Christmas on Main Street (21 page)

This Christmas . . .

Clint popped the top off of a Kentucky Ale and slid it across the bar to Noah Falcon. The tavern was filling up fast, and there was a festive feel in the air that had everybody abuzz with conversation and laughter. Evidently, Christmas Carol Karaoke Night was a popular annual event in Cricket Creek. There were even prizes to be awarded.

“Hey, let’s set up a time to get together and talk,” Noah said.

Clint leaned closer to the baseball legend and nodded. “I’d like that. I’m living over at the high-rise across from the stadium.”

“Good deal,” Noah said. “Ty McKenna is home watching his kid tonight, but I’ll introduce him to you next week.”

“Thanks, I’m looking forward to it,” Clint said. Noah Falcon was a hometown hero in more ways than one. First, for being a major-league baseball superstar and then for being a soap-opera heartthrob, but mostly for building the baseball stadium that brought prosperity back to Cricket Creek. Clint had once dreamed of following in Noah’s footsteps, well, except for the soap opera part, but he was really looking forward to this opportunity. The Cricket Creek Cougars were a step below the minor leagues and competed in an independent professional baseball league designed to give players a chance to play the game and get noticed by scouts for the big leagues. Many of them either had gotten cut at the higher level or, like Clint, never got the shot to prove themselves at the higher level.

Clint slid a couple of beers over to another customer and then turned to his father, who was mixing a martini. “It’s getting packed in here. When does the karaoke begin?”

“As soon as Mia Patrick steps up to the microphone and gets things under way.”

“Isn’t she also the public relations director for the Cougars?”

“Yeah, and married to Cameron Patrick, a Cougar player who got drafted into the minors and is doing quite well, I might add. She’s cute as a button but a tough little cookie when it comes to business. Got me to buy a big ol’ sign advertising Sully’s out in center field. Oh, here she comes now.”

Clint looked over to see a cute blonde hurrying to the microphone. She was wearing a sparkling silver dress and high heels that looked impossible to walk in, much less hurry in. “Good evening, everybody, and welcome to the third annual Cricket Creek Christmas Carol Karaoke party!” Beer bottles and glasses were raised, and a loud collective cheer went through the crowd.

“I just want to remind everybody that there is a big box for canned goods right here behind me.” She gestured overhead with her thumb. “We want to stock up the food bank for the holidays. And if you didn’t already know, and I’m sure you do because I don’t shut up about it, Heels for Meals—my charity with my friends Olivia, Jess, Madison, Sunny, Violet, Bella, Nicolina, and Myra—is going strong over at Violet’s Vintage Clothing or you can access us online. Ladies, we’ve got a nice collection of donated designer shoes for sale just in time for the holiday season! All of the proceeds will go directly to local families in need of some extra help during Christmas and throughout the entire year.

“That said, here are tonight’s karaoke rules. If you want to come up here and sing a song, it will cost you five dollars, the money going to Pete Sully’s charity, Toys for Tots and Teens. Noah Falcon, Ty McKenna, and my dad, Mitch Monroe, have gotten together to donate lots of prizes including hats, T-shirts, and the grand prize of season tickets to the Cricket Creek Cougars baseball games. We’ve also got dinner at Wine and Diner, jewelry from Designs by Diamante, toys from A Touch of Whimsy, just to name a few. So dig into your wallets and whet your whistle. Oh, and if you have a little bit too much fun, if you know what I mean, there is Santa’s sleigh . . . well, Santa’s minivan, out front ready to shuttle people home.

“And let’s not forget about the five bucks for a mistletoe kiss. If you’re under the mistletoe and you hear three dings from the tip bell over at the bar, you have to stand there and wait for your kiss from the person who put up the five bucks . . . unless you want out of it—that will cost you ten.” She waited for the whistles and applause to die down. “Let’s get this party started!”

Clint joined the crowd and applauded. He leaned close to his father and said, “Wow, I’m impressed.”

Pete nodded. “Our little town bands together and does big things.”

