The kiss shouldn’t have meant anything. They were pretending to date. Did that kind of public display of affection even count? It was mistletoe, after all. But pressing his mouth to hers after so many instances of holding himself back had felt like coming home.

How was it possible that after holding on to resentment for most of his adult life—the sting of how she’d turned on him when their friendship had meant the world to him—now it was as if all of the years had disappeared? He was back to where he’d started. Gabe a lovesick schoolboy and Angi the bright star of whirling activity shining her light on everyone she met.

But they weren’t kids anymore, and he’d do well to remember that. Whatever their connection, he had no doubt she’d sever the cord once the holidays were over and she no longer needed him as a diversion. It made his heart ache, which made him feel like the biggest fool on the planet.

Tonight had been the first time he’d seen Andrew since the day the kid had gotten in a fight at school. Gabe hated to admit how much he missed the boy’s chatty presence at the shop in the afternoon, the way Andrew’s energy was so similar to his mother’s. Angi hadn’t talked any more about the incident or asked what exactly Gabe’s lessons to her son entailed. Her silence spoke volumes. He wanted to ask, but it wasn’t his business. A stark reminder that their relationship was just for show.

Still, she’d helped him in the shop, and, without even telling him, she’d gone to the nursing home to make his grandmother feel special with the mini spa day. How was he supposed to resist that kind of inherent sweetness?

He’d hoped to have a few minutes alone with her after the event ended, but she’d kept herself busy and made sure there were always people around them. The other business owners were ecstatic at the turnout, and he’d heard lots of talk about anticipation for the upcoming dance. He’d made sure to stay in the background as Angi received the praise she deserved, and he hoped this shot of confidence would make her see her true worth.

The doorbell rang, and his gaze flicked to the clock on the cable box that sat below the TV. Two minutes to midnight. He couldn’t imagine who would be at his grandmother’s door at this hour, but he got up and padded down the hall.

There were plenty of places he’d been in the world where he wouldn’t dare open his door without confirming who stood on the other side.

Magnolia wasn’t one of those.

Still, his heart seemed to pummel his rib cage as he took in Angi standing on his porch. She’d changed out of the navy sweater dress she’d worn to the shopping night. The one that had smoothed over her gentle curves and dipped in the front, revealing only a modest amount of skin but managing to take his breath away just the same.