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“Gentleman,” Frank announced in a booming voice. “You have all participated in the mistletoe harvest before, but just a reminder for each of you. Make sure your neighbor knows which tree is your target. We don’t want crossfire. Keep twenty yards between you. And no one steps past the harvest line until the last shot is fired. I’ll announce when it’s time to move to the next section of trees and the gatherers will round up this batch. Any questions ?”
The men shook their heads. They had been doing this since they were old enough to hold a shotgun. The crowd was gathered at their backs to watch the mistletoe fall to the ground in giant clumps. There was usually applause after the first shots, and then once the hunters moved along the tree line, the audience started to disperse .
It was hard for Evan to ignore that Cami was behind him, watching. He could lie to himself and pretend she wasn’t focused on his aim. But he could feel her gaze on his neck. For some reason, he wanted to make sure he hit the jackpot of mistletoe. He grumbled to himself, irritated he cared about impressing her .
“All right.” Frank placed ear protection over his head. “Ready. Aim. Mistletoe.” The red white and green flag was tossed to the ground and the line of hunters pointed toward the highest boughs in the sky .
This year’s harvest was going to set records .
The green leaves fell in clumps. Some of the white berries bounced off the sticks, but that was bound to happen. They continued to fire until the group of trees was harvested .
Frank turned to the crowd, waiting for the applause. The guns were lowered and the harvesters ran toward the mistletoe, carrying baskets on their backs .
“Looks like the mayor showed us up.” Joseph laughed. “Look at that mountain of mistletoe he shot down .”
Hamp added, “Well, we are up against a sharp shooter. He has perfect aim .”
Evan looked at his friend. “Yeah, don’t forget it .”
Lottie Beasley whistled. “Good work, boys .”
“All right, gentlemen, let’s move.” Frank motioned for them to follow him to the next section of the field. The bystanders walked back to the barn .
Evan huffed. At least for the next round, he could relax without Cami’s eyes on him .
Eleven
Cami
I t had been a long time, but she had been to mistletoe shoots before. Nothing affected her like watching Evan just now. It made her skin tingle and her belly do somersaults. He had a commanding presence with the other men. She saw how they respected him, even though he was younger than most of the men on the field .
His eyes were focused and alert. His back muscles clenched. His biceps flexed under his flannel shirt. And of course he was the one to have the biggest heap of mistletoe. He had always been a competitive athlete. She had to stop the fluttering in her belly .
One night together didn’t mean anything. She knew that. It was just something that happened. People hooked up at the holidays all the time. She had to stop thinking about it .
Jamie poked her in the ribs as they walked back to the barn. “I told you he’s the hottest mayor in the state,” she giggled. “I should put that on a monogram,” she teased .
“You keep mentioning it,” Cami whispered .
“Because it’s true. And he’s single. And gorgeous. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed .”
Cami shook her head. She hoped no one around them could hear their conversation. She couldn’t think of anything more mortifying than one of the local gossips picking up a story about her and Evan .
“Uh-uh. That’s not happening again .”
“An
d why not? You’re both single. Both available. Both in Harpers Point. And what’s more romantic than Christmas? It’s the perfect time to fall in love. Again.” She winked devilishly. “I could help .”
Cami didn’t know how to tell her friend the biggest reason was Evan. He made it clear when he dashed out of bed he wasn’t interested in moving beyond the past. He was still angry with her. It was a one-night stand, basically. She was a big girl. She could handle it .
Before Cami could protest Samantha saddled up to them wearing a designer coat and matching boots. “Hey, you two.” She leaned in for a group hug. “Isn’t this crazy? The three of us here like this ?”
“Sam,” Jamie squealed. “When did you get here? You look adorable .”
“Five minutes ago. I missed the opening. How did they do ?”
Jamie smiled. “Fantastic. Especially the mayor .”
