Free A December Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella) by Denise Hunter Page A

backseat.” Unable to contain her excitement, she clapped her hands.
    Seth’s lips twitched. “And where do you think you’re going to find a sleigh at this late date, little miss?”
    Her smile fell. “You’re right. It’s too late.” Even she could hear the defeat in her voice.
    It wasn’t something she could run down to the hardware store for. It wasn’t even something Grandma’s Attic carried. And she didn’t know anyone who had one. She might be able to find one online or at an antique store somewhere, but get it here in time? In five days? Besides, she didn’t have time to hunt one down.
    It would’ve been perfect. Unique.
    Seth came down the porch steps. “Well, hang on, maybe we can find one.”
    “You know of someone who has one?”
    “No, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one sitting around a barn somewhere.”
    “I don’t have time to refurbish some broken-down thing. My schedule’s full this week as it is. It would have to be hauled out here and cleaned up. The big presents wouldhave to be made, the lights and garlands strung … I really needed it a week ago.”
    “I’ll find you a nice one. And I’ll find it today.
And
I’ll help you get it ready.”
    She gave him a look. “You
are
delusional. It’s already four o’clock, and the antique stores are closed on Sundays.”
    He crossed his arms, aiming a cocky grin her way. “You underestimate me, Layla. I’ll make it happen.”
    She gave him a wary look. “How?”
    “I’m not giving away my secrets.” His eyes lit mischievously. “But I’m willing to bet on it: suitable sleigh, right here, by midnight tonight.”
    Now she was suspicious. “You know someone who has one.”
    “No, I don’t. Scout’s honor. Now are you taking the bet or not?”
    She turned her face from him, her eyes narrowing on him. “What kind of bet?”
    “Name your price.”
    She stared at the house, thinking. “If you don’t find one, you have to …” Her gaze climbed to the roof. “Do the roofline.” She smiled big.
    He looked up, squinting against the light, then back to her. “Fine. I’m not losing anyway.”
    He pulled his keys from his coat pocket. “Time’s a wasting.” With one last smile over his shoulder he headed for his truck.
    “Wait, what about you?”
    He turned in the snow, giving her a strange look. Thenhe slowly started toward her. It took all her willpower to keep her boots planted as he came within inches of her.
    “If I win …,” he said, those blue eyes warming her clear down to her toes, “I get to kiss you.” His lips twitched as his eyes slid down to her mouth and back up where they held her hostage.
    Layla swallowed hard.
    With a final look, he traced his steps to his truck, only turning once he reached the door. “And, Layla …,” he said with a smug grin, “I
will
win.”
    Five hours later the work was going slow. Layla had lost her helper and had moved inside when darkness had fallen. It would be worth the reduced production if only Seth found a sleigh. But as badly as she wanted one, the stakes he’d put on it made her stomach knot. Would he really collect on the kiss?
    Did she want him to? Things had changed since last week on the ladder. They’d spent hours working and talking and sharing. She’d forgiven him for his minor role in the Jack and Jessica fiasco. Then there were those gingerbread cookies.
    And, let’s face it, you’re attracted to the man.
    She still saw him shirtless when she closed her eyes at night. Still saw the rippling muscles of his arms, the sturdy set of his shoulders. She thought of the protective way he’d slipped his arm around her when they’d stood with Jack and Jessica. Despite priding herself on independence, she’dliked the way it felt. Liked the way he made her skin tingle, made her heart shiver.
    Yes, if he brought home a sleigh, she’d let him kiss her. And she’d enjoy it, she had no doubt about that. But every car that roared outside the windows passed on