Mistletoe Not Required

by A. D. Justice

  Not school.

  Not grades.

  Not my future.

  Just him.

  When I feel his arms slide around my waist from behind, I instinctively lean back against his chest. Force of habit, maybe. Muscle memory, perhaps. Too long without sex, definitely. The man feels too damn good. And he smells too damn good. And he looks too damn good. And if I go to jail tonight, this still would be so damn worth it.

  “You remember, don’t you?” His lips brush the shell of my ear. The chills running down my arm have nothing to do with the cold night air. “How it feels to be in my arms. My lips against your bare skin. All the ways my tongue made you crazy. You remember everything about us, don’t you?”

  “How could I ever forget, Hunter?” My whispered reply doesn’t make it any less true.

  “Let’s see if you remember how to skate doubles.” He turns me around, keeping one arm around my waist for support.

  We begin to move in tandem lap after lap, our actions as synchronized as professional skaters. At least, in my mind.

  Until my blade catches on a gash in the ice.

  The rest of our movements aren’t so graceful. Even though I see them happening in slow motion, there’s not a damn thing I can do to stop them. Since I was skating backward and holding on to Hunter, my body doesn’t stop when my blade does. My arms are locked around Hunter’s neck, and my grip tightens when I lose my balance, pulling him down with me. On top of me. As I fall flat on my back.

  “There are much better ways of getting me on top of you, but you get points for creativity.” His flirty smile would normally melt the thick layer of ice around my heart, but I have a much more pressing issue to deal with first.

  As if I’m not humiliated enough already, my uncoordinated landing knocks the breath out of me. So while Hunter lies on top of me, trying to untangle himself without hurting me, I start barking like a seal, trying to remind my body how to breathe again. He rolls to my side but doesn’t get up off the ice.

  “Calm down. Just relax. Don’t fight it, and it’ll stop sooner.” When my normal breathing resumes again, he smiles down at me. “There’s never a dull moment with you around.”

  When we’re both back on our feet again, I notice the concerned expression on Amelia’s face and the amused one on Chad’s. “I’m fine, Meli. Just watch for that crater in the ice on your next pass.”

  Undeterred after that unfortunate incident, we keep skating together, although now we’re both facing forward and watching for nicks in the ice. When the moon is high in the sky and the snow starts to fall again, Hunter steers me to the exit.

  “It’s time for the next surprise.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll survive any more surprises tonight.” I laugh at my clumsiness, knowing I’m not hurt. I’ve fallen on the ice too many times in my life for this one to be any different.

  We leave through the back entrance of the park—the one next to the horse stables. There, drenched in moonlight and waiting in the deepest part of the snow, are two horse-drawn sleighs.

  “Hunter, this is perfect. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a sleigh ride.”

  “Let me help you in.” Once we’re seated, he unfolds the blanket and spreads it across our legs. Then he reaches down below the seat and pulls out an insulated mug and hands it to me. “This hot chocolate will help warm you.”

  The velvety smooth liquid slides down my throat as easily as the sleigh rails slide across the snow beneath us. Amelia and Chad are in the cart behind us, so our only company is the driver with his back to us. The snow starts to come down harder, but the moon still shines brightly through the scattered clouds to light the path. We really are riding in a winter wonderland, and I find myself naturally gravitating closer to Hunter. The wind blowing in our faces is cold, but we snuggle under the blanket well inside the carriage, taking turns with the thermos until the last drop is gone.

  The large draft horse pulls us with no effort at all, over hills and around curves. Everything is quiet except the sound of his hooves striking the snow and his occasional snort. The woods are comforting and inviting, almost as much as the arms of the man beside me. For a moment, I get lost in a memory of him and me, how strong our love once was. It hits me how much of a hold he obviously still has over me.

  Without even realizing it, I relax into him, my cheek presses against his chest, and his arms wrap around me. I feel his lips on the top of my head. Then they move lower, closer to my temple, because I’ve lifted my head to meet him. Then on my cheekbone, just below my eye. If I lift my face a little bit more, our lips will touch. If I completely give in and relax the rigid control I’ve held on to since the day I left Cringle Cove, I’ll have the one thing I’ve craved the most but denied the hardest.

  But I close my eyes and lower my head back to his chest instead. I’ve been here before—lost in Hunter, blinded by love and eventually jilted by it too. That’s one place and time I never want to visit again. My moment of weakness passes. The beauty and allure of this town and this man are working hard to pull me back in, but I’m stronger than I used to be. I left it all behind once before. I can do it again.

  With a glance down at my watch as I sit up, I make a show of checking the time. “It’s getting late, and Amelia and I have to get up early tomorrow to help Dad in the clinic. I’m sorry to end this perfect night, but we really should be getting back.”

  Hunter nods, but he’s not fooled. Not that I was trying to fool him—I’ve made my stance clear, except that momentary lapse in judgment. “Of course. Wouldn’t want you to get in trouble for being late on your first day on the job, would we?”

  “Very funny. Dad has enough going on right now. I’d feel bad if I overslept and caused him more trouble.”

  His expression turns serious. “How is your Gran doing, Mal? How’s your dad holding up?”

