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Every corner of the barn was decorated to perfection. Somehow it didn’t feel forced or contrived. It was part of the wonder of Harpers Point. The people here knew how to celebrate Christmas in a way she had never experienced anywhere else .
Why had she spent so many Christmases without this? Why had she separated herself from her heritage? It was hard to shake the guilt and remorse. Last Christmas she had dinner with her manager as they tried to map out her final launch strategy to re-negotiate her contract. A year later, and he was someone she hadn’t spoken to in months .
There was nothing magical about that Christmas, or the eleven others that came before it. Why had she lost so much of herself? Before she could fall down the road to regret, the crowd inside started to murmur .
Cami looked up from the basket. She had rearranged the last few snickerdoodles. She had to catch herself from sighing .
The atmosphere changed as soon as the hunters walked through the doors. The barn erupted in applause. A few of the designated gatherers started to string the mistletoe on the beams overhead. It hung low in graceful swags over the dance floor. The band in the corner started to play music .
And there was Evan in the center of it all. Tall, dark, and handsome. Her heart leapt into the back of her throat .
“Look who’s back,” Jamie chided. “And manly as ever .
Samantha leaned in. “I’m supposed to head home to get supper ready, but I wouldn’t mind staying to watch you two dance.” She winked. “Nate can handle the kids a little while longer. I left a casserole out for him anyway .”
“Oh no. There will be no dancing.” Cami shook her head. “Go see your husband and kids,” she begged .
“You two were prom king and queen. You have to dance. I’m not missing it.” Samantha ’s perfectly arched eyebrows were high on her forehead. Cami knew she wasn’t the only one expecting a show .
Cami spun on the heels of her boots. “Says who ?”
“Says all the people pushing Evan over here.” Samantha pointed .
“This is ridiculous. And silly .”
Oh no. Damn it. The interference was as bad on his end as on hers. Evan reluctantly crossed the worn wide-planked floors and stopped in front of Jamie’s booth .
“Hi again.” Cami smiled. She couldn’t stop the butterflies. “Good shoot ?”
The crowd behind him strained their necks to eavesdrop. She wanted to tell them to back off. It was obvious what was happening. They were being pushed together, even though something told them to resist like the opposite ends of magnets touching .
“Yeah. I think it was the best shoot we’ve had. It will be good for the budget .”
“Oh, that’s good.” The budget? That was about as impersonal as he could get. If he was going to be like that, then she’d pretend they hadn’t had the hottest sex in the history of Harpers Point. Two could play this game .
“Yeah.” He nodded, eyeing Jamie and Samantha with a cynical stare. Shit. Why did it make him look sexier? They quickly pretended to be busy with ribbons and straightening the display signs for Jamie’s Creations .
“Look. You don’t have to say yes. But as mayor, I have to start the first dance for the barn dance.” He looked over his shoulder. Cami could see the frustration in his eyes. “Would you dance? We can get it over with quickly .”
She frowned. “That’s not much of an invitation.” She stood firmly behind the booth .
He groaned. “Sorry. I don’t like being pressured into things .”
Her stance softened slightly. “You could dance with someone else. It won’t hurt my feelings.” Although, she wondered if it would make her jealous. Could she watch Evan dance with another woman in his arms only a few feet away from her? After that night they shared ?
He held his palm forward. “Dance with me, Cami. Come on. Just this once ?”
She bit her lower lip. “All right .”
She pretended not to hear Jamie and Samantha whispering behind her when she rounded the corner of the booth and her hand landed in Evan’s. His grip was firm and strong as he walked her to the center of the dance floor .
She swallowed hard, knowing everyone in the barn was staring at them—only at them .
“Shouldn’t someone else dance?” she whispered .
“I wish.” He leaned toward her ear. “We just have to get through the one song .”
His hand clasped at her waist and she aligned with his body. Maybe that was the problem. One song was too long, or it wasn’t long enough. She couldn’t tell. Everything felt different when Evan held her. They swayed together, turning slightly to the beat .
