Sydney had a sleepless night. She hadn’t had a kiss like that in … well, she wasn’t quite sure she’d ever had a kiss like that. She touched her lips, remembering every moment of last night as she drove to work the next morning. What she wouldn’t give for another kiss like that. And tonight they’d be surprising the kids with the outing under the stars.
Yes, Hopewell was turning out to be very good for her.
She parked in front of The Book Bea and went inside.
“Sorry I missed you at the end of the night, dear.” Bea was dressed in a cheerful red jacket with appliqued silver bells down the front with real jingle bells at the bottom of each one. She sounded like one of those holiday bell ringers as she walked through the store.
“I’m sure you were tired.” Sydney felt more like she should thank Bea for not being there when Mac walked her back. If she had been, there certainly would not have been a kiss on the front porch.
“I wanted you to have the full experience. You’ll have many years to host it going forward.”
“It was amazing from the porch, but you were right. Actually making the walk and experiencing every stop along the way, every song, everyone was better than I ever imagined.”
“Yes. I know.” Bea’s eyes sparkled.
“So, I’m not really clear on how all that happened. Were you and the mayor in cahoots the whole time?”
“Cahoots? That sounds a wee bit manipulative. It wasn’t like that. But I’ve gotten to know you in our short friendship and if it’s one thing I know it’s that you can be a little hard headed.”
“That didn’t take you long.”
“Well, take it as a compliment. I’m the same way.”
“Did Mac know, by chance?”
“We may have discussed it.”
Sydney tried to hold back the smile. Had he adjusted his schedule to be there because of her?
“He seems really quite fond of you. Of course, I already knew that.” Bea cocked her head. “What is that look for?”
“Nothing.” Sydney turned her back to Bea.
“Oh, no, missy. You can turn right around.”
Sydney turned around, but she couldn’t play innocent. She was bursting at the seams to tell someone. “Mac walked me back to the store after we finished caroling last night.”
“That is not a walk back to the store grin.” Bea folded her arms. “You like him, don’t you?”
“He’s really nice. We’ve had fun together.”
“And?”
“And he kissed me last night.”
Bea’s face lit up. She grabbed Sydney’s hand. “I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I could just tell the first time I saw y’all in the same room together. He is a nice man, Sydney. One of the best I’ve ever known. How was the kiss?”
“Nice.” She looked up to the ceiling to get out of Bea’s zone. She was like a master interrogator. “Okay, it was very nice.”
“This is wonderful news. The best.”
“It was just a kiss. No promises for anything, but it sure did take me by surprise. I can’t believe I put myself out there like that. Must have been the Christmas lights.”
“You did do a very nice job on them,” Bea said. “Nicest display The Book Bea has ever had. So when will you see Mac again?”
“We’d planned on getting together tonight to watch the meteor showers with the kids from behind his house. We were going to surprise them with s’mores. That was before the kiss. I sure hope it’s not going to be awkward.”
“Of course it won’t be awkward. And isn’t that a romantic evening.”
“Well, not with our kids along it won’t be.”
“It’ll still be special. You’re special, and I want you to take the rest of the time off from the bookstore to enjoy the holidays.”
“I can’t do that. Won’t do it. I already made a commitment to you that I’d help you through the holidays.”
“I’m well aware of that, and I thank you, but that was before we decided that you’re going to take over the store. It was also when you thought your daughter was going to be out of town.”
“But—”
Bea held up her hand. “I’ve got it all figured out. I’ll go through it with you soon. For now, take the break. Please. For me. My final request as the owner of this bookstore before we shift it over to you. And trust me, you and RayAnne belong here in this town.”
Sydney felt like she should resist, but she didn’t want to. She loved it here. “Thank you, Bea.”
“By the way,” Bea said. “The books we ordered for Mac came in. You should take them to him.”
“Yeah. I can take them tonight.”
“Or you could take them now.”
“Why would I do that?”
“So you can see him, without the kids. Do I have to tell you everything?”
“Apparently so. I’m a little out of practice.” Sydney took the books and flipped through them.
“Put those books in a bag. Go back to the washroom and give your hair a little pouf and put on some fresh lipstick. Then deliver them to our customer. I insist.”
“He’s going to see right through that.”
“Don’t be silly. He’s going to be flattered. Do it.”
She dipped her head into her hands. “I don’t know. I’ll feel so silly.”
“Trust me. You have to make a little effort. He clearly did by showing up last night and walking you back.”
“Fine.” Sydney went to the back and freshened up. When she came back out, Bea was standing by the door holding one of her special The Book Bea shopping bags.
“That shade of lipstick is perfect. Perks you right up. He’s going to be delighted.” Bea gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Oops. Wait. I left a smudge.” Bea brushed the magenta kiss into Sydney’s cheek, then kissed the other side and did the same. “Better.”
