Read Online Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Joann Durgin - Free Book Online

coughed and steeled himself to look Julia’s way and not fall off the counter stool. Claiming the vinyl was slippery wouldn’t fly as an excuse for taking a pratfall. “I think so.” When her long hair brushed across his sleeve, he wondered if it was as soft as it looked. His gaze slid to her pink sweater, off-white down vest and jeans tucked into boots. She’s taken. Don’t even think about it. He forced his eyes to the milkshake machine, not wanting to be caught gawking, or one of the old-timers would pull out the worn cliché and tell him to take a picture because it would last longer.
    “Maybe I should order tea?” Amusement danced around the edges of Julia’s question.
    “I’d say so, unless you’re feeling like a martyr.” They shared a grin. It felt good. So far, so good. Don’t blow it. Say something witty . “So, I got myself a dog yesterday.”
    “You did?” Those mesmerizing eyes—more inviting than a swimming pool to a ten-year-old on summer vacation—met his.
    “Well, a puppy. Bailey.”
    “Nice name. Male or female?”
    “Female. Yellow lab.” He caught her look. “Oh, no. I’m a novice at puppy paternity. Please don’t tell me getting a female was a mistake, too?”
    Julia gave Caroline her order for hot tea and whole wheat pancakes. “Too?”
    “Let’s just say Bailey’s winning the battle.” Draining his water, Jake thanked Caroline when she promptly refilled it. She also removed his empty plate and poured him another cup of coffee. From what he could tell, the dark brew was grounds-free. Still, he’d taken enough chances for one morning.
    When Julia laughed, it sounded wonderful. Hearty and captivating. Man, he was losing it.
    “Have you ever had a dog before?” she asked.
    Caroline set Julia’s mug of hot tea on the counter with a wink in Jake’s direction. He shot her a return wink and grinned at the way the older woman’s cheeks colored pink like a shy schoolgirl. Remembering Julia’s question, he straightened on the stool. “Believe it or not, my dad was allergic to dogs, and mom was allergic to cats, so nothing but turtles and hamsters for this animal nerd.”
    Julia sipped her tea. When she blinked, her lashes were the longest he’d ever seen. If he wasn’t a goner before, that did it. He was falling for her, but she could only be his friend. That fiancé of hers sure was blessed. He hoped the guy understood how much. Funny how she hadn’t mentioned the man in her life; he should think she’d have that “I’m taken” look written all over her. If Julia was his fiancée, he’d waste no time in slipping a diamond on her ring finger and shouting it to the whole world. Perhaps it was being sized. Jake avoided meeting her gaze, not wanting her to pick up on his fascination with her.
    “I find that difficult to believe.”
    Jake shook his head after momentarily forgetting the subject. Maintaining his concentration was difficult with her sitting so close their shoulders brushed. Not to mention her voice was incredibly appealing, so gentle and sweet. “What’s that?” Hopefully that would move the conversation along without letting on his thoughts were inordinately distracted.
    “You don’t exactly seem like the nerd type in any sense of the word, especially one who would have his nose stuck in a book when you could have been doing more…outdoorsy things.”
    It was Jake’s turn to laugh. “I’ll have you know I was the senior class valedictorian.” His class had fifteen graduates, but he’d keep that to himself.
    “I know.” Julia added a packet of sweetener to her tea and swirled it slowly. “But you were also the quarterback.”
    How had she learned all this? Was she curious and asked about him? Dylan and Hannah didn’t know everything, especially from ten years ago. One thing was certain: her smile could charm the hardest of hearts. Even old man Picasso would love this woman.
    Caroline put the plate of pancakes on the counter with a small