Chapter Nine
Hollis
Heart Mountain is bursting with energy as the entire town celebrates Passion Falls’ annual Christmas event.
With activities ranging from ice skating on the glacier-fed lake, to sleigh rides, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself, this evening has been nothing short of magical. Like something right out of a fairytale, and it’s made me fall even more in love with this town.
As people huddle around the roaring bonfire that the local fire department manages, Mike, Poppy, and I take an enchanting stroll through the ice sculptures, basking in the glow of white twinkling lights and Kelly Clarkson’s “O Holy Night.”
Poppy skips between us, holding each one of our hands. Every so often, she starts a countdown, prompting us to lift her off her feet and swing her into the air. It reminds me of my own childhood memories with my parents. The only difference is, Mike and I aren’t Poppy’s parents. We’re not even a couple, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wonder what it would be like if we were. It’s hard not to when we spend moments like this, and there have been quite a few this week.
The three of us have fallen into a routine of sorts. We’ve had dinner together almost every night and even attended Poppy’s Christmas concert, which was absolutely adorable. Her teacher personally thanked me for my generous donation and mentioned how often Poppy talks about me.
I’m pretty sure she thought Mike and I were more than friends. I didn’t bother correcting her, because the truth is, something shifted between us the night we decorated the tree. I saw something in him I hadn’t before, something that took whatever this is between us beyond attraction.
There are times I catch him watching me unaware, his eyes ablaze with an intensity that takes my breath away. I long for those heated looks and unspoken promises. It’s a connection I can’t explain, a yearning that resonates deep within my soul.
“How much longer until the fireworks?” Poppy asks, breaking the comfortable silence.
Mike pulls out his phone to check the time. “About twenty minutes. Why, getting tired?”
“Not on your life,” she counters, but a yawn escapes her, betraying that statement.
Can’t say I blame her. I was surprised to find out the fireworks didn’t start until midnight, especially when it turns dark so early, but apparently it’s a tradition—one that honors the legend surrounding this mountain. For a town that doesn’t believe in the tale, they sure give it a lot of merit.
“Hey, look!” Poppy points to an ice sculpture up ahead. “It’s Mountie Mike.”
I smile at the frozen Mountie in full dress uniform that stands next to an enormous bear.
“Except they made you better looking,” she adds, cracking herself up.
I’m unable to hold back my own laugh, especially at Mike’s stoic expression.
“You’re hilarious,” he deadpans.
“Go stand by it,” I tell him, giving a gentle nudge. “I want to take your picture.”
He keeps his feet firmly planted, making no move to oblige. “I’m good.”
I roll my eyes. “Come on. Just one.”
“How about we all get a picture with it?” Poppy suggests.
“Great idea!” I agree, knowing he won’t refuse her.
I’m proven right when he follows us to the sculpture, grumbling the entire way over.
Since his arms are longer than mine, I pass him my phone, then pick up Poppy, holding her between us.
Mike adjusts the camera accordingly, finding the perfect angle. “Ready?” he asks.
“Ready!” Poppy and I chime in unison, our smiles already in place.
He snaps the picture, momentarily blinding us with the flash.
After placing Poppy back on her feet, I retrieve my phone from Mike’s outstretched hand and find myself captivated by the image of us on the screen.
The photo captures more than just a fun moment; it reveals three souls who, only a month ago, were mere strangers, but now appear as if they were always destined to meet. It’s a picture I will always cherish, a memory etched into my heart forever.
“What’s wrong?” Mike asks, misreading my silence. “Is it blurry or something?”
I shake my head, my throat suddenly feeling tight. Turning my phone, I offer him a glimpse of the precious moment that’s been frozen in time. “It’s perfect.”
His gaze meets mine, a silent exchange that transcends words.
“Well, look who it is,” a familiar female voice rings out. “Fancy meeting you three here.”
We turn to find Ellie and Gunnar approaching us, with Linc and Dawson in tow.