“Ugh,” Sydney turned to leave.
“Love will certainly spin you in circles won’t it?”
“Why do you say that?” But Sydney knew exactly what Bea meant when she turned and saw her holding out the shopping bag.
“Almost forgot something, didn’t you?” Bea laughed.
Sydney took the bag and drove to Mac’s house with nervous anticipation about surprising him. She wouldn’t stay long, just enough to deliver the books and be sure he knew she was looking forward to tonight. They hadn’t finalized a time, so they could discuss that. Short. Simple. Just showing a little interest.
She ran her finger across her bottom lip. She could still feel every emotion that went through her when he’d kissed her. His pickup truck was parked in the driveway, so she pulled in behind him. She checked her makeup in the rearview mirror then got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Switching the bag to her other hand, she wiped the sweat from her palm on her pants, and then knocked.
Excitement spun in her stomach as she waited. Why was she so darn nervous?
She heard footsteps, and her knees weakened as the door handle twisted.
A young woman answered the door.
“Oh, hi.” Sydney paused, glanced over her shoulder at Mac’s truck then stammered, “I … Is Mac here?” Her mouth felt as dry as if someone had just hooked her to one of those slobber suckers the dentist uses.
“He’s in the shower. Do you want to wait? Or perhaps I can help you?”
Sydney noticed the rings on the woman’s left hand. She wanted to heave, but for a whole different reason now. Anything to give her instant relief from what she was feeling right now. “No. Yes. You can help me.” She shoved the bag toward the woman’s gut. “I was just delivering these books he ordered from The Book Bea.”
“Oh, great. I’ll be sure he gets them. Does he owe you anything?” The diamond band on the woman’s left ring finger dazzled in the sunlight.
Was he having an affair with a married woman? That made him just as bad as Jon. Didn’t anyone believe in the sanctity of marriage anymore?
“No.” Sydney raised her hand. “Oh, no. He absolutely does not owe me a thing.” She walked to her car as fast as her feet would take her without breaking into a run. She twisted the key and shifted into reverse.
Only where the heck was she going to go now?
If she went back to the bookstore she’d have to tell Bea that the guy she kissed last night had a girlfriend. A young one, probably the same age as her other replacement. Oh, no, ma’am. She should’ve known. She knew better.
How could Bea not have known? Bea said she knew everything about everyone.
Sydney took a deep breath, trying to chase away the threatening tears. If she started crying she might never stop, and that would be a mess. Nothing had happened. Wasn’t like she was in love or they had made a promise. It was one lousy kiss. Okay, one toe-curling, amazing kiss, but clearly a mistake. She just needed to get her head together and let it go. She could totally do that. She did not come to this town looking for love. All she wanted to do was raise her daughter and do right by her.
She looked over her shoulder as she eased down the long driveway until a rap on her window made her jam her foot on the brake. She spun around. Mac?
He pulled on the door handle, but the door was locked.
She put the car in park and rolled down the window.
“Hey, glad I didn’t miss you.”
“Why?”
He looked confused. “Because I was just getting ready to leave and … Are you okay?”
“Fine.”
“Fine?” Mac lifted a hand to his mouth. “Yeah. Fine is never good. What is wrong?”
“Why don’t you tell me?”
“Because I don’t know?” Mac’s brows pulled together.
“Who was that?”
He paused, looking like he didn’t know which way to turn, and then his face relaxed. “Oh, Haley? She lives next door. She takes care of Seth for me sometimes. There’s nothing … You didn’t think? She’s a friend. A married friend. I can introduce her to you.”
“No. Please, no.” The feeling came back into Sydney’s hands where she’d been clenching them in anger. She had felt like she was hearing that news from Jon all over again. But that feeling was quickly being replaced with embarrassment. The flush in her cheeks was hot, and her hands were sweating. “I’m so stupid.”
“You really thought that?” He stepped back and folded his arms. “Sydney, how could you think so little of me?”
“I’m sorry. I…” She felt the tears. Frustration really, but she couldn’t help it. “I’m broken goods, Mac. This probably isn’t a good idea.”
“Syd, no. Please. Don’t leave like this.”
“I think I need some time.”
“But tonight. You’ll be here tonight, right?”
“We don’t have to. The kids will be tired.”
“Come on, Sydney. Give it a chance. Seven.”
She put the car in reverse. “Just give me some time.”
He stepped away from the car, and she backed out.
She wasn’t ready to go back to the bookstore yet. She needed a little time to catch her breath first. Why did she jump to that conclusion? What was wrong with her?
She pulled into Santa’s Village. Maybe the crowd and festivities would help her get outside of the negative thoughts looping through her brain.
