My wish was answered when we walked inside and I spotted Wyatt. I didn’t know him that well, but he seemed like a nice guy. Vicki thought the world of him, which made it easier for me to approach him.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” I said, offering him a beer.
“Thanks,” he said accepting the bottle. “Happy Thanksgiving. You guys sure know how to party.”
I glanced around the room. “I guess. It’s the first time I’ve been to one of these things. It’s like every Tuesday night, except with alcohol.”
Wyatt laughed, a sound that made me smile. He was an attractive man. I always liked the clean-cut look and he nailed it with his short, dark hair and fitted gray sweater over dockers. Even his full beard was neatly trimmed, short but adding an element to him that could make a woman swoon.
I was not a swooner.
“I guess we should have expected this then. How come you haven’t been before?”
I shrugged. “Vicki just met them last year. I’ve always worked so much that I didn’t start going to girls’ night until a few months ago.”
“Yeah, me too. Olivia kept asking me, but it always seemed like a set-up. That’s the last thing I need.”
“Oh, someone else happy to be single?” I teased.
Wyatt nodded. “Definitely. I have too much on my plate to be involved with anyone right now.”
“I feel the same way. Of course, I feel that way all the time. It’s worse around the holidays though. I can’t stand this time of year.”
“Oh, wait now, you’re crossing a line there.”
I laughed, enjoying talking to him and how easily we teased each other. “Why is that?”
He shook his head. “You can’t hate this time of year. It’s perfect.”
“Nope. Not for me. I can’t stand it. From Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day is pretty much the opposite of perfect. If I could, I’d hibernate through it.”
He laughed and clutched his heart. “You’re killing me. I can’t believe you don’t love this. The snow is so beautiful and the whole town comes together. The winter festival is going to be the best event we’ve had yet.”
I shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’m really not a joiner.”
“Tell me you’ve been to our other events.”
I shook my head, already laughing because I knew he was going to be overly dramatic.
He turned and walked away, one hand out at me in a stop sign. I laughed harder, loving that he was willing to tease me. Everyone else treated me with kid gloves.
He laughed and came back to me. “You have to promise me you’ll go to the winter festival. I promise you a good time.”
“That sounds like a line, Mr. Mayor.”
He barked a laugh and shook his head. “You’re going to get me in trouble.”
Hand to my chest, I feigned innocence. “Me? No? I’m not trouble.”
He shook his head. “You definitely are. But you have to promise me. You’ll enjoy it.”
I shook my head, wrinkling my nose. “I’m not so sure. I have a hard time thinking one party will change the whole season for me.”
“Promise me, Peyton. You’ll give it a shot.”
He looked so sincere, so determined, that I had no choice. “Okay, fine. I’ll give it a shot.”
“Yes!” he shouted, throwing triumphant arms in the air. “You’re going to love it. I promise.”
“We’ll see.”
Thank you so much for reading Stocky & Sumptuous. Vicki and Hunter were two characters that I had so much fun bringing to life. I hope you loved their story, too.
The series continues with Peyton’s story. Christmas is her least favorite time of the year. She’s over it before it even starts. Wyatt makes it his mission to change her mind. This friends to lovers romance will have you celebrating Christmas year round. Pick up your copy of Ample & Alluring today!
* * *
Looking for a little danger? Kelsea’s mind is playing tricks on her. She thinks she’s being followed. But when she swears she saw someone outside her bedroom window, she runs…straight into the arms of Jaymes. He’s dealing with his own demons, but together, they have to find out the truth about who’s after her. Before he gets to her. Read Forgotten now.
* * *
College grad, Paige is on a break with her best friends. She’s newly single, and the perfect way to get over her ex is with the sinfully sexy Dante. Five days is long enough, and they go their separate ways. Until Paige walks into her new job and finds Dante is her new coworker. Read In Front Of Me today.
About the Author
Mary E. Thompson spent most of her childhood wishing she had a few less curves. She hid between the pages of books because her favorite characters never cared what size her clothes were. Now, neither does Mary, and she writes stories about women like her. Real women who have curves, chase dreams, and find love, because we should all be happy, no matter what size we are.
When Mary’s not reading or crafting stories, she’s playing with her two kids or living out her own real life romance with her amazing, curve-loving hubby. She has a weakness for chocolate and will fight you for the last peanut butter cup. Unless you trade her for a glass of wine. Then everyone can be friends.
* * *
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