Bayside Mistletoe Read online

  Chapter 9

  Gary’s breath hitched. He was vaguely aware of Wes saying something, but it was only background noise. He’d been hoping Judy would show up for the lighting, but he hadn’t realized just how much he’d wanted it until she walked into view.

  She was breathtaking as usual in her gray coat and pink scarf which matched her pouty lips perfectly. Oh, how he’d missed kissing that mouth. His heart raced and regret stung. Why hadn’t he left his flight and fought for love?

  Because he was stupid, that was why. Every day he’d stayed away from Enchantment Bay and Judy had been like digging himself further into the pit of idiocy.

  “Earth to Gary!”

  Groaning, he turned to his friends. “What?”

  “Why don’t you ask her out?” Andy asked.

  “Who?”

  Wes shoved him. “Judy, you dummy.”

  No sense in denying the obvious. “It isn’t that simple.”

  “Why not?” Andy gave him a bewildered look. “Just ask her on a date. She’ll say yes. The girl can’t take her eyes off of you.”

  Gary drew in a deep breath and held it. “Things are complicated.”

  Andy shook his head. “You are a dummy.”

  “Thanks.” Gary stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets and turned his attention to the tree, where the mayor was fixing an ornament. From the corner of his eye, he watched Judy. She stood next to her sister, who had a guy draped over her shoulders.

  Gary wanted to join them and wrap himself around Judy, but that wasn’t possible. Not after the way he’d treated her.

  Before long, the mayor turned to the crowd and spoke about the long-standing tradition of lighting the Christmas tree. He droned on longer than necessary, and Gary glanced back over at Judy.

  She was looking at him. His heart skipped a beat as their gazes met, then they both looked away quickly. It felt like being a teenager all over again. This wasn’t him. He should be able to walk over to her and start a conversation, but she made him nervous and tongue-tied. If it were possible to trip over his tongue, he’d find a way when in her presence.

  The enormous tree lit up, and Gary turned to it. The bright lights nearly blinded him at first, then he took in the sight. The tree felt magical in a way it never had before. Or maybe that was because of the way it illuminated Judy on the other side.

  His friends were right. He needed to do something. That was why he’d come back to town—to make things right with her. Even if they didn’t end up getting back together, he needed to explain himself. To apologize. It had taken him too long to realize his mistake, and she was too important to let it go. For the sake of what they’d once had, it was time to man up and apologize.

  The mayor raised his arms and started singing O Come, All Ye Faithful. Everyone joined in on the second line and the song surrounded him. He glanced over at Judy again, and this time she smiled instead of looking away.

  After two more songs, the mayor thanked everyone for coming and directed the crowd to a table holding hot apple cider and hot chocolate.

  Gary turned to Wes and Andy. “I’ll catch you guys later.”

  “Get the girl.” Andy shoved him in Judy’s direction.

  She stood, admiring the tree while her sister kissed the guy under a mistletoe.

  Gary stared at the mistletoe, wanting nothing more than to swoop Judy underneath. He took a deep breath and focused on what he needed to do—apologize. But first he weaved his way through the crowd and grabbed two hot apple ciders.

  “Thirsty?” He held one out for Judy.

  She glanced at him, surprise in her eyes, and took the cup. “Oh, thanks.”

  “No problem. Did you enjoy the lighting?”

  “Yes, the tree is so beautiful.” She sipped the drink.

  So are you. “It really is.”

  His mind raced with things to say as he gulped down his cider, nearly burning his tongue. No words seemed good enough. How could he apologize for hurting such a wonderful person so much? There was no way to make it right other than going back in time and making a different choice.

  Judy looked at him like she was waiting for him to say something. As much as he wanted to apologize, it wasn’t the place for it. Not with so many people milling around them.

  “Empty?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  He took the cup from her and threw them both away, hoping she wouldn’t disappear while his back was turned.

  She was still there.

  Relief washed through him. He returned to her. “I hear the lighthouse is decorated for the season.”

  “It is?”

  “That’s what Wes said. Do you want to check it out?” Please say yes.

  She didn’t answer right away, and it took the air right out of his lungs.

  He cleared his throat. “Not many people know about it yet. It’s probably a lot quieter than here.”

  Judy nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”

  It took him a moment to realize she’d said yes. “Do you want to walk? Or I can drive. Whatever you want.”

  She glanced in the direction of the lighthouse over by the rocks. “A walk sounds nice.”

  His heart raced. Just walking to and from would give them an hour together, and that wasn’t counting the time together at the lighthouse. “I think so, too.”

  Judy gave him a little smile, then they headed away from the crowd. Once on the sidewalk, she took a deep breath. “I love this time of year, don’t you?”

  He held her gaze. “It’s my favorite.” Because I’m here with you.

  They walked in silence for a few minutes before Judy spoke again. “I gave Dustin an earful earlier.”

  Gary’s stomach twisted in knots. The last thing he wanted to talk about was that jerk. “What did he say?”

  “Not too much, but I think I got through to him.”

  “Good. And how are you feeling?”

  She smiled. “Great.”