Poppy gasps her excitement. “Hey, guys!” She runs up to Ellie first, giving her a big hug, then exchanges fist bumps with the guys.
Mike follows suit, shaking hands with his friends, while Ellie and I share a long embrace.
“It’s good to see you,” she says, her voice soft and sincere.
“You too.”
We text almost daily in the group chat we have with Harlow and Penny, but we haven’t gotten to spend much time together since Poppy has come to help me at the store. The flower shop has been just as busy. Some nights, I find her car still outside when I’m heading home.
“How’s your night going?” She casts a quick glance at Mike, her insinuation clear, lacking any form of subtlety.
I swear, she can be as bad as Harlow sometimes. If Harlow wasn’t covering a wedding tonight, she’d be here throwing out a whole bunch of “I told you so’s.”
“It’s been great,” Poppy answers eagerly, oblivious to the hidden meaning in that question. “We’ve been ice skating, decorated cookies, and went on the sleigh ride twice.”
Her enthusiasm brings a smile to my face.
“And you should see Hollis on skates,” Mike interjects with a smirk. “She’s a pro.”
“Shut up,” I laugh, whipping him with my scarf.
“I think she did pretty good considering she’s only been on skates once,” Poppy says, standing up for me.
“Thank you, Poppy.” I give Mike a smug look before delivering a playful elbow to his ribs.
Ellie watches our exchange with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Hey, Poppy, I bet if you ask Linc, he’d take you over to see the fire truck.”
Poppy’s face lights up at the suggestion. “Wow, really? Can we, Linc?”
He scoffs playfully at the question. “Have I ever said no to this pretty face before?”
Poppy giggles behind her hand, clearly flattered.
“What about the ice sculptures?” Mike asks.
“You guys go ahead,” she says, waving us away. “I want to see the fire truck with Linc.”
“Yeah, you two go ahead,” Ellie reiterates, gathering up the others. “We’ll meet you at the bonfire for the fireworks when you’re done.”
Once again, her intention is blatantly obvious.
“Come, small one.” Linc drops to his knees, allowing Poppy to climb onto his back. “I shall show you all the ways of a true hero, unlike your big brother.”
Mike grunts at the jab but gets no chance to clap back before Ellie ushers everyone away, leaving the two of us alone.
I chance a look at Mike, wondering if he feels as awkward as I do.
“She sucks at being subtle, doesn’t she?” he says, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
“She really does,” I agree with a laugh. “But she’s not as bad as Harlow.”
That girl is on another level.
“Yeah, Harlow has never been one for subtlety, just ask Linc.” He chuckles, amusement and affection infused within the sound.
It softens the smile on my face. “How long have you all been friends for?”
“Most of our lives,” he says, leading us down the mostly vacant path. “I’ve been friends with Gunnar, Linc, and Dawson since elementary school. Ellie has always been part of that since she and Gunnar are so close, but I’d say the rest of our group formed at the start of high school when Penny and Dawson started dating.”
“Wow,” I express, feeling a twinge of envy. “I don’t even remember who I went to elementary school with, let alone had a friend for that long. Must be one of those small-town perks I always hear about, huh?” I add, nudging him playfully.
“Living here can have its perks for sure, but it can also have its drawbacks. There’s no keeping secrets in this town, no matter how hard you try.”
It sounds like something he struggled with growing up. I consider asking, but decide against it, not wanting to tarnish the moment.
As we reach the end of the path, we venture deeper into a dark clearing that offers privacy and a breathtaking view of the heart-shaped mountain. The moon and stars illuminate the peak, further enhancing its beauty.
“It really is a beautiful mountain,” I muse softly.
“It is, but I’ve yet to encounter a mountain that isn’t.”
My gaze meets his as I challenge that statement. “But do they have legends like this one?”
He cocks a brow, amused. “You heard about that, did you?”
“Oh yes.” I smile. “Ellie told me all about its magical powers.”
