely twists with mine. The emotion pours out of me, and though it’s been years since we’ve been close like this, the fire between us burns so hot, I might combust. When he pulls away, my heavy breathing is the only sound between us, but by the intense look in his eyes, he felt it too.
“Wow,” I say, touching my swollen lips. If we weren’t in public, we might’ve lost control.
“That should give them something to talk about until the new year,” he whispers in my ear, causing a chill to run down my spine. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
Swallowing hard, I clear my throat so I can speak. “My schedule’s free.”
“Want to have a drink with me? Just the two of us?”
“Like a date?” I ask with a racing heart.
“Yes, exactly like a date.”
I blink, then nod. “I’d love that, Cole.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” His charming smile already has me anxious.
We walk back to the dessert tables, and soon, I’m bombarded by people I haven’t seen in years. Cole’s parents come over and steal him away, but knowing I’ll see him tomorrow makes it impossible to wipe off my smile. Though I chat with everyone, the only things I can focus on are how he’s single and that passionate kiss we shared.
Chapter Four
COLE
Though I have a busy day at work to keep my thoughts occupied, they drift back to Sarah and our kiss last night, no matter what I do. I can’t stop thinking about her and how she tasted. Every part of my body lit up when our lips touched, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping to do it again.