Page 73 of Christmas Magic

Her mouth fell open.

“Today.”

She sucked in a sharp breath.

“After we’ve eaten breakfast.”

The last thing Cora wanted to do was go and see Fred again.

Talk to him as well? No.

While she was proud of the way she’d handled herself at Coquina Castle yesterday, seeing her ex had stirred up heartache. Memories of her teenage romance with him had gone through her mind while she’d unpacked the items she’d purchased during her shopping trip with Lucian. Overwhelmed, she’d stood in her bathroom and wept.

How stupid for a woman her age to have been reduced to tears, and over a man who hadn’t even been her spouse.

All of the festiveness in Cat’s Paw Cove had clearly revived her loneliness. Christmas was everywhere—window displays, holiday music, overexcited kids—and that was kind of exhausting, especially when she’d first met Fred at the diner that had celebrated Christmas every day of the year. Every holiday season since, really, had been a reminder of him.

Lucian’s thumb brushed her fingers, his touch drawing her back to the café. Determined to make him wait a bit longer for her response, she picked up her coffee mug and took a sip, aware all the while of his keen gaze on her.

“You know, you still haven’t told me what happened between you and his lordship.”

“I hate to be rude, but it’s none of your business.”

“True.” Lucian’s thumb swept her skin again, and she fought pangs of longing. “It’s clear that whatever took place is painful for you. So, once you’ve introduced us, I will speak with Santa alone. I have a few matters to clarify with him.”

She withdrew her hand. “What kind of matters? Why do you even need me to introduce you?”

“That’s how these things are done.”

What things?

The waitress, carrying plates, approached. “Two orders of waffles.” She set the food on the table. “Can I get you folks anything else right now?”

Cora shook her head. So did Lucian.

As the waitress walked away, Lucian spread whipped butter on his waffle. Cora struggled not to show her impatience. She’d never imagined him having so many concerns about being Santa. Needing to ask Fred’s permission? Preposterous.

But, if Lucian refused to attend the historical society get-together, she and Roberta would have to find another hottie to serve their purposes. That could prove to be difficult—and really, Lucian was the perfect choice.

“Perhaps, once I’ve won his lordship’s permission, he’ll give me some guidance for next Saturday evening.”

Cora poured syrup on her waffle. “You’d do just fine without Fred’s guidance.”

“Maybe, but as I’ve said before, I strive for excellence.” Lucian shrugged. “Part of who I am, I guess.”

He put a forkful of hash browns into his mouth. Her gaze dropped to his lips, and she recalled the warm prickliness of his cheek when she’d kissed him.

Her mouth tingled, for she’d enjoyed that kiss.

What kind of reaction might she get from Fred if she locked lips with Lucian at Coquina Castle?

Oh, what a wonderful thought; as sweet and satisfying as her waffle.

For all the anguish Fred had caused her, she should not worry one bit about returning with Lucian. She’d hold her head high, smile as though she’d found her soulmate, and show Fred what a fabulous life she had without him in it.

She did need to seize any and all opportunities with Lucian, for she had no idea how long the enchantment would last. Maybe it would end once he’d eaten the last of the cookies she’d given him.

It also could run out at any time.

“I’ve thought things over,” she said.

Lucian, cutting into his waffle, paused. “And?”

“When we’re done here, I’ll introduce you to Fred.”