He grunts at the revelation.
“What?” I ask, my tone light and playful. “Don’t you believe in the legend?”
He shoots me a look, his stoic expression saying it all.
“Didn’t think so,” I chuckle, the sound echoing around us.
“Did she tell you the story behind it?” he asks.
“No. There’s a story?”
He nods.
“What is it?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“It’s about the forbidden love between Duke Gunther and Amelia Wright that took place back in the early 1900s,” he starts, his voice taking on a monotone. “The Wrights were one of the wealthiest families in town, and Duke worked on their ranch. Apparently, the two fell in love quickly, but the Wright family didn’t approve of their daughter seeing a commoner. They fired Duke on the spot and forbade Amelia from ever seeing him again, but the two continued their affair in secret.”
I find myself entranced by the tale he tells, every word weaving a spell around me.
“According to the story, they would sneak out to meet on the mountain,” he continues, gesturing to the one before us. “Unfortunately, it didn’t last long before Amelia’s father found out and confronted them on the mountain. He ordered his men to kill Duke, but Amelia got caught in the crossfire and died right alongside him.”
I gasp at the tragic ending, my heart breaking for the star-crossed lovers.
“Legend has it that Duke and Amelia’s love carries beyond death and is powerful enough to bring two people together,” he concludes, the weight of the story hanging in the air.
I gaze at the mountain in question, seeing its beauty and the legend in a whole new way. “What a sad story.”
“If you believe it,” he grunts, clearly unconvinced.
My gaze shifts to his again. “You don’t?”
I’m leveled with another direct look. “If I don’t believe in the legend, why would I believe in the story?”
“Because that’s a lot of detail for two people who didn’t exist.”
“Oh, they existed,” he reaffirms. “The town has records of it, but there is no evidence to support the story, which is why it’s just a legend.”
“All legends hold fragments of the truth somewhere within them,” I counter, unsure if those words are meant to persuade him or myself.
“Are you telling me you believe in fairytales, California?”
I shrug. “Would it be so bad if I did?”
He takes his time before answering that question. “No, not for someone like you.”
I laugh, unsure if I should feel offended or not. “What does that mean?”
His gaze never strays from mine as he answers. “It means if something like that were to ever exist, it should happen to someone like you.”
Warmth explodes through my chest, engulfing my heart. “You know,” I start quietly, “Harlow thinks this mountain made me run into your car that day.”
Amusement adopts his expression. “That so?”
I nod, suddenly feeling nervous for some reason.
He senses it and preys on it. He steps forward, backing me against the closest tree that takes us further out of view.
His hands plant on either side of my head, face dipping in close. “And what do you think, Hollis?” he asks, his lips a breath from mine.
My gaze fixates on that perfect mouth, one I ache to feel against mine. “I think I probably should have had a snow brush.”
He smirks at the whispered response, but it vanishes with what I say next.
“But I think you should kiss me anyway.”
His growl is the only warning I get before his mouth takes mine in a searing kiss that alters my entire existence. It’s a moment that pauses time. One that transcends the physical, forever imprinting itself on my soul.
My arms curl around his neck as he lifts me off my feet, pinning me against the snowy tree.
I gasp at the feel of his hardness between my thighs, and he uses the opportunity to slide his tongue in. The intoxicating taste of him floods my senses, sending a dizzying rush of euphoria through my body.
“I’ve been wanting to taste you since you ran into my fucking car,” he groans, never breaking rhythm.
I want to tell him the same but can’t. I’m lost in the intensity of our passion, drowning in my own desire.
I faintly register the chime of the church bells along with the pop of fireworks, but it all sounds so far away. As if it takes place in another world, away from the one Mike and I are in.
In our world, time ceases to exist, every second driven by something far more powerful.
My hands tangle in his hair in a desperate plea to get closer while his try to maneuver around my clothes, but the padded layers between us prove difficult.