Parents rushed excited kids into the long line to make their last requests of Santa, while others hurried around checking the last few things off their holiday shopping list.
The line at the wrapping station was long today.
She ordered a hot chocolate and dropped a dollar in the donation bucket, then ordered four cookies and ate every last one of them. Funny how a massive dose of sugar could soothe a person.
Finally she was pretty certain that she could face the conversation with Bea in a mature way, and she planned to avoid Mac’s calls. Forever. She got up and went back to her car.
She was halfway to her car when she saw Mac’s truck.
She ducked behind a minivan, praying he hadn’t seen her when he drove by. Had he come looking for her?
She pretended to tie her shoelace and stayed tucked between the cars until she was certain Mac had to be at the other end of the parking lot.
She peeked around the minivan to look.
There was no sign of Mac’s big crew cab pickup truck. And you couldn’t hide those very easily.
“Are you okay, ma’am?” A security guard towered above her.
“Yes. My shoe. It came untied.” She stood up straight and offered an awkward smile. “Thanks.”
She made off in a hurry for her car, holding her breath until she got inside and started it. Her tires spit gravel as she gunned the engine and headed back to The Book Bea.
If Mac had followed her to Santa’s Village looking for her, would he show up at The Book Bea? She wasn’t ready to talk to him. Embarrassed and second-guessing her recent choices when it came to Mac, she parked behind the shop where the tenants parked. Maybe he’d think she wasn’t there. She slipped inside the back door.
“Sydney! You were gone a long while. I was hoping I might not see you again today.” Bea was looking as proud as a momma bird watching her fledglings take flight. “What took so long? Or do I even need to ask?”
“I stopped at Santa’s Village.”
“Oh?” She looked disappointed. “You did? With Mac?”
Sydney busied herself straightening the display near the door. “This table is our best sales tool. I swear I refill it every day.”
“Yes. Always has been the best spot in the store.” Bea walked over to the table and stood next to her. “Sydney, did something happen?”
“You know, I should’ve known better than to let down my guard. That’s all. Nothing is the matter. It was one stupid kiss. I let it go to my head. It didn’t mean a darn thing, and I don’t have any business jumping into a casual anything with a man anyway. I have a daughter to raise.”
“But Mac’s a great guy.”
“I think all men are closer to the same than we think.” Her gut twisted, leaving her sick to her stomach. How had she let her guard down? “I will not let what happened with Jon happen to me again.”
“Oh, Sydney. I don’t know Jon, but from what you’ve shared I’d say those two boys are as different as night and day.”
“Not really. They both have secrets.”
“You found out.” Bea let out a breath, as if it had been hard to keep the secret.
“Yes. I did. When I dropped in unannounced.” The words Bea had just said were just starting to sink in. “Wait a minute. You knew? And you were okay with him keeping it a secret from me?”
“Okay, so it might be a little weird, but it’s not like it’s a bad thing.”
“How can you say that?”
“So the man dresses up like Santa Claus every year. He brings so much joy to people. I personally think it’s quite charming.”
“Santa?”
“Yes, Santa. Mac is the best Santa at Santa’s Village. The one you took RayAnne to see. Isn’t that what you were talking about?”
“He is?” She stacked the books with a little more oomph than was necessary. RayAnne had told him about the four-wheeler. Was that why he’d invited them over to ride? How embarrassing to have your kid tell Santa that your mother isn’t happy.
What did Mac think of her? Was that kiss all just him feeling sorry for her? Or did he think he was the real Santa granting wishes for her daughter? And which was worse? “It doesn’t matter. That’s not what I was talking about.” She stopped and turned. “I wish you’d told me about the Santa thing.”
“Does it make a difference?”
“No. Of course not, but Bea, a woman answered the door. A young woman, wearing a wedding ring, and I immediately jumped to the conclusion that he was dating her. She was so young. Like Jon’s new girlfriend.”
“Did you two straighten it out?”
“We did. But I was so humiliated for thinking that. It wasn’t fair. Bea, I’m broken after what happened to me. How will I ever trust anyone? I’m not ready for all of this.”
“You will. Y’all have hit it off, and you’re enjoying doing new things, too. Like that four-wheeler ride. You said yourself it was more fun than you’d had in a long time. And RayAnne loved it.”
Sydney’s jaw set. “The four-wheeler. I don’t think that was a coincidence. RayAnne told Santa she wanted one. He knew exactly what he was doing, and I don’t like being manipulated like that.”
Bea didn’t respond.
“I don’t know this guy at all. I will not make that mistake again.”
“What about your date tonight?”
“If he calls, I’m busy.”
“You can’t just ignore him. This is a small town.”
“I can ignore him for now.” And when the dust settled she’d just politely never mention their time together or that kiss … ever again.