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I’m living in a genuine Hallmark moment.
Until Eli pulls back and blinks away a couple of fallen snowflakes from his lashes. “That was…”
“Perfect,” I finish for him, probably wearing a silly grin on my face.
“Yeah, perfect is a good way to describe it,” he agrees, matching my smile.
“I feel like this is the first time I've seen you happy,” I tease. “Where's my Christmas Grump?” A thrill goes through me when referring to him as mine.
“Seems you've tamed him.”
“Oh, have I now?”
Eli’s brilliant smile only widens in answer. “Can I walk you to your car?” He grabs my hand when I slowly nod, and we walk down the sidewalk as if we're a true couple.
A fine layer of snow covers my car, and Eli frowns. “Are you going to be okay getting home?”
Rolling my eyes, I squeeze his hand before letting go. “Don't worry, I'm used to this weather. What about you, California boy?”
“Think you mean Indiana Hoosier,” he corrects.
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, although it's been a while since I've experienced a white Christmas.”
Once my car’s unlocked, there's an awkward silence. Then Eli presses a hard kiss to my lips before retreating. “I'll see you tomorrow, Shelby.”
“Okay.” The two syllables are all I can manage after his second kiss. He keeps me off-balance with his personality changes from grump to charmer to passionate lover. Well, kisser. For now.
A minute later, I drive off, unable to resist the urge to check my rearview mirror. Eli’s standing under Christmas lights with the snow falling around him in a glow of white—the ultimate Hallmark hero, even if he’d vehemently deny it.
I’m in trouble.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ELI
“I can't thank you enough for inviting me to this,” my mom squeals, her eyes darting across the room like a kid in a candy store.
“Of course, I couldn’t not bring my Hallmark-crazy mom to the Christmas convention celebrating all your favorite holiday films.”
“You're right. You would have gotten a stern talking to from me if that had been the case.” She pinches my cheek and I groan good-naturedly, hoping no one witnessed the move like I'm still a boy instead of a grown man.
“Is this your mom?”
So much for that hope. Shelby walks up to my booth, a giant red and green striped bag in her hand.
“Yep. Marla Cooper, meet Shelby Heights.” I make the introductions, carefully observing the interaction.
“Nice to meet you.” Shelby smiles, and my mom's excitement multiplies as she studies the two of us. I know what's going on in her head, and I can't say that I blame her, because after last night, I want Shelby in my life. Even if it is fast and out of character for me.
There's just something about her.
“Well, aren't you sweet,” Mom says, nudging my side with her elbow in a not-so-subtle gesture of enthusiasm. “Are you a volunteer?”
“Oh no, I’m one of the vendors. I had to drop this off for Eli.” She sets the bag on my table. “I've got to head back to man my own booth.”
Mom’s excitement dims a bit before brightening again. “I'll have to stop by and see you after I get all my pictures taken.”
