Free It Must Have Been the Mistletoe... by Kate Hoffmann Page A

mirror, then rolled down her window and waved at him. He held up his hand and waved back, and Alison wondered what was going through his mind. Would they see each other again? Or was this the end of a beautiful fantasy?

5
    T HE SNOW HAD STARTED shortly after Drew closed up the clinic for the day. At first, it hadn’t seemed like a problem, but as he came down out of the higher elevations, it turned to sleet, making the roads a mess.
    He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. Alison’s recital was scheduled to start at seven. If he found the recital hall without a problem, then he’d have enough time to say hello and give her the bouquet of flowers he’d brought along.
    They’d talked a few times on the phone over the past two weeks, but it hadn’t been the same. In the real world, they were still relative strangers, without a long list of shared experiences. There had been several silences and topics that didn’t seem to lead anywhere, leaving Drew to wonder if what he’d felt for her those two nights in his cabin was an illusion.
    To his relief, the campus had signs pointing to the performing arts center. When he reached the building, Drew found a parking spot and pulled in, then jumped out of the car. Inhaling deeply, he raked his hand through his hair and straightened his tie.
    They had the whole night in front of them. He’d made arrangements for another doctor to take any emergency calls for the weekend. He’d brought along clothes and condoms fortwo days and nights. And he could barely keep himself from thinking about what lay ahead—after the recital.
    Drew pulled open the front door and walked inside the lobby of the center. It was festooned with Christmas decorations, and swags of greenery and twinkle lights were draped across the wide glass windows. Another sign pointed to the recital hall, and when he got there, a student was standing at the door, handing out programs. “I’m looking for Alison,” Drew said.
    â€œProfessor Cole?” she asked.
    â€œYes, Professor Cole,” Drew replied. “Do you know where I could find her?”
    â€œShe’s probably backstage. Through those doors and down the hallway. There are people who can help you.”
    â€œThanks.” Drew followed the directions and found himself backstage in a flurry of activity. When he finally saw Alison, she was standing in the midst of a group of students singing harmony to her main tune.
    Their gazes met and her eyes registered pleasure. He felt a small measure of relief. The attraction was still there and it was as powerful as ever. When the song was over, she crossed the room and stood in front of him. “You came,” she said, throwing her arms around him and giving him a fierce hug.
    â€œI told you I would.” He closed his eyes and reveled in the contact. All week he’d thought about touching her, and now that she was in his arms again, he didn’t want to let go. Drew held out the flowers. “These are for you.”
    She looked so beautiful, her hair curled and her eyes smudged with a smoky makeup. She wore a deep blue gown with sparkly things around the low-cut neckline. Drew was almost afraid to touch her, but he rested his hand on her waist and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
    Alison grabbed his hand. “Come with me.”
    She led him into a small dressing room near the stage, then closed the door behind them. The instant the door shut, shethrew her arms around his neck again and kissed him, her lips soft on his. With a moan, Drew dropped the flowers and slipped his arms around her, returning the kiss with the same passion.
    It was wonderful to be able to touch her body at will. Though her scent was different, an exotic perfume instead of soap and shampoo, there were so many things familiar to him—the silken feel of her hair, the soft swell of her breasts. When they finally paused for a breath, Drew looked down into her eyes.