“I agree,” Clint said. He would have added more, but when he glanced over to the front entrance and saw Ava enter with Ronnie, the rest of what he was going to say evaporated in his brain. They paused at the coat check his dad had set up to accommodate the crowd, and when Ava slipped off her long leather jacket, Clint caught himself staring. She wore a tan skirt that hit above the knee and a shimmery gold button-down sweater that exposed the smooth column of her neck and just a hint of cleavage. Her hair was piled up in a loose bun with just a few loose tendrils caressing her face. Her jewelry was minimal, and she wore dark brown leather boots with chunky heels that added to her height. The look was timeless, classy, and yet Clint didn’t think he’d ever seen a woman look so damned sexy.

“When you pick your jaw back up off the floor, I could use two Bud Lights,” Pete requested.

Clint nodded absently to his father, not hearing a word he’d said because in that moment, Ava looked over at him. When their eyes met she didn’t look away, but held his gaze. A slow smile spread across her face, making Clint’s heart thud. Something had changed.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake—and I do mean me,” Clint’s father grumbled and nudged him out of the way so he could grab the beers. But then Pete must have spotted Ava looking at Clint. He grinned. “Well, I’ll be . . .”

“We’re packed. Where’s she going to sit?” Clint asked, worried that Ava might leave before he had his chance. But then a group of girls sitting at a round table over in the corner waved to her and Ronnie.

“Go on over and say hi. I’ll hold down the fort here at the bar,” Pete offered.

Clint shook his head. “I’ll wait until they get settled before I head over there,” he said. In truth, he needed time to gather his wits about him and figure out something clever to say.

“Okay. Let me know when you want to get your mistletoe kiss. It’s over there . . .”

Clint looked over his shoulder to where his dad was pointing. “Seriously? At the hallway to the bathrooms? You can’t avoid going under it.”

Pete chuckled as he handed another beer to Noah Falcon. “I know. At some point you have to put yourself at risk, right, Noah?”

Noah laughed. “You got that right.”

Clint shook his head and looked over at Noah Falcon. “It’s for a good cause. I’m guessing it becomes pretty popular later in the evening. But I’d sure hate to get turned down with the ten-buck rule.”

“Well, unless you’re married,” Noah said with a laugh. “Olivia is over there sitting with Myra, Jessica, and Madison. She’d be pissed if another woman tried to kiss me, so I’ve got a slew of tens in my pocket.” He patted his jeans.

“Who came up with this mistletoe craziness?” Clint wanted to know.

“Mia did last year,” Pete replied. “She’s a money-making machine, especially when it’s for a good cause.”

A moment later, Clint was laughing until his sides hurt when Ava, Ronnie, and her group of friends stood up and got the karaoke started with “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Ava was doing more laughing than singing, but Ronnie held her own, bringing the house down with the funny ending to the song.

Noah chuckled and pointed to the next group heading up to the microphone. “Ty is home with his son, Ben, so Jessica could come out tonight. In case you didn’t recognize them, that’s her daughter, Madison, and of course their aunt Myra, who used to run the diner until Jess took over.”

“Jessica doesn’t look too happy about singing,” Clint observed while he watched Myra and Madison all but drag Jessica up to the stage.

Noah laughed and raised his phone to film the whole thing. “Ty is going to be so sorry that he missed this.”

The trio did a very bad version of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” but still got a very big round of applause.

“Hmmm . . .” Pete got out his clipboard and made a note. “Could win the worst performance,” he said with a chuckle.

When Olivia stood and started singing a beautiful rendition of “Blue Christmas,” Clint observed Noah beaming with pride. During his baseball heyday, Noah Falcon had been known to be quite the playboy, but he sure looked at his wife with adoring eyes. With that in mind, Clint looked over at Ava’s table in time to see her with her chin cupped in her palm, listening intently to the song. He thought about his dad’s recent admission and knew it to be true. Christmas is blue when you can’t spend it with the people you love the most. The first year after the divorce, Clint couldn’t bring himself to come home to a broken family and had stayed in his dorm and eaten a frozen turkey dinner, wishing all the while for his mom’s mashed potatoes and gravy. From that moment on, Christmas represented more sadness than joy. This Christmas, he hoped things would be different. His father nudged him and handed him a martini glass.

“Take this over to her, Clint. I’ll get Mia over here to help me behind the bar. She gets a big kick out of ringing the tip bell.”

Clint took the delicate glass from his father’s big hand. “Okay, but if you need me . . .”

