Holiday Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses by M. Ullrich

Author:M. Ullrich [Ullrich, M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781635557619
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-11-01T01:29:37+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Miranda held on to Rich’s broad shoulders and then held his broad jawline in her hands. Liv wanted to gag.

“I am so glad you could make it, Richard,” Miranda said before pulling him back into another long hug.

Liv watched in horror from the couch as Miranda made a show of kissing Rich’s cheek beneath the mistletoe. Mistletoe she’d insisted on hanging. “Barf.”

Miranda’s ridiculous smile had to be painful. “It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without you.”

Liv knew her face reflected just how disgusted she felt. “Double barf.”

Jesse leaned in. “Is that the guy? The ex?”

“He’s not an ex. They were never a thing despite Miranda’s twisted version of history.”

“Maybe Theo never told you about it because she knows how much of a Jealous Judy you are. Let’s just hope they stay away from the mistletoe.”

Liv turned very slowly to look at Jesse. She cocked her head. “I know you’re used to drama,” she said, shifting her eyes briefly to a distracted Eloise, “but that’s not how we roll in this house.”

Jesse lowered her head, properly scolded. “I’m sorry, but you have to admit it feels like an ex situation.”

Liv followed Jesse’s eyes and watched Rich hold Theo a bit too long for her liking. “Now I’m really going to barf.”

“Hey, everyone,” Rich said, addressing the room. No one really seemed all that interested in his arrival, much to Liv’s satisfaction. “What are we up to?”

“There’s still some desserts on the table and coffee in the percolator. If you’re hungry, I can put a plate together for you.” Theo stepped away before she continued talking. “What can I get you?”

Liv understood Theo had to be a polite hostess, and she also reminded herself Miranda was to blame for this uncomfortable situation. Thankfully, she was prepared. “Can I get you something to drink, Rick?”

“Rich,” Miranda and Rich both said, correcting her simultaneously.

Liv smiled internally. “We have wine, beer, water, and soda. Where’s your wife?”

“We split,” Rich said to Theo. “A few months ago.” Jesse started coughing and had to step away.

Theo tilted her head in sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”

Liv felt that backfire like a punch to her face. “Wine, beer, or soda?”

“Or brandy,” Miranda said.

“Not the brandy.” If Liv couldn’t drink the brandy, neither could Rich.

“Speaking of,” Rich said, ignoring Liv completely, “this is for you. I know you love a good cabernet.” He handed Theo a red and green plaid bag.

Theo took the gift and looked directly at Liv. She walked away from Rich and stood next to Liv. “You didn’t have to do that, but we appreciate it.”

“Come on, Theo. You know it wouldn’t be polite for me to show up empty-handed.” Rich’s eyes held far too much adoration.

Liv cleared her throat. “You’re right. Never show up uninvited or empty-handed. How about that drink?”

Rich didn’t look away from Theo. “I’ll take a beer. Thanks.”

Liv walked to the kitchen, breathing in and out rhythmically to keep calm. She grabbed a beer from the fridge and gave it a small shake before bringing it to Rich.

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