  Because they were together or because she’d stood up to Dustin? Or maybe both? “I’m glad to hear it.”

  They walked in silence some more. More than anything, he wanted to wrap his arm around her or to hold her soft hand in his. Holding back was so much worse because he knew what it was like. He knew the thrill of being close to Judy Rivera, and he couldn’t have it. He’d messed that up long ago.

  A coffee shop came up before the turn-off to the lighthouse. That was new since he’d left town.

  He turned to Judy. “Do you want to stop in there to warm up?”

  She shook her head no. “I want to see the lighthouse. Last I was there, it was still falling apart. Would you believe I haven’t been there since they last renovated it?”

  “You haven’t?” He couldn’t help wondering if that meant she hadn’t been there since they had been there together. They’d had a date there one time, and that was one of his favorite memories. He’d packed a picnic lunch one warm summer afternoon and they’d had their first kiss. Gary had gotten swept away in the moment with sounds of the waves in the background and looking into her beautiful eyes. She’d been leaning against the door and he’d pressed his mouth on hers mid-sentence. It’d been perfect.

  “I haven’t had any reason to go.” She smiled shyly.

  Was she remembering their first kiss, too? His heart raced. Maybe they could recreate that moment under mistletoe.

  Chapter 10

  Snowflakes floated down as they walked down the road. Gary wanted to take her hand in his, but kept his fists firmly in his pockets as they made their way to the lighthouse. He stopped walking in front of the coffeehouse. It sure looked busy and warm inside.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to stop in and get out of the cold for a few minutes?” he asked. “We can still go to the lighthouse after.”

  She glanced over. “Maybe on the way back. I’m eager to see it.”

  Did that mean she enjoyed being alone with him? It wasn’t like Gary to be so hesitant to speak his mind, but after messing thin
gs up so badly with her once, he didn’t want to do it again. He needed to be purposeful in everything he did. “Sounds like a plan.”

  The flakes grew fatter and felt magical as they danced down. It made him want to whisk her into his arms and dance. To have such a phenomenal time that she forgot all about the dance with what’s-his-face.

  Gary wanted to kick himself for not being the one to invite her. At least she wasn’t in a relationship like he’d feared. What a disappointment that would have been—to move back for the girl only to find she wasn’t available.

  He’d have waited if that had been the case. Oh, he’d have waited as long as it took. Gary Hunter and Judy Rivera were meant to be. Their destiny was stronger than his stupidity. He couldn’t believe he left her, let alone hadn’t turned around to make things right. Nothing he could do about it now, other than believe they were fated to be together. He clung to that notion and would continue to as long as necessary until it became reality.

  She shivered as they neared the turnoff for the lighthouse.

  Was this his opportunity? He turned to her, heart racing. “Do you want me to put my arm around you? To warm you up.”

  Her eyes widened slightly. What was that in them—hope? Fear? Or maybe a little of both?

  “You look cold.” He turned his attention back to the sidewalk.

  She cleared her throat. “If you don’t mind.”

  Gary nearly laughed out loud. If he didn’t mind putting his arm around her? Oh, sweet innocent Judy. He put his arm around her and took in her cinnamon aroma. Was that the perfume he’d given her at their first Christmas party? He smiled. “No, I don’t mind.”

  She leaned against him as they walked and he took in the moment, never wanting it to end. They quickly came to the turnoff.

  Judy stopped and gasped. “What a beautiful sight.”

  He looked at her. “Breathtaking.”

  Then he glanced over at the structure, and truly he’d never seen it look so perfect. So romantic and full of Christmas spirit. Not only had the old building been fixed up, but now it was covered in festive decorations and the nearly-full moon lit up the bay behind it. Several of the pine trees next to it were lit, and the falling snow perfected the scene.

  Judy took a deep breath and turned to him, her expression filled with wonder. “Can you believe it?”

  His breath hitched. “It’s perfect.”

  “And nobody else is here. They’re really missing out.”

  “Our gain.” He continued walking, and she leaned against him. They stopped in front of the door—the place where they’d had their first kiss.

  He hadn’t known what a good thing he’d had. Why had it taken him all those years apart to figure out that they were meant to be together? Hopefully, it was a mess that could be undone.

  She stared at the festive lighthouse—no mistletoe at the door, like he’d hoped.

  “What are you thinking about?” The words escaped his mouth before he’d given them much thought.

  Judy turned to him, a little pink coloring her cheeks—more than from the cold. Was it possible she was thinking about the kiss, too?

  His mind raced with things to say. Should he apologize for leaving the way he had? Ask her about the returned letter? Or cut to the chase and bring up their kiss?

  She spoke before him. “I was thinking about the time you brought me here.”

  He relaxed. “So was I.”

  “You were?” Her mouth gaped.

  How he wanted to plant his lips on hers. He swallowed. “It’s one of my happiest memories.”

  Judy arched a single brow. “It is?”

  His pulse raced. Did he dare tell her she was the reason he’d returned to Enchantment Bay? Or was it too soon? Did he need to spend more time winning her back? Why did it have to be so hard to do the right thing? To know what the right thing was? Would it really be so bad if he kissed those sweet lips?