I’ve never hated a winter jacket more than I do right now.
He eventually gives up and pumps his hips forward, making direct contact.
“Oh, god.” The words push past my lips on a heated whimper. My head drops back against the tree, breaking our kiss as he grinds against the barriers of my clothes, breaching every layer of fabric. It’s the hottest moment I’ve ever had with another human being, despite being fully clothed.
“You’ve thought about this too, haven’t you, Hollis?” he growls, the deep rasp of his voice melting over me like warm honey. “Wanting this as bad as me.”
“Yes,” I breathe. “It’s all I’ve thought about.”
The confession bleeds past my lips with brutal honesty, fueling a new rhythm of his hips. My breathing deepens, breaths coming out in short billows of air, visible in the cold night as I feel myself near the edge of no return.
Mike knows it, his arrogance gleaming in the form of a smirk. “Do it, baby. It’ll be our little secret.” He changes the angle of his thrusts, giving me the friction I desperately need to reach the peak.
Pleasure burns through me like wildfire, a stark contrast to our icy surroundings. My gaze lifts to the stars as I drown in every beautiful sensation, a smile that feels like freedom taking over.
Snowflakes drift lazily from the sky, melting instantly as they land on the heated skin of my face, I bask in it all until my euphoria is cut short.
“Mike? Hollis?” Poppy’s faint voice yanks me back to reality.
My gaze meets Mike’s in a moment of panic, but it’s quickly overshadowed by the intensity reflected at me. It steals my breath away for a second time, making me wish for more time between us. So, we could finish the moment together.
“Where are you guys?” Poppy calls out again, her voice closer now.
Mike mutters a curse before reluctantly placing me back on my feet.
“We’re over here!” I announce, quickly fixing any shifted clothing and smoothing Mike’s hair, which looks as if he’s been mauled by a bear.
Good grief. How did I manage that?
“There you guys are.”
We both whirl around to find Poppy approaching the edge of the clearing we’re in.
“They’re over here, everyone!” she shouts back to the others. “We’ve been looking everywhere. What were you two doing?”
“Nothing!” we rush out in unison, our guilt more than evident.
Thankfully, she doesn’t pick up on it “Did you get to see the fireworks?”
“Yep,” Mike lies smoothly.
I’m saved from having to do the same when the others catch up. Unlike Poppy, they don’t miss our disheveled appearances. Linc chuckles while the rest try to hide their knowing smiles.
God, how embarrassing.
“Ellie invited me for a sleepover,” Poppy reveals, beaming with excitement. “Can I go?”
Mike shifts his attention to Ellie. “You sure?”
“Absolutely,” she assures him. “We’re going to have breakfast with Gunnar in the morning and check out the new car he’s working on. Give you a chance to catch up on sleep or…whatever…”
For once her lack of subtlety doesn’t annoy me in the least. If anything, I silently bless my new friend for her timing and support.
“Can I please go?” Poppy asks again, her eyes pleading.
“I don’t think you’re going to have to beg for this one, kid,” Linc chuckles.
Mike shoots him a glare before gracing Poppy with the answer she hopes for. “Yeah, you can go.”
“All right!” She runs over, giving us both a tight hug. “See you guys tomorrow.”
Ellie steps in to give me a parting hug as well. “You better give me all the details later.”
After this, I’ll give her anything she wants.
We bid the others farewell before the group heads off, leaving Mike and me alone once more.
Our gazes meet simultaneously, a decision forming in that split second.
“Your place or mine?” he asks, his gaze smoldering with an intensity that sears right through me.
“Yours,” I answer without hesitation. “It’s closer.”
“Good fucking point.”
His eager response elicits a laugh from me, a burst of joy that lingers as he takes my hand in his, weaving us through the bustling crowd of locals toward his waiting truck.
With each hurried step, I’m led towards what promises to be an unforgettable night. One that will no doubt be etched into the fabric of my being for years to come.