Mistletoe Kisses with the Mountain Man (Christmas in Appleridge #2)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Lyra

It was my favorite time of year. Christmas lights were shining, snow flurries filled the cold air, and the line for the annual tree lighting ceremony was wrapped around the corner, as usual. But like always, I came prepared.

I dressed warmly, kept a pack of cookies in my pocket for needed sugar rushes, and a warm cup of hot cocoa in my hand.

There could be a blizzard outside, and I would still be here. I hadn’t missed a year yet.

A group of carolers came by, singing “O Holy Night” and passing out candy canes.

It couldn’t get any more Christmas than this, and I was here for it. A million times over.

A young couple stood in front of me, holding hands and whispering.

It made me long for what I didn’t have, but only for a split second before the line moved forward and distraction took over.

There were so many pretty things to look at, from decorations to window displays and even a little Christmas village.

As I took another step forward, my boot caught on a dip in the sidewalk, and I lurched forward. I yelped as I nearly dropped my drink, my free hand flying out by my side.

“Whoa, there. Are you okay?” a deep voice rumbled through me from behind as a hand grabbed my arm. I looked up to find a handsome, older man helping me regain my balance, his smile gentle and warm.

“I…I think so…” I stuttered for the first time in my life. The man was insanely good-looking.

How did I not see this hunk of a man standing only inches behind me?

“You almost took a spill there.”

“Thanks for catching me. Guess I didn’t see the sidewalk in front of me.” I chuckled, my cheeks flaming with heat. “Too into the Christmas spirit.”

The handsome man tipped his chin toward the displays surrounding us. “It’s kind of hard not to around here.”

“I love it, don’t you?” I couldn’t help but gush over my favorite holiday.

“I don’t know if I would use the word love, but it’s hard not to. It’s contagious.”

“It’s magical.” I sipped my hot cocoa, the warmth spreading through me. “Sorry, I sound ridiculous.”

“No, you don’t. It’s kind of adorable.”

He held my gaze, and sparks sizzled between us. Did he feel it too? He must.

“I’m Lyra, by the way.”

“Nolan.” He held out his hand for a shake, and when I slid my hand into his, my entire body reacted to his touch. My skin grew warm as I stepped into a hot tub, my pulse increasing in speed, and my breath hitching in my throat as if someone stole the air from my very lungs.

What is happening?

I had to ignore it. “Do you come here every year?”

“I did. Kind of lost sight of it for a few years. Figured it would be good to come again. I’m thinking I made the right choice.” A grin played on his lips.

Was the sexy mountain man flirting with me?

I think so.

“Do you live on the mountain or close to town?” I asked as the line began to move quickly, and the entrance doors opened. I checked my watch. Only ten minutes to go.

“About halfway up. I have a cabin near the ski trails. I love to ski in the winter,” Nolan said, his eyes lighting up as he explained.

“I’ve never skied before. I’d probably fall flat on my face.” I chuckled, even though nerves filled my belly at the thought of skiing down a mountain. “I think indoor activities are more my jam.”

“I bet you’d do great. Maybe I’ll show you one day. Do you live on the mountain, too?”

I nodded. “Not too far from town. I scored a small cabin near the daycare I work at.”

We chatted as we walked toward the tree display, a large unlit tree looming above us in the center of town. Soon, the mayor would flick the lights on, and everyone would ooh and aah at the start of the holiday season.

I told him how much I loved being around little kids and that I was still in school, working toward my master’s degree in early education.

Nolan explained he owned his own painting business, which kept him pretty busy.

In the slower months, he’d pick up handy jobs throughout town, the general shop giving his name out.

His eyes lit up when he talked about something he loved, and the smell of peppermint mixed with a hint of musky cologne turned me on more. I found myself staring at his mouth, wishing he would kiss me.

Time flew like two best friends meeting for a chat, and that was exactly how it felt with Nolan. Like we’d been best friends for years.

Reaching into my jacket, I pulled out my goodie bag and fished out a few cookies, handing one to Nolan.

“Did you just give me a cookie from your pocket?” Nolan smirked.

“I did. Now eat it. It’s all part of the vibe.”

Nolan burst out laughing. “The vibe, huh? Did I mention you’re adorable?”

“You did. But I don’t mind hearing it again.”

Butterflies swirled in my stomach as we flirted back and forth.

When the lights in the town turned off, the crowd grew silent.

“Hello, Appleridge!” a booming voice echoed around the courtyard. “Mayor Little here. Are we ready to kick off the holiday season?”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and I joined in, hooting and hollering as loud as the rest of them. Nolan clapped and shouted, getting into the spirit.

Mayor Little gave a short speech about the time of year and what it means to help and give to the community.

The Giving Tree was ready at the town hall to pick names for girls and boys in need of toys or clothing, and food banks were accepting all donations.

I donated every year and bought a gift for the tree.

After he finished, the lights grew dim once more. A loud bell chimed to the tune of “Jingle Bells,” and a moment later, the large Christmas tree came to life, its lights glowing.

The crowd gasped as the lights twinkled and blinked to the music, the displays in the town coming to life once more. The town square buzzed with Christmas, and I looked around and took it all in. The best part of the holiday was this, right here.

“It’s kind of magical, isn’t it?” Nolan asked.

I nodded. “It’s so pretty, too.”

As we stood there, snow flurries fell from the sky, swirling around our heads.

Nolan took me by the hand and moved us out of the way of the crowd, which quickly dispersed after the tree was lit.

He turned to face me, and that’s when his gaze caught something above us, and a devilish look crossed his handsome features.

Immediately, my eyes rose, and I saw what he was looking at: a bundle of fresh mistletoe.

“Looks like I just got permission to kiss you,” Nolan said, his voice an octave deeper. “Something I’ve wanted to do all night.”

“Mm-hmm, we’re under some mistletoe, so we kind of have to, right?”

Nolan nodded and reached up with one hand, cupping the side of my face and running the rough pad of his thumb against my cheek. Then he leaned in close and kissed me. Soft and slow at first, but picking up speed, his mouth explored mine, tasting, learning, and sweeping me off my feet in one kiss.

It lasted forever, yet it lasted no time at all, but it was the best damn kiss of my life.

When we broke apart, I was dizzy and spent, as if I needed more of him just to keep me going.

I wanted to ask him to stay. To spend more time with me.

But he was a stranger.

We were two people who attended the same event and met in line. Nothing more. Even if we did share a little kiss.

Then why did it feel so different?

“Are you free after this?” Nolan asked as he turned to face me.

I nodded, hope soaring in my heart to new levels.

“Would you like to get a drink with me?”

I met his eyes, and nothing but kindness reflected in them. I trusted this man wholeheartedly, even if I had no clue why.

“I’d love to.”