Read Online Beyond the Mistletoe: A Christmas Romance (Beyond Love Book 7) by Karice Bolton - Free Book Online
Authors: Karice Bolton
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with the water down your front.”
“Even if I am freezing, I don’t want to miss a second.”
“Of what?”
“Of being with you.”
I grabbed the table to stay anchored on this planet and glanced at my filet mignon.
“Was that too much?” he laughed.
I shook my head, delight filling me.
“Not at all. I could get used to it.”
But I knew better.
The music changed abruptly from western to Christmas Time is Here , but I felt immediately relaxed in Derek’s presence, and there was no logical explanation for it. There was something natural between us, but maybe that was because there was no pressure.
“Charlie Brown,” Derek said, taking a sip of his beer. “Something about good old Charlie to make the holidays.”
I took a bite of filet, and it melted in my mouth.
“Can’t beat Schroeder tickling the keys,” I chuckled. “This is always such a sweet song.”
“So you know your Charlie Brown.”
“How could I get this old and not know the ins and outs,” I teased.
“You’d be surprised how many people have no idea who Schroeder is or Linus.”
“I’m shocked.”
Derek smiled, and I saw a flicker of boyish amusement behind his gaze.
“I’m actually quite versed in all things pop culture. I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, and Cabbage Patch Kids. The first editions.” I grinned.
“Garbage Pail Kids were a passion of mine.” He took a bite of steak, and I couldn’t believe the ease of the conversation. This was so unlike my online dating fiascoes.
“Are you into the holidays?” I asked. “Beyond Charlie?”
“I’m looking forward to being with family over Christmas. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the same state as them.”
“That’ll be nice. I’m sure they’re looking forward to it. Where are you headed?”
Derek nodded and wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded. “Montana, and my mom is most definitely looking forward to my return. How about you?”
“My parents and sister are making the trek this year. They live on the other side of the state so I usually make the drive their way. How long are you going to be in Montana?”
“I’m actually moving there.”
I held in a sigh of unexpected disappointment. Of course he was moving to Montana. That was why I was still single after all these years. My luck in the dating department was nonexistent.
“Oh, wow. That’s a change,” I said, bringing my gaze to his. I really didn’t have to worry about the “what ifs” and “afters” so maybe this was the best possible scenario.
“It’ll be a big change that’s for sure.”
“You’re not sure about it?” I asked.
“Life is an adventure.”
“Especially if you move to Montana.”
“You’ve been?”
“A few times. I’ve camped in Yellowstone.”
“Really? You don’t strike me as the camping type.”
I smiled and nodded. “I’m pretty much game for most things.”
“So are you into Christmas?”
“I used to be.” Now was not the moment to bring up a divorce. That much I’d learned. “I’m trying to get back in the spirit. It used to be my favorite time of year, but I’ve been kind of out of the holiday spirit lately. I hope to jump start it before they come for Christmas. I’ve got my tree up, at least, but I’d love to string some Christmas lights outside before they arrive.” He looked absolutely fascinated, which made no sense.
“Put on a good, old-fashioned Christmas movie, and I’m right there.” He smiled. “Always gets me in the holiday spirit…something like White Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life. ”
“True.” I felt a sense of longing for the feelings that used to drip from me during the holidays. I’d prided myself in decorating, baking, and holding party after party. I loved wandering in the city, enjoying the window displays and Christmas lights. And then I stopped. I just stopped participating. I wanted that feeling back again.
“So would you be interested in an after-dinner
“Even if I am freezing, I don’t want to miss a second.”
“Of what?”
“Of being with you.”
I grabbed the table to stay anchored on this planet and glanced at my filet mignon.
“Was that too much?” he laughed.
I shook my head, delight filling me.
“Not at all. I could get used to it.”
But I knew better.
The music changed abruptly from western to Christmas Time is Here , but I felt immediately relaxed in Derek’s presence, and there was no logical explanation for it. There was something natural between us, but maybe that was because there was no pressure.
“Charlie Brown,” Derek said, taking a sip of his beer. “Something about good old Charlie to make the holidays.”
I took a bite of filet, and it melted in my mouth.
“Can’t beat Schroeder tickling the keys,” I chuckled. “This is always such a sweet song.”
“So you know your Charlie Brown.”
“How could I get this old and not know the ins and outs,” I teased.
“You’d be surprised how many people have no idea who Schroeder is or Linus.”
“I’m shocked.”
Derek smiled, and I saw a flicker of boyish amusement behind his gaze.
“I’m actually quite versed in all things pop culture. I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, and Cabbage Patch Kids. The first editions.” I grinned.
“Garbage Pail Kids were a passion of mine.” He took a bite of steak, and I couldn’t believe the ease of the conversation. This was so unlike my online dating fiascoes.
“Are you into the holidays?” I asked. “Beyond Charlie?”
“I’m looking forward to being with family over Christmas. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the same state as them.”
“That’ll be nice. I’m sure they’re looking forward to it. Where are you headed?”
Derek nodded and wiped his mouth with a napkin and nodded. “Montana, and my mom is most definitely looking forward to my return. How about you?”
“My parents and sister are making the trek this year. They live on the other side of the state so I usually make the drive their way. How long are you going to be in Montana?”
“I’m actually moving there.”
I held in a sigh of unexpected disappointment. Of course he was moving to Montana. That was why I was still single after all these years. My luck in the dating department was nonexistent.
“Oh, wow. That’s a change,” I said, bringing my gaze to his. I really didn’t have to worry about the “what ifs” and “afters” so maybe this was the best possible scenario.
“It’ll be a big change that’s for sure.”
“You’re not sure about it?” I asked.
“Life is an adventure.”
“Especially if you move to Montana.”
“You’ve been?”
“A few times. I’ve camped in Yellowstone.”
“Really? You don’t strike me as the camping type.”
I smiled and nodded. “I’m pretty much game for most things.”
“So are you into Christmas?”
“I used to be.” Now was not the moment to bring up a divorce. That much I’d learned. “I’m trying to get back in the spirit. It used to be my favorite time of year, but I’ve been kind of out of the holiday spirit lately. I hope to jump start it before they come for Christmas. I’ve got my tree up, at least, but I’d love to string some Christmas lights outside before they arrive.” He looked absolutely fascinated, which made no sense.
“Put on a good, old-fashioned Christmas movie, and I’m right there.” He smiled. “Always gets me in the holiday spirit…something like White Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life. ”
“True.” I felt a sense of longing for the feelings that used to drip from me during the holidays. I’d prided myself in decorating, baking, and holding party after party. I loved wandering in the city, enjoying the window displays and Christmas lights. And then I stopped. I just stopped participating. I wanted that feeling back again.
“So would you be interested in an after-dinner
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