A Candycane Wish by Kari Shuey

Author:Kari Shuey [Shuey, Kari]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kari Shuey

I hover at the edge of the large banquet room. It’s the kind of space that doesn’t seem to belong in a government building. All I can guess is it was built during a time people simply took pride in their work.

But it’s not the unique tile or simply elegant wallpaper that draws my attention.

It’s him.

Lucian is talking with the mayor a few yards away. He glances over to me, and our eyes lock. I’ve never met anyone quite like him, and I still can’t believe I’m here at this party as his date.

His smile triggers the swirling sensations within me, and I find myself smiling back. This isn’t happening. I’m not falling for Lucian Scott. That would be a mistake.

Wouldn’t it?

“He’s quite a catch, but I would wager you know that already.”

I jump and turn toward the intrusion. Eva’s got one arm across her waist, and the other holds a glass of cider. She’s watching her husband speak with Lucian, but I know who she’s referring to. Her gaze shifts to meet mine. “He’s been through a lot, though. And we all care for him deeply.”

“I can see that.” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat.

“He’s quite taken with you.”

I blink a few times and turn my attention back to Lucian. I want to say that I’m surprised by her statement, but I’m more surprised Eva noticed. “I’m taken with him, too,” I whisper.

“Good.” Eva smiles. Her voice is quiet, hard to discern over the chatter from the party. “You two make a very cute couple.”

“Oh, we’re not…” My words trail off as I get a good look at Eva’s pointed expression. There’s something in her eyes that makes me wonder if she knows something I don’t. Who am I kidding? Lucian is a local in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. If anyone is going to know something, it’s Eva. Her husband is the mayor, for heaven’s sake. “Honestly, we haven’t discussed the consequences of starting something.” My heart flutters at the implication of my words.

Just because we haven’t discussed it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. There’s a sense of magic in the air, and I find myself believing that maybe I can find love after the heartache I’ve experienced.

My attention shifts to Lucian, and I murmur, “Isn’t it crazy though? I can’t drop everything to move here. And I don’t see someone like Lucian moving for me.”

Eva chuckles. “No one is thinking that you two are going to get married. There are all kinds of relationships out there. People figure out how to make them work when they want them to. Test the waters and find out for yourself if that’s something you want.” Eva leans in closer to me and winks. “And as for your question, no. I don’t think it’s crazy. I didn’t grow up here, and look at me now. There are worse places than Breckenridge. Who knows, maybe you’ll find that this is where your heart belongs.”

Before I can comment that she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, Eva slips away.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.