Page 18 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

Mom air kissed a woman before nodding in the direction of the living room. Of course. Why did he always get out of the crappy parts of our parents’ parties?

“You look so lovely, Harlow.” I smiled at one of Mom’s bridge friends.

“Thanks Susan. You look as wonderful as ever.” Botox was a lifesaver for many of the women at this party.

“Harlow, I need you. We’ve got an emergency.” I turned to see Vince hurrying to me. He looked at Mom for a second. “Can you spare her?”

Mom didn’t ask for more details, she just waved us off and turned back to the next guest. Vince took my hand and dragged me down the hall.

“What’s wrong? Why didn’t you get my Mom?”

He stopped and turned toward me with a wide smile. “There’s no emergency. I could see the pain on your face.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You saved me?”

He bowed slightly. “Your knight in shining armor.”

I nearly argued, but he did look quite dapper in his black suit. “Many thanks, my liege.”

“So, we can either hide out or try to get to the party without your mom noticing.”

I weighed the options. “We wouldn’t have to talk to anyone if we hid, but the party has the food.”

He pursed his lips and nodded slowly. “The risk is worth the reward.”

“Cover me?”

“Always.”

We turned and walked past the foyer, but Mom was distracted. I still hid behind Vince and hurried down the hall as soon as I was out of her line of sight.

“We did it!”

He smiled and nodded. “Now, where’s the food?”

I pulled his hand toward the living room. We had buffet tables set up in three rooms and this was the closest. The party was in full swing and when we stepped into the room, we were stopped by the crowd.

“You’re under the mistletoe!” One woman giggled.

I looked up and cringed. When had they hung that?

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” The group started chanting and I looked up at Vince.

“We can still run.”

He slowly shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s too late for escape.” He glanced into the room before looking back at me. “We must give them what they want.”

I almost laughed, until I realized what that meant. I was enjoying the game we were playing until now. We had to kiss? In front of everyone?

This was something I’d dreamt of since I was little. The moment was finally here, but it was forced. And in front of all my parents’ friends. Not exactly the ideal romantic moment.

“Okay.” Here goes nothing.

His lips tugged into the smallest smile.

His eyes held mine as he bent toward me.

His body drew closer.