Hot-faced, Megan watched the colored Christmas lights blur into rainbows. Any argument she could raise would only sink her deeper. All she could do was let him take her home and, before getting out of the Jeep, make it clear that she never wanted to date him again.

“I like you, Megan,” he said, pulling up in front of her family’s house. “I hope you’ll let me see you again.”

The man had brass. She had to give him that. “I don’t know if that would be such a good idea,” she said.

“Why? Because I kissed you?”

“In part. But mostly because you’re holding out for another woman. For all I know, you were imagining her when you kissed me.”

He shook his head. “Wrong guess. Believe me, that was you I was kissing, and I wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

“You’re insufferable,” she said.

“So I’ve been told. But I promise I’ll grow on you if you give me a chance.”

“I’d have to be crazy to do that.”

“There are worse things than being crazy.” He pushed open the door of the Jeep. “Think about it. Meanwhile, I’ll walk you to the porch.”

He came around, opened the door for her, and helped her to the icy ground. Megan clung to his arm to keep from slipping on the front walk. Under the shelter of the porch, she released her grip and stepped away. He made no effort to kiss her again, but he was still smiling.

“Give it some thought,” he said. “We could have some fun times together.”

“And what about your dream woman? I don’t fancy being some man’s Plan B.”

“You said you had a boyfriend. That puts us on an even footing. We could be each other’s Plan B.”

His logic—if that’s what it was—made her head spin. Megan’s hand fumbled for the doorknob and turned it. “Good night, Conner. Thank you for a memorable evening,” she said.

“I’ll call you.” He moved back to let her go inside. Megan opened the door, stepped through, and closed it behind her. Seconds later, she heard the Jeep start up and drive away.

* * *

Megan walked into the living room, where Daniel and her father were watching a basketball game on TV. Her mother glanced up from the novel she was reading.

“How was your evening, dear?” she asked.

“Fine.” Crazy, but at least it wasn’t boring. “I met some nice people.”

“Good. Derek called. He said he hadn’t been able to get you on your cell phone. I told him you were out with friends. He said he’d call back later.”