  “Uh, he’s fine. Gran only had hernia surgery, so she’s basically fine—just a little sore. That surgery is robotic-assisted now, which isn’t a big deal at all. Mom’s only helping her because she’s old and shouldn’t drive for a few days. And because she’s a demanding, hateful old woman who expects everyone to cater to her every whim.”

  “Oh, okay. Are you going by to see her while you’re home?”

  “I had no intentions of seeing her, but my best friend in the whole wide world volunteered us to take over one day to give Mom a break. Not that I don’t want to help my mom, but I’d rather do anything else. That’s what we were arguing about when you and Chad arrived tonight.”

  “It’s only for one day. Maybe you’ll be glad you went.”

  “Yeah, I doubt that. At least Amelia will be with me, though, so I won’t be the only one to suffer.”

  The trail loops back around to the spot where we started, and soon we’re heading back down the mountain road to town. Conversation in the truck revolves around what a great night this has been—mainly from Amelia and Chad. Hunter and I chime in to keep the awkwardness to a minimum, but we both know it’s there regardless of our acting abilities.

  I’ve already made a similar decision about Hunter that I did about Gran.

  Only one day with her. Only one date with him.

  At the end of our break, my time in this town will come to an end. For good.

  Chapter Eight

  Hunter

  “Have you heard back from Mallory?” Chad hoists the saddle onto his horse’s back and begins securing it. He doesn’t look at me, though, because he’s trying to act casual.

  “No, not a word. I’ve left her a voice mail and sent her a text—just in case. She hasn’t answered either of them. That was three days ago.” In fact, I haven’t talked to her at all since I dropped her off after our date.

  “Give her time and some space, man. She’ll come around.”

  “Chad, she’s had four years and nearly a thousand miles. I think she’s had plenty of time and space from me.”

  “Well, when you put it that way…”

  “Shut
up and ride off into the sunset already. You have a group ride waiting for you.” I hear him laugh as I leave the barn and walk toward the office. There’s no point in asking if he’s talked to Amelia. If I had to guess, which I don’t even want to, she’s the one he’s been texting nonstop for the last few days.

  “Good morning, Hunter.” Mom’s already at her desk, checking the schedules and confirming the payments for the upcoming reservations. I don’t know what I’d do without her bookkeeping skills because I certainly can’t do it all by myself. “You boys have a full day today.”

  “Yes, we do. You keep piling the tourists on us, one family after the other. Not that I’m complaining, though.” She hands the day’s full schedule to me, and I release a low whistle. “It’s a good thing we all love our jobs because we won’t be taking off anytime soon. We have more carriage and trail rides today than I thought.”

  “Don’t stress over it. I’ve already talked to our extra trail guides, and they’re on their way in as we speak. The horses will be tacked, and the riders will be in good hands.”

  “You’re the best office manager ever, Mom. Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me. You’re not the only one who loves their job.”

  “Did you manage to talk Henry into accepting his bonus? I’m glad he enjoys taking people out on sleigh rides, but he won’t accept tips from the locals.”

  “Actually, I didn’t tell him anything about it. It’s automatically deposited into his account, so he won’t even realize it until he checks his bank balance.”

  “Very sneaky, Mom. I like it.”

  “Maybe you should think about being sneaky yourself. Calling and texting her only gives her an opportunity to avoid you. It’s very difficult to plan for a surprise when you don’t know it’s coming.”

  My eyebrows disappear into my hairline. “How did you know?”

  She releases a disappointed sigh, one I’ve heard too many times in my life. “Hunter, we live in a town where everyone knows everyone else. Exactly how many secrets do you think you have from me?”

  “Let’s change the subject.”

  “Then let’s talk about how long you’ve been working without a break.”

  “What are you talking about? I take breaks.”

  “Sleeping for a few hours at night is not taking time off, son. Twenty-five is way too young to be burned out from working nonstop. You have to get away from here for a while—at least a week or two—to recharge yourself. You’ve heard of a work-life balance, right? I know you’ve felt like you had something to prove, but you’ve achieved that many times over now.”

  “You know I hate it when you psychoanalyze me.”

  “No, I haven’t even started psychoanalyzing you. I’m simply stating the obvious facts. You’re my son, Hunter, and I only want you to be happy.”

  “I know, Mom, and I appreciate your concern. But I have to do this my way, not your way.”

  “You are every bit as stubborn as your daddy.”

  “Must be why you’re so crazy over both of us.” I wink at her, knowing our stubborn streaks are the spice of her life. Just maybe not the kind of spice she prefers.

  “Yes, I’m sure that’s the reason why.” She rolls her eyes at me playfully. “Hey, do you think you can take Banjo by the vet today? His incision looks a little red to me.”

  “Sure, Mom. Let me finish a few things around here first, and I’ll go by and get him.”

  With the schedule in hand, I return to the barn to check the horses and gear before the horde of tourists descends on us later today. My thoughts return to Mallory, as they usually do when I’m alone. I could kick my own ass for pushing her too hard too soon. Especially when I knew better after the way we broke up. But part of me thought if she just remembered the good times, we could get past the bad times faster. Now I realize that was naïve thinking and I’ve probably lost even more ground with her.