  Yes. Yes, it could be—if she thought he was forcing himself on her like Dustin had. If that was still fresh in her mind, which it had to be.

  Why couldn’t he get anything right when it came to her? It seemed that no matter what he did, it was the wrong decision. He should’ve been the one to invite her to the dance. It should have been him spinning around the dance floor with her. Then she’d have never ended up in tears at the beach.

  “Gary?”

  He cleared his throat and shoved aside his regret. “Yes, it’s one of my favorite memories.”

  Judy tilted her head. “Even after all this time?”

  “Especially after all this time.” He traced her jawline with his thumb.

  “I don’t understand.” Her eyebrows knit together and her forehead wrinkled.

  “Judy, I was stupid to leave you. It was the worst decision I’ve ever made, and I haven’t stopped regretting it. Not once.”

  Her pupils dilated, and she breathed more quickly, as evidenced by the white puffs of vapor quickly escaping her pouty lips.

  He took a deep breath. “I’m so glad you don’t hate me, even though that’s what I deserve after treating you the way I did. I’m really sorry—I know that doesn’t make it better, but if I could take it back, I would. In a heartbeat.”

  Chapter 11

  Judy stared at him, hardly able to believe her ears. He regretted storming off the way he had? The memory of the date when he’d first kissed her was one of his favorite memories?

  Was he really saying what it sounded like he was saying? Did he want to give things another chance, too? It was almost too good to be true. She expected her alarm to wake her any moment.

  He held her gaze. “I hope that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  Judy’s heart skipped a beat. She’d already forgiven him—she knew she had the instant she saw him back at the diner. The moment he walked back into her life and shook everything up. She found her voice. “I forgive you, Gary.”

  “You do?” He blinked a few times.

  She nodded. “I forgave you a long time ago.”

  He traced her jawline again, sending a warm shiver down her spine. “You don’t know how happy this makes me. Especially here.”

  She swallowed and glanced over at the door. “Where you kissed me for the first time.”

  Time seemed to stand still as they stared into each other’s eyes. Her heart skipped a beat or three. He leaned closer like he was going to kiss her. Did he want it as much as she did?

  Singing sounded from behind them.

  Judy spun around, her pulse drumming in her ears. A group of carolers were heading their way. Disappointment washed through her over the interrupted moment. The almost-kiss.

  She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. Then reality settled in. Maybe it was for the best. So much time had passed since Gary had left. They were both different people now—she certainly was, and he had to be, too. Not only that, but if they were to get back together, they had to talk through some things.

  They couldn’t just pick up where they’d left off. It wasn’t possible. Not without going back in time.

  The carolers came nearer, singing Silent Night.

  Gary guided her closer to the building. They leaned against it at the very spot they’d shared their first kiss so long ago. She struggled to breathe normally. Her emotions vacillated between wishing they’d been able to recreate the moment and relief that they’d been interrupted.

  If they were going to give their relationship another go, they really needed to go about it the right way. His apology was a good start, but that was all it was—a start. He’d really wounded her, and it’d taken a long time to move past the hurt.

  The group of singers walked past. She recognized most everyone, many were classmates. A couple waved them over to join them.

  Gary glanced at her. “Do you want to sing carols with them?”

  “Sure. Sounds like fun.”

  He kept his arm around her and they joined the group, who were now singing Away in a Manger. They stoppe
d near the edge of the cliff and looked over the water. Gary pulled Judy so close, she could feel the vibrations of him singing. The rich bass of his voice warmed her deep down.

  They sang two more songs before the group headed away from the lighthouse back to the street.

  Gary leaned close and whispered in her ear, “Do you want to stay or go with them?”

  “How about we go to the coffeehouse we passed on the way over?”

  “Sure thing.” The longing in his expression was undeniable.

  She wanted to kiss him at the lighthouse, also, but it would mean so much more once they were able to talk through what had happened. Why he’d left and never tried to make things right until now.

  Snowflakes fell faster and they accumulated everywhere, covering everything and filling the air with a silence only the snow could bring as the carolers strolled in the opposite direction.

  Gary held open the coffeehouse door for her. A gush of warm air welcomed them. It had to be at least fifty degrees warmer inside, maybe more. They both ordered hot chocolates—it was too late for coffee which would keep her awake all night—then sat at a table near the back. A Christmas tree half-covered the table, giving the feel that they were alone again.

  They sipped their drinks, not saying anything for a few minutes before he set down his cup and held her gaze. “Can I ask you something?”

  She smiled. “I think you just did.”

  The corners of his mouth twitched. “You’re right. But I have a serious question.”

  Judy set her cup down and twisted it in a circle. “Go for it.”

  “Why did you return my letter?”

  She gave him a double-take. “What letter?”

  “After I moved away. I mailed you an apology, but you sent it back unopened.”

  The room seemed to spin around her. “I never got any letter.”

  “Could you have forgotten?”

  She shook her head. “I’d remember that. I know because I kept waiting for a phone call or something in the mail. I’d have ripped open a letter from you in a heartbeat.”

  He sucked in his lips and looked deep in thought. “So, you never even saw it?”