Page 99 of A Love Like Christmas Time
“I guess he likes me better.” Caleb teases and runs his fingers through Jensen’s thick fur.
I purse my lips in a pout and cross my arms in front of my chest. “Traitor,” I grumble, and take a sideways step to Richard, who is apparently a lot happier to see me. I rub the top of his head, and he leans into my hand, closing his eyes and sticking his tongue out of his mouth.
Suddenly, the subtle background Christmas music becomes louder. Then it stops.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please note that the Christmas market is closing in five minutes. All stall owners, please gather inthe square for the tree lighting and award ceremony.” I flinch at Harry’s voice. It’s so much louder than the music.
Visitors stream toward the exit. Meanwhile, Nic and Henry take off the dog’s costumes, much to the dog's protest.
“You’re aware the two of them need to wear those for Christmas, right?” I tease Nic, and she nods softly.
“I got Henry and me matching Christmas sweaters,” she reveals in a whisper. “They even had some for pets.”
“You have the best ideas,” I say just as faintly. “I’ll have to order some for us too. And maybe one for Kieran so he won’t feel left out. Oh I love that! They’re going to hate us.”
“Nah, they love us,” Nic replies with a self-assured grin. “Make sure to get your boyfriend to wear it.”
Caleb reaches for my hand, pulling me with him back to our booth where we quickly take down the decorations. We make our way to the town square, him carrying the box we put everything in under his arm with ease.
“Oh wow, that’s a lot of people,” I say, staring at the crowd in front of the stage. About half of them are wearing Santa hats, and practically all of them have a hot beverage in their hands. “Damn it, we should have thought of that.” I point at someone’s steaming mug as we walk by.
We make our way into the crowd. Caleb, being taller, tries to find Kieran and the rest.
Oh, I don’t like this. Everyone here is taller than me, and I can barely take a step without bumping into someone. I keep my eyes on the ground, holding onto Caleb’s coat as he threads his way through the masses.
Breathe, Lauren. Everything’s fine. You can leave anytime you need to. It’s fine.
Then suddenly, there are no other feet on the ground around us. We’re on the outer edge of the square.
“We’ll wait here,” Caleb declares, positioning himself between me and the crowd. My eyes widen.
“How did you—?”
“You mentioned you’re not good with crowds,” he says as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Did I?” I tilt my head. I can't remember telling him about it. There wouldn't have been an occasion where it could have come up. Or was there?
Suddenly, a memory pops into my mind. Right before the Autumn Fair, there was a town assembly in his café. Every single person who lives in Wayward Hollow was crammed into that one room.
And even though he was adamant about not serving anyone, I can remember him handing me a glass of water. My eyes snap to his, my breath hitching and heart beating faster than rain against a windshield while speeding down a highway. I didn’t realize he’d been watching me even back then.
“There you are!” Kieran suddenly appears next to us. “Here, I got you some drinks.” He holds up two mugs. “Who of you is driving?”
Before I can reply, still stunned by my realization, Caleb lifts his hand.
“Okay, then you get the punch one.” Kieran hands the cup from his right hand over to Caleb and the other one to me. Huh? Didn’t he get one for himself?
“Wait, no, where’s—”
“Here’s yours.” Nic appears and hands Kieran an already half-empty mug.
“Where are Jensen and Richard?” I ask and take a sip of the mulled wine. It’s delicious. Not quite hot enough for me to burn my lip on, but it tastes rich, comforting, of orange, red wine and winter spices. The perfect drink to warm up with.
“Henry is bringing the two of them to the car,” Nic explains and takes a sip of her own drink.
“Good. That’s better than having them in this crowd,” Kieran thinks out loud and lets his eyes trail over all the people.
“Sorry I’m late,” Henry arrives, slightly out of breath as he stops next to Nic. “Have they already started?”
