Page 58 of Falling Like Snow

Jake sits in the sleigh, puts his arm around the brunette’s shoulder, and gives the camera a lazy smile. It’s gross how good-looking he is.

I snap a picture, and they get out.

“Photos will be available to download on the Bramble Falls website by Wednesday,” I tell them.

Jake leads the girl to where Ryleigh is hanging out with some of her friends near the entrance of the woods, says something that makes his sister roll her eyes, then enters the woods with the brunette. I take photos of the next people in line, until eventually the farm begins clearing out. The night didn’t go nearly as late as Mom and I anticipated when we planned the event. But given how cold it is, I’m shocked people stuck it out as long as they did.

Once Mom tells me I can leave, I hop in my car—without a single text from Asher all night. And as I head home, I refuse to let the disappointment settle too deep in my chest. Instead, I force myself to think about dazzling green eyes and the possibility of what could be. Just like Mom suggested.

Micah: so, you meet any keepers at the reindeer farm tonight?

Me: What’s it to ya?

Micah: just trying to figure out how fierce my competition is

Me: In that case, yes.

Micah: oh?

Me: Yep, one. Brown hair, brown eyes, strong, solid appetite. Legs were a little skinny, but I can live with that bc he had the cutest face I ever did see.

Micah: appetite for what? I didn’t realize that was something I needed to be thinking about.

Me: Oh, and GIANT antlers. Idk if you can compete tbh

Micah: lol got it

Micah: guess I should just give up then

Me: He also wouldn’t kiss me.

Micah: jerk

Me: Seems I am unkissable

Micah: I promise you that’s not the case

Me: And yet I remain unkissed.

Micah: wait… like, completely? like you’ve never kissed anyone?

Me: YOU DON’T HAVE TO RUB IT IN

Micah: i swear im not lol I just don’t know how that’s possible.

Me: unkissable, like I said.

Micah: come over

Me: Where?

Micah: my house

Me: When?

Micah: now

Me: It’s late.