Page 54 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

I nodded.

“Now I don’t feel as bad for searching the company directory. Not everyone has their picture loaded, though, so I couldn't find you.”

“I’m so glad I’m not the only crazy one.”

He took my hand in his and squeezed. “No. I was trying to find you too.”

I stared into his eyes and felt relief and happiness wash over me. I wasn’t alone in this. He was interested in me too. There was the flashing neon sign I had needed.

“Lane—”

He cut me off by leaning forward. His lips pressed against mine, soft and warm. I sighed and slid my hand up around his neck, holding him close. His free hand traced my jaw before his fingers slid to my hair. A rush coursed through me. His bottom lip glided against mine before he pulled back.

“I’ve thought about doing that for days.”

I smiled and tilted my forehead to rest against his. “Me too.”

“I didn't want our first kiss to be at midnight. I didn’t want you to think that was the only reason I was kissing you.”

My cheeks heated. “You planned this?”

He chuckled. “I hoped.”

“Me too.”

“I don’t want this to be a one-night thing. I want to spend more time with you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Are you asking me on a date?”

He pulled back and nodded. “Yes. Will you go out with me on Saturday? We can go to the flea market and get lunch.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

We stayed huddled together, talking and enjoying each other, as well as marveling over how we found each other until we heard chanting fill the air.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four…”

Lane lifted my chin and kissed me while cheers and whistles filled the air.

He pulled back with a wide smile. “Happy New Year.”

I nodded and responded with another kiss.