“Go! You’ve been working your tail off all week. Have some fun tonight.”

When Clint hesitated, Noah said, “Hey, if you need some extra help behind the bar, I’ll step in for you.”

“Thanks, Noah,” Clint said.

“If you’re wondering if I’m buttering you up, I am. I played college ball with Jake Barnet and he has really good things to say about you. I really want you on my staff.” Noah winked. “Now, go get that sweet little toy store owner you’ve been staring at since she walked in.”

“I think I will.” He put the drink down for a second and reached in his pocket for his wallet. “Dad, here’s five bucks. Ring the bell when you catch Ava beneath the mistletoe.” Clint picked the glass back up, took a deep breath, and wished he had a drink of his own for a little liquid courage. He’d approached plenty of women over the years, and no one had ever made him feel nervous jitters the way he was feeling now. But they were good jitters, the kind he always felt with the bases loaded, two out at the bottom of the ninth inning. He was halfway over to the table when he saw Ava get up from her chair. His heart pounded when he saw that she was headed in the direction of the ladies’ room.

Oh boy . . .

The mistletoe kiss was supposed to happen later, after Ava had a few drinks and he’d—what was the word? Oh yeah, wooed her. Clint looked over at his dad at the bar and gave him a “don’t do it” look, but it must have been misinterpreted and he was given a thumbs-up. He saw his dad reach for the bell, almost in slow motion. If Clint didn’t show up for the kiss, Ava would stand there feeling stood up. Clint looked down at the cosmopolitan and then drained it in four gulps. A moment later, the bell rang three times, bringing a cheer from the crowd.

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe

When Ava heard the bell ding, she looked up and, yep, there it was,
the mistletoe
. With a silly smile pasted on her face, Ava came to a halt even though she really wanted to bolt. Ava hoped that she had a ten-dollar bill tucked in her purse in case she wanted to pass, even though she probably wouldn’t hurt someone’s feelings by refusing the kiss.

Then she saw Clint heading in her direction, and her pulse started beating like the wings of a hummingbird. All eyes were on her, so she knew she had to make this funny rather than intimate, but the thought of being in Clint’s arms made her feel warm all over and she had the sudden urge to rip off her sweater. She really needed to stop wearing sweaters.

“Are you going to take him or leave him?” someone shouted, and although Ava tilted her head and tapped her cheek as if considering the question, the ten-buck turndown never even entered her mind. Suddenly Clint was standing in front of her, and she had to remember to keep her cool . . . well, at least act like she was keeping her cool. Because she wasn’t. So when he leaned over to give her a kiss, she artfully dodged his mouth, bringing laughter from the crowd. He tried again without success, finally grabbing her. With the crowd cheering him on, Clint dipped Ava over his arm and planted a big smacking kiss on her lips. And even though he’d kept it playful too, her lips tingled, leaving her longing for so much more. Whistles and applause had Ava laughing and feeling a little bit light-headed after the dip backward—or maybe it was the kiss.

Luckily, a moment later Mia started singing a slightly off-key but cute version of “Santa Baby,” diverting the attention of the crowd away from their theatrical display. But when Ava would have gone back to her seat, Clint pulled her down the hallway where the offices were located. She followed, feeling a surge of excitement.

“What was that kiss all about?” Ava asked after they stopped.

“For a good cause.”

“Oh, the charity?” she asked, slightly disappointed.

“No . . . for me. I wanted to send a message to the rest of the guys in the bar.”

“And what would that message be?”

“That you’re with me,” he said in a low, sexy tone that slid over her like smooth Southern Comfort.

“You tasted like a cosmopolitan,” Ava commented with a slow grin.

“Sorry. Dad made it for you, but I just downed it.”

Ava raised her eyebrows. “You just tossed back a cosmo?”

Clint grinned. “Yeah. I always thought it was a girly drink, but it packs quite a punch.” He took a step closer and her heart thudded.

“It’s pink, but it’s still a martini.”

“Yeah, pretty but potent,” he agreed, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. Ava realized that feelings she’d been fighting had been buried deep within her heart and had resurfaced stronger than ever. The cocky young athlete had returned to her a man who had been humbled by life but was better for the experience.

“Hey, wait. You owe me one now,” she pointed out, wanting to see where this night was going.

