Merry with a Playmaker: Love Beach Holiday Collection by A.M. Roark

Author:A.M. Roark [Roark, A.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

The bonfire crackles and pops, sending glowing embers dancing into the night sky. I spot Evan across the way, laughing with friends, his eyes crinkling in that familiar, charming way. My heart does a little flip despite my determination to play it cool tonight.

I casually saunter over, hands in my coat pockets, attempting an air of nonchalance. "Hey stranger." I bump his shoulder with mine. "Fancy meeting you here."

Evan's gaze meets mine, warm and inviting. His lips quirk into that crooked grin I know so well. "Merry! I was hoping I'd run into you." He gestures around at the festive scene. "Quite the holiday setup they have here in Love Beach, isn't it?"

"It's not bad," I allow, eyes scanning the lights and holly garlands strung between lampposts. "Quaint, even. In an overly sentimental, Hallmark movie kind of way."

Evan laughs, the sound rich and genuine, and it stirs something low in my belly…and parts south. "That's high praise coming from you, Miss Cynical."

Grabbing a cup of mulled cider from a passing tray, I raise the mug to my face inhaling the spices and warmth. I take a small sip and wince at the slight burn on my tongue. Worth it. Anything to keep my hands and mouth occupied so I don't say something stupid or pull him in for a kiss that would melt the snow off the ground.

I mingle and chat with the other partygoers, I sneak glances at Evan from the corner of my eye. The firelight flickers across his handsome features, making him look both boyishly playful and dangerously alluring all at once. Memories of our passionate encounter last night flash unbidden through my mind, making my cheeks flush.

Just then, I catch a snippet of Evan's conversation with his old rugby buddy. "...all according to plan so far. I'm just glad she showed up tonight..."

I freeze, my plastic cup hovering halfway to my lips. Plan? What plan? The seed of suspicion takes root, unfurling tiny tendrils around my buzzing brain. I glance back at Evan, noting the conspiratorial tilt of his head, the secretive quirk of his mouth as he talks.

A sinking sensation settles in my stomach and I have to consciously unclench my jaw. Of course. This cozy reunion, the intimate moments reigniting between us like Christmas magic... He orchestrated the whole thing.

I’m the fool in a Hallmark movie. Cue the sad music and falling snow.

I down the rest of my cider in one burning gulp. The warmth does nothing to chase away the chill spreading through my veins. I should have known. Evan always was a master tactician, on and off the field.

I paste on a bright smile as an acquaintance pulls me into a discussion about the charming small town atmosphere. Inside, my mind is reeling, heart thudding traitorously against my ribcage. What is Evan's game here? Why do I think I’m the one who might be played?

**********

My head buzzing with unanswered questions, I excuse myself from the conversation and stride purposefully toward Evan. He turns, his face lighting up when he sees me.

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