  After I’ve checked and fed all the horses, it’s almost time for the next set of tourists to arrive for their horseback ride in the snow. A couple of the wranglers get the horses ready to ride while the guide covers the safety speech. Maybe Mom was right—about everything. A surprise visit to make Mallory talk to me and show her I’m not giving up so easily is in order. And maybe, just maybe, a couple of weeks off work isn’t such a bad idea.

  All work and no play—all that jazz.

  Knowing the customers are in good hands, I head down the mountain and straight to my parents’ house. Mom hates taking Banjo to the vet for anything except his shots, but I have a feeling this is a wild goose chase to ease her mind. Maybe my day will get better and Mallory will just happen to be working today. Mal can’t blame me for taking good care of the family dog. In no time, I’m walking into the clinic with Banjo in tow, the familiar ringing of the bell over the door as we enter. The young receptionist behind the desk is on the phone, engrossed in a conversation about pet care, so I sign in and take a seat.

  When Amelia comes out from the back to call the next pet’s name, she scans the full room as she watches to see who stands. Her gaze stops and lingers on me, and I greet her with a smile and a quick wave. She walks over to me and crosses her arms.

  “What did you do to her?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted to make sure she had a good time.”

  Amelia raises one eyebrow at me, disbelief written all over her face.

  “Fine. Maybe I also wanted to make her miss our old times a little. Is that so bad?”

  “Yes. Because any memory of your time together includes your breakup. I suggest starting there if you want to change anything. That is, if she gives you a chance to talk to her again.”

  “Oh, she’ll give me a chance if I have to kidnap her and hold her hostage until she develops Stockholm syndrome.” I’m more than determined. This is happening one way or another.

  “Good. No excuses, Beckett.”

  Amelia walks the pet and owner to the back and leaves me with a glimmer of hope. I have Mallory’s best friend on my side. That’s always a good sign. When it’s finally our turn to be seen, Amelia takes us to the exam room and crosses her fingers at me in a sign of good luck before closing the door.

  We don’t have to wait too long before Mallory opens the door and stops dead in her tracks when she sees me. “Hi.” She glances back down at the manila folder in her hand. “You surprised me. I thought Lisa would be here with Banjo. I haven’t seen your mom in forever.”

  “Mom is busy working, but I had a short break, so I brought him for her. She thinks his incision may be getting infected.”

  “All right, put him up here on the table, and let’s see what’s going on with his handsome guy.”

  When he’s on the table, she talks to him while petting him, and he immediately takes to her. Not that I had any doubt—she seems to have that effect on all the Becketts. He relaxes from his rigid stance, and his tail starts wagging fast, like a propeller about to take off in flight. She coaxes him to lie down and scratches his belly, prompting him to roll over without a fight.

  Funny, that same trick always worked on me too.

  “His incision looks good—maybe just a touch of redness. That’s probably from where he has licked it, though. Does he stay inside most of the time?”

  “Yes, almost all the time. He’s Mom’s cure for empty-nest syndrome. She spoils him more than she ever did Dad or me.” I laugh and scratch his belly, not admitting that we all pitch in on spoiling the dog.

  Mallory looks up at me, her lips parted and eyes wide. When she left for college, I still lived at home. Seems she assumed I still do, but she doesn’t appear to want to actually break down and ask me.

  “Amelia and I went out riding around the outskirts of town last night so I could show her the rest of the area. We drove by what I now know is your old house. She loved the sleigh ride you arranged the other night, so I was going to show her the barn your family ran them out of a few years ago. But everything was dark and quiet, and I didn’t know where you�
�d moved it.”

  “Business really picked up, and we needed more space. We added guided horseback rides for the tourists, so we bought the old horse farm at the foot of the mountain and built a bigger barn. Now we have direct access to one of the trails leading up to Santa’s Village.”

  “That was a great idea, Hunter. I bet that was your suggestion.”

  “Yeah, it was, but one of the trails I use to go up the mountain is the one you and I blazed together.”

  She looks back down at Banjo and runs her fingers through his coat, slowly nodding her head. “I remember that trail.” Her words are spoken so softly, I don’t think she meant for me to hear them. “Okay, well, Dad will be with you in just a minute to double-check Banjo, but I don’t think his incision is infected.”

  “You should’ve been a veterinarian. You’re every bit as good at this as your parents are.”

  “No, I’m really not. I’ve helped as an assistant with on-the-job training, but I can’t be part of euthanizing animals. I bawl my eyes out along with the family—even when it’s the best decision for the pet. My sobs don’t really help comfort anyone. Anyway, I’d better get to the next patient. Dad will be in here soon.” She opens the door and takes a step out of the room.

  “Before you go, I want to ask you something.”

  She looks over her shoulder at me and waits with her eyebrows slightly lifted.

  “Did I do something wrong the other night? I thought we were having a good time, but everything seemed to change out of the blue.”

  “No, you didn’t do anything wrong—I had a good time. We’re just two old friends who reconnected after a long time apart. Once this semester break is over, I’m going back to Georgia to finish school.” She pauses for a moment, her chest rising with the deep breath she draws in. “And after graduation, I don’t plan to come back here.”