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

pitcher of homemade boysenberry syrup.
    “These look and smell delicious,” Julia said. “I’ll have to work out extra hard later, but it’s totally worth it. Thanks.”
    “House specialty,” Caroline said with a pleased smile. “Eat up, Julia, and let me know if you need anything.”
    Jake liked how the townspeople had embraced Julia like one of their own. He admired her profile as she bowed her head to pray. Knowing he should turn the other way, he couldn’t. Dylan’s sister was like some kind of irresistible magnet, and he was powerless to resist the attraction. I’m in huge trouble here, Lord.
    “I also know you almost got your nose broken in an altercation with a boy named Trevor in seventh grade,” Julia said, breaking into his thoughts. “You were suspended a few days for some type of insubordination during your sophomore year, and you dated the football homecoming queen most of senior year.” Julia laughed at his obvious surprise.
    Jake shook his head. “Trevor insulted a friend and—sorry to say— he was the one who got his nose broken. The insubordination was a frog on a chair, and I only had three dates with Sherry. People in this town really need to get a life.” That didn’t come out right. “Look, I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but…”
    “I know what you mean,” Julia said, “and for the record, I didn’t ask. All that information was volunteered. Some by my brother and sister-in-law, but I’ll never tell.” She shrugged. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re like the only two unmarried people under the age of thirty in Starlight.” She opened her mouth as though to say something else, then closed it, appearing embarrassed.
    “Not to mention the only two over five foot eight.” That sounded pretty dumb. Jake slid off the stool. At least the simple movement didn’t hurt. Thankfully, every day his pain eased a little more. He reached for his check and pulled out his wallet to keep him focused. One of the two of them was also engaged, and he’d best depart since he was either out of touch or there was some definite flirting going on between them. Maybe she was just being friendly. Didn’t she know she was too irresistible to smile at a guy like that if she was taken, and there could never be anything between them?
    The guys at the firehouse were right. Trying to read a woman was worse than trying to figure out Shakespeare. Both were impossible, but at least Julia was worth the effort. Never mind she’d be going home soon to her fiancé, most likely a doctor or professional white collar guy who could build her a big house in the suburbs and they could get all the animals she wanted.
    “I’d better get over to the firehouse,” Jake said, his gaze lingering on Julia. The way she cut her pancakes into miniscule bites was fascinating, but the woman must take an hour to eat a sandwich. Thank goodness Dylan didn’t share that trait, or there’d be a few more houses in Starlight burned to the ground while the man finished his food. Now, you’re being ridiculous .
    “Who’s watching Bailey while you’re at work?” she asked.
    “What do you mean?”
    Julia lowered her mug to the counter, her expression incredulous. “Please tell me you put her in a crate in the kitchen, in a closed room, or in a contained area with a baby gate or something?”
    “No, I didn’t.” Owning a dog was a lot more involved than he’d anticipated. “Will I need to file an insurance claim?”
    “You might. Here’s a tip: before you go to the station today, you might want to stop by the house and check on Bailey…and take my suggestion to keep her in an enclosed space.”
    Jake frowned. “Point taken. I’m sure you’re right.” His shoulders drooped. “Man, I stink as a dog daddy.”
    “You’ll be fine.” The smile she gave him distracted him to the point where he tossed down a five by mistake on the shiny countertop for Carolyn’s tip. He’d look like a heel if he made change,