“And you owe me a
real
kiss. I paid five bucks for it,” Clint said. Before Ava could protest—not that she was going to put up a fight—he pushed her up against the wall and gave her a slow, sexy, bone-melting kiss that was more intoxicating than the glass of wine she had consumed. When he finally pulled away, he looked into her eyes. “What’s changed, Ava?”

“Nothing . . . even though I was fighting it tooth and nail,” she said. She watched him frown, but then he gave her a slow smile as if understanding. “That’s just it. My feelings for you
haven’t
changed even after all of these years apart.”

Clint ran a fingertip down her cheek. “You already know I feel the same way.”

“I do,” Ava answered softly. “Of course, we’re adults now and have to get to know each other all over again, but that foundation of caring is still there, and I think it’s something we can try and build upon.”

“Are you telling me you’re willing to take the risk after all?”

“Blame it on the mistletoe,” Ava answered with a grin, but then she angled her head to the side. “Actually, a little Christmas elf told me that there are worse things than getting burned.”

“And what would that be?” Clint asked softly.

“Having a shot at happiness and not taking it.” Ava swallowed hard. “Never knowing what might have been . . .”

“Christmas elves are never wrong,” Clint said in such a serious tone that Ava giggled.

“Ah, so you’re a believer?”

“I’m head of the elves, remember?” he replied with a lopsided grin. “But yes. I’m a true believer in new beginnings and second chances.” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “Now, what do you say we blow this Popsicle stand?”

“Don’t you have to bartend?”

“Noah and Mia are helping Dad. The rest of the floor is covered. Besides, I could use a bite to eat. You?”

“Yes, I could eat, but most of the restaurants on Main Street are closed.”

“Well, I’d offer to cook for you at my condo, but—”

“Let me guess. There’s mustard, pickles, and beer in your fridge.”

Clint chuckled. “Pretty much, but I stand behind the fact that I’m good chef. I’m just not stocked up right now. Guys only buy what they need at the moment.”

“Well, let’s head back to my place. We can throw together something. Besides, I need to look after Rosie.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me. Is your car here?”

Ava shook her head. “No. Ronnie picked me up.”

“Perfect, I’ll drive you.”

“I should let them know I’m leaving.”

Clint shrugged. “You could send a text message instead of getting back into that crazy crowd.”

“Point taken,” Ava said. “And I already have my purse with me.” Besides, she didn’t want to be anywhere else but by his side, or even better yet, in his arms.

After getting their coats, they headed outside into the crisp cool air. Ava felt a warm rush of happiness when Clint took her hand. It has been such a long time since someone had held her hand, a simple gesture that meant so much. He led her over to his car, and any remaining fear completely fell away, leaving excitement that was coupled with a sense of peace. The feeling was a heady experience. It might be cold and dark outside, but on the inside Ava was walking on sunshine.

When they reached the BMW, instead of opening the door, Clint drew her close and kissed her once more. His lips felt warm against her chilled skin, and she felt a tingle all the way to her toes. When Clint came up for air, he brushed her hair back and moved his mouth to her neck. “What are you doing?” Ava asked with a breathless giggle.

Clint lifted his head and gave her a slow smile. “Trying to make up for lost time,” he replied, but his eyes turned serious. “I’m so sorry, Ava. I—”

“No.” Ava put a gentle fingertip to his lips. “We don’t need to go there, Clint. Listen. We were young, trying to find our way in this big old world. I didn’t walk in your shoes, nor did you walk in mine. The past is, well, the past. Let’s not dredge it up once more, but instead concentrate on the future.”

Clint’s brows drew together. “While I like the way you think, I would also like to explain why I stayed away so long. Don’t you think you deserve answers?”

“No, because I’m done asking questions. We don’t need to open old wounds. We’re starting fresh. Let’s leave it at that.” Ava eased up on tiptoe and gave him a light kiss. “Okay?”

“Okay,” Clint answered gruffly. “And I know there’s no way to make up for lost time, but I’ll tell you this. From this point forward, I want to make every moment count.”

Ava gave him a trembling smile. “Deal.”

“Let’s seal it with another kiss.” He dipped his head and kissed her softly, gently but with a slow, simmering heat that held promise of the passion to come.

