Page 47 of Mistletoe All the Way

NOAH

Yes, that was top of mind when I saved a dog from choking last week.

I put the phone away as I finish my coffee, then head out to the stables, saying hello to Max and Agatha, and giving them their feed. That keeps my mind off Eloise for now. So does Sailor’s visit when she pops by to take Max out for a short trail ride, since they both love snow.

“Do Jenica and I get to horse-sit again while you’re doing your shake-your-booty thing in Evergreen Falls?” Sailor asks, mentioning her girlfriend.

I give her a look. “It’s not a shake-your-booty thing.”

“Of course not,” she says, but it seems like she’s fighting off a smile. It’s unlike her to be sassy. Eloise must be rubbing off on her.

“And I’m sure Eloise already worked out the details with you, like she did when she practically appeared out of thin air yesterday,” I grumble.

Sailor snort-laughs. “And you didn’t seem to mind one bit.”

What the hell? Am I that obvious? Even when I’m annoyed?

“Cat got your tongue?” she taunts.

“Where is Sailor, and what have you done with her?”

She smirks. “I guess I just learned you have an Achilles’ heel in your publicist. Or wait, did you want me to call her your social media manager?”

I roll my eyes as I saddle up Max. “Just ride.”

As she heads off down trail, my mind is right back on Eloise, and I’m wishing I weren’t looking forward to returning to Evergreen Falls in eight days and six hours.

But who’s counting?

15 DID I JUST BECOME A HORSE GIRL?

Eloise

Look!”

I spin my phone around on the counter at the diner during a lull after the lunch rush, showing Phillipa the likes and comments on the Cowboy Vet feed. They’ve been growing thanks to the pics I took in Mountainville, Colorado. And I can’t resist showing off a job well done to my friend.

“Impressive. Noah definitely has that Intensely Serious Vibe and it’s working,” Phillipa says with an approving whistle as she returns my phone. Today’s the big day. The kickoff event for Mr. Holiday begins in the town square just after sunset.

I straighten my shoulders, savoring the praise. “It’s working so well I deserve a bellini.” I tuck my phone away after I check the clock for the thousandth time in the last hour. “He should be here soon.”

“And you sound more excited for that than the prospect of a bellini,” she says, like she’s caught me red-handed.

Dammit. “Only because he’s the potential key to my firm taking off with this contest.”

“Only?”

“Only,” I emphasize, since I just can’t think about other reasons. Like that kiss. That thoroughly distracting mistletoe kiss. A kiss that can’t happen again.

“So you’re all ready for the contest?” she asks, shifting gears as she wipes down some glasses.

“Ready and then some,” I say. I’ve spent the time apart researching every possible type of Christmas contest challenge. I’ve also studied the other entrants. There are three other guys—J.J. from the North Pole Nook and Tavern, Henry from the Christmas train, and Sebastian from the bookstore.

I’m ready for everything, including his return today for the kickoff. His family will be there. Pretty sure Noah is ready too—ready to charm.

Which reminds me of the last time he was here in this diner with me, when I tricked my friend. A smidge of guilt digs into me. “By the way, the other week at the diner? That was Noah pretending to be Chris. I’m sorry,” I say with a contrite wince.

Phillipa’s lips part, and she shoots me a curious stare from the other side of the counter. “And you faked me out by having him pretend to be my best guy friend?”