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Clark grinned. “Oh man, you are killing me.”
“We’ll have to figure out something to do to work off this meal. Can’t have you going into a food coma on me.” Merry’s gaze strayed to the dance floor, where several elderly couples shuffled to an instrumental Frank Sinatra tune. “How about a dance?”
Clark studied the other dancers and took a deep breath as he stood, holding his hand out to her. “Do you think we can keep up with them?”
“I’m willing to give it a try.” She climbed to her feet and took his outstretched hand, following him out onto the dance floor. Clark twirled her out and ducked under her arm to catch her against him. She spluttered with surprise as he gracefully swung her around, his face split into a smug smile.
“Where did you learn to dance?”
“I took a ballroom dance elective in college. Turns out I was a natural.”
“I’ll say.” She held onto his shoulders as he lifted her up while he turned below, smiling as he lowered her down the front of his body.
“You are an enigma, Clark Griffin. Just when I think I’ve got you figured out, boom. Curveball.”
“Gotta keep you on your toes.”
The music slowed and Clark pulled her in close, his palm spread over her lower back. He held her hand in his as he led her in a slow waltz, humming along with the melody.
“I didn’t know you could sing,” she whispered, resting her cheek against the front of his jacket.
“I can hum. Far cry from leading a rock band.”
“I wanted to be in a rock band when I was a kid. Well, a country music band.”
“As a singer?”
“No, I play the drums.”
“Really? You have a drum kit?”
“In my parents’ basement. Nick, Holly, Noel, and I performed at the Christmas concert last year, but I have since retired from the rock and roll lifestyle. Noel’s got a gorgeous voice and has a TikTok dedicated to singing, but she does it for fun. I keep waiting for some big record mogul to try to woo her away from all this, but I think she’s happy with my brother.”
“Seems like it,” Clark murmured.
“Can I tell you something kind of weird?”
“Sure.”
“I think that Christmas is more romantic than Valentine’s Day.”
“Because of all the mistletoe?”
Merry looked around. “Where?”
Clark pointed to the exit. “We missed it when we came in.”
“Well, that’s a pity.” She smiled up at him as she looped her arms around his neck. “Good thing you don’t need a dead plant as an excuse to kiss me.”
“A very good thing.” His lips sought hers, and she breathed in the heavenly scent of cedar, cradling the back of his neck in her hands.
Someone next to them cleared their throat and they broke apart to find an elderly couple dancing close. The woman smacked her partner with a laugh. “Leave the young people alone, Walter.”
“I was only interrupting them in case they wanted to take it elsewhere,” he said with a wink.
Merry’s face burned as she buried it in Clark’s jacket front.
“Maybe we should get the check?” Clark said.
