Muffins And Mistletoe (A Starlight Hills Holiday Novella) by Debora Dennis Page A

tantalizing smells of muffins wafting through the air—having it in the family would be way too tempting.

    On the other hand, maybe it was all those carbs that gave Bitty her boundless energy. Always bobbing here and there, dark brown curls framing her cherubic face, her cornflower blue eyes filled with mischief and love. There were no frown lines on her sixty-year-old face, only laugh lines that reached up to her eyes when she winked.

    Everyone agreed the annual Preservation Society Holiday Gala would never be the most talked-about event of the season if it weren't for Bitty Crane and her exuberant dedication.

    Corinne looked away from the woman whose eyes reminded her so much of Jimmy's. While Jimmy had inherited his six-foot-one height from his father, there was no doubt those dancing, all-seeing, soul-searching eyes came from his mother.

    She let Bitty take her by the elbow and lead her into the ballroom. "There's been a slight change in setup plans and so much to do before the gala tomorrow night."

    "That's why I'm here," Corinne said with a sigh, trying not to smile as her little white lie slipped easily past her lips. She popped a bite-sized morsel of gingerbread heaven into her mouth while she followed Bitty to the stage. It was difficult to keep her mind off Jimmy when she was so close to his mother, and her mind raced in search of a way to get her to intervene.

    Surely his mother had the power to make him listen, didn't she?

    Corinne pulled another piece of muffin from the bag while Bitty pointed to her left. "The rest of the ladies will be here any minute, but why don't you get started moving these tables off to the side to make room for the—oh, good, Jimmy, you're here!"

    Corinne turned her head so quickly it felt like her neck snapped.

    She blinked and he was there, every tall, dark and sexy inch of him, and all she could do was stare. Her inability to speak was thankfully masked by her mouth being stuffed with gingerbread.

    Though this was exactly the scenario she'd hoped for, she was grateful her mouth was full of muffin since she couldn't find the right words anyway. It wasn't every day one groveled for forgiveness.

    Jimmy walked to his mother, barely glancing her way. "You said it was an emergency, Mom, so I'm here."

    The sound of his voice danced along her spine. Warmth radiated up to the base of her neck. Before her mouth went completely dry, she swallowed the remaining bits of muffin and hoped she didn't choke. Could there be a more embarrassing way to die than to choke to death while praying for the love of your life to save you with some good old-fashioned mouth-to-mouth?

    While she tried to catch her breath, he walked up beside them and kissed his mother on the cheek. After a cursory nod in Corinne's direction, he faced Bitty. Though he shouldn't be surprised to see her, the way his fingers ran though the hair at the back of his head clearly showed his unease. "Okay, you've got me and my tools for the next four hours. Then I have to help Dalton at the Miller house. So, what's this idea of yours?"

    He wore jeans and a plaid flannel shirt in shades of green that opened to a white t-shirt underneath. The sleeves were pushed up almost to his elbows, exposing the well-honed muscles of his forearms. If she leaned closer, she knew she'd smell the familiar woodsy cologne and it would flood her with memories of being enveloped in those strong arms. The irresistible urge to touch him made her fingers twitch and her palms sweat. Knowing he'd pull away from her was the only thing that stopped her from reaching out and taking the chance. She caught the silver blue of his eyes and he quickly turned his attention back to his mother. Deep in conversation, he pushed a hand through his thick brown hair, which only doubled her desire to move closer and brush the stray locks off his brow.

    She was miserable and only had herself to blame.

    Jimmy and Bitty talked and laughed, but Corinne didn't hear a word.