Page 18 of The Holiday Exchange

She eyes Dawson. “I think some introductions are in order.”

“This is my boyfriend, Dawson.” The lie rolls more easily off my tongue this time.

“Pleased to meet you.” Dawson plays the part by stepping up and affectionately throwing an arm around my shoulders. The weight of it both grounds me and sends my stomach into a tailspin of butterflies. The reaction confuses me, and I consider stepping away, but I also like it too much, even if we’re just playacting.

Dawson must read something in my expression because this time he’s quick to unwrap his arm, even though I want to protest. He casts his gaze around, taking in the advent calendars and Santa signage on the walls. “I love your shop.”

“Thank you.” She winks at us. “Feel free to have a look around.”

As he browses the shelves that display everything from handmade soap to mountain-view postcards, Mrs. Grace and I make small talk near the door. “He’s very handsome. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks.” Feeling uncomfortable, I change the topic to a family I recognize walking by with bags in their hands. Bythe time she’s finished filling me in on town gossip, Dawson’s already rung at the counter whatever he’s purchased.

“We’ll head out,” I say to Mrs. Grace.

She pats my shoulder. “See you two at the tree lighting?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Dawson replies, and I know he means it. And who am I to keep him from experiencing everything in his small-town fantasy?

I glance at my watch, noting it’s already lunchtime. There’s a reason I don’t come into town too often. With all the visiting, I hardly get anything done.

Dawson has his phone out again, snapping photos of the decorated shops, and with the snowy backdrop, they would no doubt make nice postcards for Mrs. Grace’s shelf.

“Mind if we take a selfie?” he asks, and no way I’ll refuse. I wind my arm around his back, and the grin that splits his lips is infectious. I realize then that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much this trip, and it’s all due to Dawson.

“How about lunch at the diner?” I suggest.

He arches a brow. “Depends. You promised me some famous blueberry pie.”

I snicker. “Coming right up.”

8

DAWSON

The diner is onlythree doors down from Giving Grace. The sidewalks are full of people, everyone waving and saying hi as we pass in a way that never happens in the city.

When we get to the diner, Briar holds the door open for me. “Such a gentleman,” I tease.

“You came all the way out here with me, I figure I should treat you right.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be your boyfriend if you didn’t.” I wink, and he gives me an unsure smile. I’m enjoying spending time with him, getting to know Briar even more than I already had when he’d come into Sip and Savor to see me. Okay, I guess I should reword that. He wasn’t coming in to see me, I just wanted him to. Just like a part of me wishes that erection I felt digging into my back this morning had been about more than morning wood.

“Briar Maxwell! Look at you!” A woman in her sixties approaches us. “Your mama and daddy said you were coming. It’s good to see you!” She wraps Briar in a huge hug. It’s been like this everywhere today, and I wonder if he knows how special it is. He really has the best of both worlds—a career in the city andsomewhere special like this, with family and friends who adore him to come home to.

“Hi, Ms. Hattie. How are you?”

“Oh, as good as can be expected. Get some swelling in my feet sometimes, but you don’t want to talk about that. Who is this young man?” She looks at me.

“Hattie as in the name of the diner?” I ask.

“The one and only.”

I hold my hand out to her. “I’m Dawson Jones, Briar’s boyfriend. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“Oh, I hoped you’d say that. Our sweet Briar deserves a good man. I’ve been hoping he’d bring someone home with him every year since he left.” She looks at Briar. “You know I love Mark, but he did you dirty back then. I won’t say you deserve better. The two of you just weren’t a match, but I won’t say I’m not glad for it either.”

Well, that can’t be comfortable to hear. It’s obvious Ms. Hattie doesn’t mean anything by it, but I’m sure Briar doesn’t want to be reminded of being dumped by the man he was supposed to leave for college with.