Chapter Twelve

No one had ever spoken to Blaire like that before. She’d always just assumed she’d follow in her father’s footsteps because that was what people did. Children of lawyers practiced law. Actors usually got their start because of their parents.

She was no different.

Her father was the head of one of the highest-profile magazines in the area. Wouldn’t it be like a slap in the face for her to walk away from something that was so attainable?

Blaire continued to steal glances at Tucker as they resumed their walk in silence. He appeared to truly see her for who she was and not who her father was. He thought she had potential.

Her heart fluttered slightly, and she had to remind herself that just because he said some kind words didn’t mean she had to fall for him.

But as his thumb traced over the back of her hand and the echo of his touch on her chin continued to make her pulse roar, she knew better than to believe she was completely untouched by his sweet words.

Tucker had managed to surprise her again.

What was it about him that made her want to just be around him?

Almost against her will, her thoughts shifted to their conversation at dinner. “How long were you and she together?”

His head snapped around, and he stared at her as if she’d asked him to chop off his little finger. “What?”

Blaire grimaced. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. I guess I’m still in interview mode. You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.”

His eyes didn’t leave her face for what felt like an eternity. Then, finally, he stared off into the darkness that surrounded the resort. “We were high school sweethearts.”

“You’re kidding.”

He shook his head. “Nope. We did everything you might think of. We went to prom. We cheered each other on at sporting events. We even went to the same college.”

“Do you mind if I ask what happened?”

Tucker gave her a pained smile. “We just drifted apart, I guess. She didn’t want to go through with the wedding. And I wasn’t going to make her. The hardest part was probably that she broke it off during the holidays.”

She flinched. “I’m so—”

“Don’t.”

Blaire blinked. “What?”

“Don’t be sorry. It happened long enough ago that I can talk about it without feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus. Sometimes, things happen for reasons we don’t understand until we finally do.”

The wistful expression he wore only spurred those feelings within her that were impossible to control.

“I suppose I’m not sorry then.”

He glanced at her, a confused smile on his face. “Well, I told you not to be, so…”

“No. I’m not sorry, because if it hadn’t happened, then we wouldn’t be walking these paths together right now.” Her throat closed up as she considered what this evening could very well turn into. When he walked her to her door, he would probably try to kiss her.

She felt the beginnings of her blush creep up her neck and fill her cheeks. All of her extremities trembled and went numb. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had kissed her, but she did remember one thing.

That kiss hadn’t been as good as it might have been. The obligatory ones never were.

Tonight, she found herself wanting to know what his lips might feel like pressed against hers. She could sense the desire growing as the tension in the air thickened.

Would he kiss her gently? Slowly? Or would he claim her as his own?

It didn’t matter what kind of first kiss they shared. Blaire just wanted it to be one to remember.

“What’s that look for?”

She jumped, her wide eyes finding Tucker staring right at her. “What?”

He shifted closer to her, bringing his hand to her face. His fingertips brushed aside a few strands of hair, tucking them behind her ear before his eyes locked with hers. “What were you thinking?”

“Nothing,” she blurted. “Absolutely nothing.”

He shook his head, but that teasing smile he normally wore was missing. “I don’t think you’re telling me the truth.”

She swallowed hard. “What would you know about that? I’d say we hardly know each other well enough for you to make such assumptions.”

“You’re one hundred percent correct.”

Blaire stilled. He’d come so close she didn’t know whether she should step backward to put distance between them or step into him and see what his reaction would be. Instead, she was so overcome by trepidation she couldn’t do either.

“I don’t know you well enough to assume that you were lying. But I can tell you that I’ve interviewed several hundred of people in my time as a columnist. People have a tell. And yours seems to be the way you flush at the drop of a hat—like you’re doing right now.”

Blaire tugged her hand from his grasp and covered her face. “Fine. I was considering something, but I’m not going to give you any of that information—at least not until I know a few more things.”

The corners of his mouth twitched upward. “Fine by me.” He continued to stand there, staring at her.

Unnerved, she shifted her weight from one foot to the next. Now was definitely the moment she ought to step back and give him some space.

But before she could do so, his hand shot out like a viper to grasp her forearm. “Do you know where we are?”

She glanced around. “We’re in the courtyard.” And they were completely alone.

Several thoughts ran through her head, the main one being where no one can hear you scream. The way he held on to her both thrilled and terrified her.

Safe. She was completely safe. Tucker wouldn’t hurt her. Deep down, she knew that without a doubt.

When she continued to stare at him with confusion, he finally pointed upward with one finger.

They were beneath a tree that had long since lost its leaves. She knew if she looked up, she’d likely see the moon shining bright between its branches, but she decided to play along. “What do you want me to see?” she whispered.

“Just look up, will you?”

She snickered, making a show of lifting her head and staring up into the darkness.

All at once, her stomach dropped, and her heart sped up faster than it had ever raced. Overhead was a distinctive sprig of mistletoe. For the life of her, she didn’t know how he’d managed to see it in the dark.

Her head snapped back into its usual position. This was it. He was going to kiss her right here, right now.

Unless he was just trying to make her uncomfortable. Whether he kissed her or not, he had succeeded. She could no longer hear the distant sound of music playing at the ice-skating rink. The sound of chatter from others who had decided to take an evening stroll had also disappeared. The whole world had fallen away in the thirty minutes since they’d gone exploring.

It was just Tucker and herself.

Alone.

She couldn’t move.

Not when he edged ever so slightly closer.

Not when he cupped the side of her face with his palm.

And not when he whispered, “I would like to kiss you now.”

She blinked, her lashes fluttering ferociously despite the fact that the snow had stopped falling.

“Can I kiss you, Blaire?”

“Yes,” she rasped.