“I had to work.” I cock my head to the side in question, wondering why he’s acting like that. “I figured you would want to sleep in.”
“True,” he deadpans before striding toward me. “I’m sorry. Seeing Hana there first thing this morning freaked me out. After the last run-in we had with her, I was worried something happened.”
I roll my eyes. “Didn’t you see the note on the fridge?”
“Yes, but I feel better knowing you’re alright.” Lucas buries his nose in my hair.
I giggle before wrapping my arms around him. “We’ve known each other for less than twenty-four hours. I doubt I’m that important to you.”
“I meant ever word I said last night, Mistletoe.” Lucas pulls back, framing my face with his palms. “I’m falling in love with you.”
“Last night was fun, but I don’t think a repeat is a good idea.” I turn my back to him, wrapping my arms around my waist. “You can keep the truck until it’s time for you to leave. Your bike won’t make it in all the snow.”
“I don’t understand. What changed since you woke up this morning?”
I bite my lip, willing myself not to cry. “It won’t work between us. I have to stay here to take care of my dad and the shop. I’m the only person he has in the world since my mom died. I can’t desert him.”
“No one is asking you to, Misty. The city isn’t that far away. Three hours, max. We can make things work between us.”
“What about Kayla?” I sniffle, unable to control my emotions any longer. “I’m sure she’s waiting for you to get back.”
Lucas grabs my shoulder, spinning me around to look at him. “Didn’t I tell you not to believe everything you read and hear? What did it say about Kayla and I?”
“I saw pictures of you together looking very cozy and a headline about her being engaged.”
Lucas smirks. “Did you happen to read the article?”
“No.” I look at him sheepishly.
“Yes, she is engaged, but not to me. That photo is from the day Kayla let me know about their engagement. Brad is an everyday guy and they wanted to keep him out of the spotlight.” He sighs before reaching into his pocket for his phone. “No one asked. They just assumed like they always do. Kayla and I haven’t been together in over a year.” He scrolls through his phone before hitting a few buttons and bringing it to his ear. “Shelly, Kayla spilled the beans. My girlfriend found an article officially announcing her engagement.”
A loud screech comes from the other line before he shoves the phone in my direction.
“She wants to speak to you. I promise anything she tells you about me is a lie.”
“Hello,” I say into the phone. “Can I help you?”
“What’s your name and what do you want?” Shelly’s commanding voice fills the line. “Lucas may be a professional basketball player, but he isn’t made of money. How much will it take for you to leave him alone?”
I pull the phone back from my ear, glancing back and forth between it and Lucas. On what planet does anyone believe this is appropriate conversation?
I take a deep breath to calm myself before responding. “I don’t want anything from Lucas. If this is how you treat the women in his life, no wonder he has scandals popping up all the time. I may be from a small town, but I’m not a gold digger. Did you ever think Lucas legitimately wants to spend time with me?”
Lucas chuckles before trying to cover it up with a cough.
“If that’s all, I’m giving the phone back to him. I have work to do. Have a nice day.” I shove the phone back in his direction before spinning around and try escaping to the back room, but Lucas grasps my hand.
“You aren’t going anywhere,” he whispers into my ear before releasing his grip.
I watch as he places his phone on speaker.
“Does she pass?”
“With flying colors. Hell, with her attitude, you may not need me anymore. This one is a keeper. Don’t fuck it up,” she responds, then promptly hangs up the phone.
I stare at him for a few moments before either of us speak.
“That was Shelly, my publicist. You can think of her as my mother. She always said when I found the girl I wanted to be in a real relationship with, I needed to call her. She would make sure you had good intentions and weren’t just using me for something.”
“I would never do that. Is that the person you think I am?”
“Of course not, but Shelly doesn’t know you. Now that you’ve won her over, she will do anything for you. She’s a tough nut to crack, but she is loyal.” Lucas brushes his lips against the end of my nose. “So, you’ll be my girlfriend, right?”
I roll my eyes and smile, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Let’s just make it through the next few days. Then we can see what happens.”
He sighs. “It’s better than nothing. What time do you get off work?”
“Around six. I can have my dad drive me back out to the Manor.”
“I’ll come back and pick you up, and then I’ll make dinner and we can talk about what it will take to convince you to be my girl.” He flashes me another smile before barreling out the door, once again leaving me speechless.
Chapter 9
Mistletoe
The rest of the day is uneventful. My dad has a few appointments that show up, and they spend a decent amount of money on ornaments and pictures before leaving. It’s been quiet most of the day, and although we’ve had a steady flow of customers, I would much rather be spending time with Lucas.
“Daydreaming again?” My dad bumps my shoulder, bringing my mind back to the present.
“No. Just tired. I didn’t get to bed until early this morning.” My cheeks heat as memories of my night with Lucas filter through my mind. “I should never have agreed to watch a scary movie before bed.”
“Well maybe something not so scary this time.”
His mocking tone speaks volumes. He may not know exactly what we were doing last night, but he knows I’m lying through my teeth. We both laugh softly before his expression turns serious.
“Are you happy?”
“Yes, I am.” I give him a reassuring smile, then check my watch. “It’s closing time, Pops. Why don’t you head home, and I’ll close things up here? Lucas is picking me up so we can have dinner together.”
He stretches his arms behind his head. “If you’re sure. But try to make it home tonight, or at least call your old man. I worry about my little girl.”
“I promise, Dad. Sorry to worry you so much.”
He kisses my cheek before heading toward the back. Suddenly, the bell over the door chimes.
“How can I help…” My words catch in my throat as I take in my new customer.
Hana is standing just inside the door, a large kitchen knife clasped in her right hand.
“He’s mine, Mistletoe. I won’t let anyone have him. Especially not you,” she says before charging in my direction.
I grab the closest thing to me—the gingerbread Christmas tree—and shove it in her direction.