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When he finally pulls back, I’m breathing hard. He rests his forehead against mine. “Wow.”

Shocked, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “Holy mistletoe.”

And then someone claps. My eyes fly open as another person starts clapping, followed by someone else. I turn my head and realize half the restaurant can see us standing in the doorway. “Oh my gosh.”

I immediately hide my face against Nick’s chest as his whole body starts to shake with laughter. Playfully, I slap at him. “This is not funny.”

He holds me to him. “It’s a little funny.”

The clapping doesn’t stop, and I plead with him, “Get me out of here.”

His arms tighten around me. “Come on, baby.”

I keep my face down as he guides me through the restaurant. Once we’re outside, I finally look up at him, and he’s still smiling. “You enjoyed that way too much.”

He grabs my hand and holds it all the way to the truck. “I enjoyed the kiss.”

My stomach does a little somersault. He opens the passenger door of his truck and helps me inside. This time when he reaches for the seat belt, I lean into him as he circles the belt around my waist. He’s looking into my eyes, and he shakes his head. “You’re too tempting, Joy.”

He looks like he’s going to kiss me again, but he pulls back, and I try to hide my disappointment.

The drive back to my apartment seems way too short. Nick gets out and walks around to open my door. He takes my hand and helps me down, then carries my folder as we walk. When we reach my door, I turn to face him. For a second, neither one of us says anything. He puts a hand on my shoulder. “I want to see you again.”

I smile. “I’m coming to your office tomorrow.”

His hand slides up my shoulder and settles around the side of my neck. “That’s not what I mean.”

My heart starts beating harder, and he takes a step closer. “I want to see you outside of work.”

“Nick…” I start, but he interrupts me.

“Dinner. Tomorrow night.”

I laugh and tip my chin at him. “Are you asking me out on a date, Nick? It sounds like you’re making demands.”

He hands me my folder and then cups my cheek. “I’m not demanding you go on a date with me, but I do hope you want to.”

I look up at him. It feels like this is really moving fast, but I’m not sure I want to slow it down. I lift my chin. “I’ll have to check my schedule.”

He narrows his eyes, and I laugh. “I’m kidding.”

His hand slides around the back of my neck. “Good.”

He leans down and kisses me again. This one is shorter than the kiss at the restaurant, but it still leaves me breathless when he pulls away.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he says.

I nod, and my voice is husky. “I’ll be there.”

He brushes his thumb across my cheek before stepping back.

I unlock my door and turn to look at him one more time before going inside. He’s still standing there watching me. “Bye, Nick.”

“Bye, Joy.”

I close the door and lean back against it. I’m about to be super busy with all my decorating jobs, and I should be focused on that, but right now, Christmas decorations are the last thing on my mind. All I can think about is Nick and those kisses.

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