Free Two is Twice as Nice by Emily Cale Page B

born.”
    Her mouth fell open, her hand tightened around the coffee mug. “That’s actually a great idea.”
    He sat back in his chair and looked smugly at her, coffee-colored eyes twinkling at her. “That’s not even the best part.”
    Cara moved to the edge of her chair, both intrigued and confused by his ability to understand exactly what she was looking for.
    “The bears are released each year at Christmas, so they all have a winter theme.” He picked up his mocha and took a small sip. She found herself suddenly drawn to his lips, imagining them tracing the edges of her own mouth, kissing her gently. Cradling her chin in hand, one finger hit the edge of her scar, reeling her mind back to reality.
    “I’m impressed,” she said, after clearing her throat.
    “I know. I told you I’m good.”
    “A little cocky, too.”
    “Well, that’s true, but I assure you it is well earned.” He leaned in, his pine scent mixed with the smell of chocolate and coffee. A tightening in her stomach signaled the point that she should run. The attraction was impossible to ignore, and the longer she sat, the more she liked him. Dating was out of the question though. Since the accident, she hadn’t allowed any man inside her house, and she certainly hadn’t gone home with them. He was too good to be true. There had to be something wrong with him. “Well, then I have one more question for you.”
    “Shoot. Need a present for your brother?”
    “You’re not gay, are you?
    His hands fell to his lap. “What?”
    She blushed. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so direct. “Most of the guys I meet would never be able to come up with an idea like that.”
    “Sorry to disappoint you, but I am one hundred percent straight. I just have a few little secrets that help me find the perfect present.”
    Cara wasn’t convinced, but his charming attitude made her want to overlook any minor flaws. “Secrets, huh? You going to let me in on this little secret of yours?”
    “Not on a first date.” He reached across the table and rested his hand on top of hers. Coffee had been a safe choice, but now it was clear he was thinking about a second date, and every muscle in her body screamed for her to get up and walk away. Her heart squeezed, overwhelmed by the dimples that appeared every time he grinned at her. For the first time in a long while, she felt as though someone was looking at her , not just the hideous scar on her face.
    As he talked, she watched him with a sense of hope. Their easy conversation made her wonder what drew him to her. She usually didn’t socialize with anyone else but her family. When he’d asked her to the coffee shop, the most she hoped for was a free latte, then intended to make up an excuse to leave. Now only reasons to stay swam through her mind.
    “Does that mean there is going to be a second date?” she asked. Under the table, her hand gripped her knee, praying that he would at least let her down gently.
    “Perhaps. What did you have in mind?”
    Crap. She had to think of something exciting that he would actually want to do. “Do you like Christmas movies?” She winced as she heard the words roll past her lips. What kind of date was that? She should have just asked him to a bar, a restaurant, or another coffee shop.
    “Love them.”
    Now that she had started down this path, she couldn’t just stop without him thinking she was completely insane. “Miracle on 34 th Street is showing tomorrow night at the downtown theatre.” Through her jeans, her nails dug into her skin. If he didn’t answer quickly, she was sure her fingers would puncture her skin.
    “That’s just weird.” He put his cup down on the table and gave her a slight frown, his dimples fading.
    She knew it. This date had gone perfectly well—she’d blown it.
    “How did you know that was my favorite holiday movie?”
    A heavy sigh of relief escaped her throat. She tried to hide her emotions with a grin and a shrug of her shoulders, but she