“We have to kiss in front of everyone at the parade?” She couldn’t help the slight squeak in her voice.
“Yeah.” A sexy smile edged his lips. “That’s why we should practice first. To make sure we get it right.” A dimple flashed in his cheek, belying his serious tone.
Kate certainly couldn’t imagine Mr. and Mrs. James kissing as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, even if they had been married a long time. Was this Sarah’s idea? Or was she just being paranoid?
“Okay,” she replied, butterflies jitterbugging in her stomach. She’d dreamed about kissing Flynn. Who was she to argue with the script directions?
He stood, brandishing the piece of paper. “We should do it exactly like we will on the float.”
Kate nodded, rising from the table. She could certainly do this. But what would Flynn think after he kissed her? That he preferred petite skinny girls? Or sky-high glamazons who were just as tall as him but had a figure to die for? As he took a few steps toward her, she gave thanks that she’d diligently applied lip balm all winter. At least her lips would be soft and smooth.
She held her breath when he stood before her. Gazing up into his gold-flecked brown eyes, she felt a rush of awareness run down her spine. They were really going to kiss.
“Ready?” he asked huskily, gathering her into his arms.
Nodding, she allowed herself to relax in his embrace, her hands tentatively touching his trim waist. His strong, muscular arms, honed by ranch work, held her securely - not too tight, and not too loose. In fact, just right.
It had been so long since she’d been held by a man. Too long. Even if she’d had the inclination to date over the last few years, she’d been too busy with her cooking career. She’d barely had enough time to sleep, let alone steam up the sheets with a boyfriend. Although she’d had a few boyfriends in the dim, distant past, she wasn’t exactly beating off eligible men with a stick.
Until now.
Telling herself not to be silly, she tilted up her face. It was a stage kiss. Nothing to get excited about.
But when Flynn’s lips hovered above hers, her heart hammered. His mouth touched hers, oh so slowly, his lips caressing, seeking, tasting. She closed her eyes, giving herself up to the incredible sensations swirling through her.
This wasn’t a stage kiss. It was so much more.
She blinked when he eventually released her lips. Somehow, she didn’t think Santa had ever kissed Mrs. Claus like that.
“I think that was a good start,” he said a little hoarsely, banked heat in his eyes.
A good start? It had been incredible.
“Yes,” she murmured, surprised she could even speak. His arms were still around her, and she realized that during the kiss, her hands had grasped his waist more firmly.
“Maybe we should practice some more tomorrow.” He seemed reluctant to let her go as he loosened his arms around her. “I can stop by the shop in the afternoon.”
“Okay,” she said, trying to control her wobbly breathing.
“I’ll make sure I bring the script.”
***
The next day Kate couldn’t stop thinking about Flynn’s kiss. He’d gone home shortly after, repeating that he’d see her tomorrow. And now, it was just after two o’clock.
She’d had to concentrate during the rush hour at lunch, but all too soon, she’d been free to let her mind drift back to the subject of Flynn Winters.
Did Santa really kiss Mrs. Claus in the parade every year, or was Sarah responsible for adding that stage direction? Somehow, that seemed more like something Sarah’s cousin Libby would do. When she saw Sarah again, she would definitely ask her.
And maybe she would even thank her.
The bell tinkled and Flynn strode into the shop. Kate clutched the counter, telling herself to act natural.
“Hi.” He smiled at her, pulling the script out of his jacket pocket.
“Hi.” She couldn’t help feeling a little shy as she greeted him.
“Is now a good time to run lines?” He looked around the small space, devoid of customers.
“Perfect.” Just after lunch was usually a quiet time.
He cleared his throat and repeated the line from last night, before handing the pages to Kate.
With growing confidence she recited her own line, then gave the script back to him. He didn’t even look at the text as he delivered his line about giving her a gift, although she was sure there was a gleam in his eye when he said, “Ho, ho, ho.”
There was a pause, and Flynn looked at her expectantly.
“What?” She felt her face grow warm.
“It’ll be easier to put my arms around you if you come out from behind the counter.” He grinned.