A sudden gust of wind had them both laughing. “Guess we should get out of the cold,” Clint said, but in truth, Ava hadn’t noticed anything but being in his arms. It was still sort of surreal to her that he was back in Cricket Creek. After another quick kiss, Clint finally opened the passenger door for Ava. “I cannot stop kissing you.”

“I like that!” Ava blushed with pleasure. It has been so long since she’d felt the butterflies-in-her-stomach reaction to a man, and it felt warm and wonderful. She climbed inside and rubbed her hands together. When Clint slid behind the wheel, she said, “This is a pretty sweet ride you have here, Clint.”

Clint patted the dashboard and grinned. “Bought it off of a friend. Coaching paid the bills, but I made pretty good extra income doing some personal training for high school kids.”

Ava nodded. There was so much she wanted to know. “Will you be coaching here in Cricket Creek?”

Clint pulled out of the parking lot. “I’ve been talking with Noah Falcon about joining the staff of the Cougars. I’m going to meet up with him this week. I might do some scouting too. I really enjoy discovering new talent, especially if it’s at a smaller school that might get overlooked.”

“You sound as if you have a real passion for coaching.”

“I do. I wanted the head coaching job at SCU, but that job is locked up for a while.”

Ava felt a stab of disappointment. “Oh, so you would have stayed in California if you had gotten the offer?”

“Well . . .” When they paused at a red light, Clint looked her way. “I have a confession to make.”

Ava’s heart started to thud. “Go on . . .”

Clint reached over and took her hand. “I felt such a connection to you while riding in the parade that it helped solidify my decision to move back.”

“Seriously?”

Clint nodded slowly. “Yep . . .” He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “And I’m glad I did.”

Ava felt a rush of pleasure both from his admission and his warm lips on her cold fingers. “Me too,” she said softly.

A horn honking behind them let Clint know that the light had turned green. He laughed, and she joined him. When they caught the next red light, Clint groaned. “Are we going to catch every doggone red light?”

“I hope not,” Ava said, understanding his hurry. They couldn’t get to her apartment soon enough. They had so much to find out about each other. “There’s a concrete apron behind the shop where you can park.”

“This feels kind of surreal, doesn’t it?” Clint asked after he killed the engine.

“Yes, but in a good way.” The low rumble of his laugh was so endearing that even though Ava wanted to be up in the apartment, she couldn’t help but lean over the console and hope for a kiss. Clint didn’t disappoint. He all but pulled her across the barrier and gave her a deep, long, lingering exploration of her mouth that stole her breath.

While Ava was still in a kiss coma, Clint got out of the vehicle and came over to her side to open her door. Ava slid into his arms and they kissed again, oblivious to the cold, the breeze, the rest of the world . . . until Rosie barked, bringing them somewhat back to reality.

Ava laughed. “Rosie must be standing by the kitchen door.”

“Let’s get up there and let her out.” Clint took her hand and started walking.

Ava laughed as she tried to keep up. “Hey, your legs are longer than mine!” she protested, but the real problem was that her knees wobbled from the excitement and anticipation of what was to come.

“No problem.” Clint came to an abrupt halt, pivoted, and scooped Ava up into his arms.

“What are you doing?” Ava asked breathlessly.

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m in a big hurry. I’m carrying you.”

“Up the stairs?” Ava squeaked.

“I’m stronger than I look.”

“Well, I’m heavier than I used to be,” Ava warned him, but to her delight Clint carried her with apparent ease.

“Hush. You don’t feel one bit heavy,” Clint assured her. When they reached the small deck, Rosie started barking in earnest. “Someone else is in a hurry,” Clint commented as he put Ava down.

Ava chuckled while she dug in her purse for her keys. “She’s actually pretty good, especially for a puppy. The only thing she does is chew my shoes, and then she hangs her head in shame.”

“You always did love animals,” Clint commented. He laughed when Rosie practically jumped up into Ava’s arms.

After petting the eager puppy, Ava let Rosie outside. Clint helped her shrug out of her coat, and then she held out her arms for his leather jacket. “Can I get you something to drink before I round up something to eat?”

“No, thanks.”

“I thought you were hungry.”

“That was an excuse to get you to myself,” Clint admitted. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” He dipped his head and gave her a lingering kiss. This was going to be the best Christmas he’d had in a long time.