Shake The Frost (Crystal Lake #6) - Juliana Stone Page 0,51

was hosting its annual Light-Up Night. At six o’clock sharp, the big Christmas tree in the square would light up, along with a host of displays that lined the walkway along the river. Everything from a giant nativity scene to cartoon characters and animated Victorian carolers could be seen and enjoyed. Not only would local businesses follow suit, but it was the unofficial night where pretty much everyone in town plugged in their lights.

It was a night that Emily had enjoyed since she was a young girl, and she smiled at the thought. There would be lots of families, young and old couples holding hands, children running mad for hot chocolate and sweets. Santa usually made an appearance, and one year, a couple of reindeer tagged along.

It was one of the many traditions a town like Crystal Lake held dear, and even with swelling numbers and a host of new folks recently moved to the area, the town council had somehow managed to keep that small-town feel to an event that had definitely grown.

“I was planning on sticking around,” Connor replied. “I’ve got some work to do for Cam and will likely stay in town.” He raised an eyebrow. “You and Ethan going to head to the square?”

She glanced away from the knowing look in his eyes and slowly nodded. “Yes. He’s delivering a bike to a client first. We’ll take Bilbo and walk down.”

Connor gave the dog a quick, hearty scratch behind the ear and headed for the door. “I should be on my way. Might see you guys later.”

“Thanks again, Connor. You’re a lifesaver.”

“No problem.” He nodded at the dog. “I might have to get one for myself.”

Emily spent the next few hours catching up on housework and ignoring her phone. It pinged several times and then rang at least three. The ringtone was her mother’s, and though she knew she’d have to deal with her sooner rather than later, Emily was in such a good place, she didn’t want her mother to ruin it.

She would call her back first thing Monday morning, she decided.

Ethan showed up around four, and though Emily didn’t exactly rule in the kitchen, she managed to make a decent lasagna and threw together a Caesar salad that didn’t suck. The two of them talked about nothing and laughed about everything, and by the time dinner was done, Emily was practically floating on air. When was the last time she’d felt this way?

She was content and happy, and as she pulled on her snow boots and grabbed her warmest winter coat, she couldn’t help but grin.

“What’s put that smile on your face?” Ethan walked toward her with a look that made her blood heat. She offered up her mouth when he bent down to kiss her. It was a light touch, but she was having none of that. Her hands crept up and sank into his hair as she struggled to get closer to him.

“Hey,” he said, roughly pulling back. “Keep that up and we won’t make the tree lighting.”

“What if I don’t want to make the tree lighting?” She batted her lashes. “What if I’d rather get naked and spend the night in bed?”

“In good time.” His eyes were like dark chocolate, and Emily’s heart turned over. “I’ll have you naked, Em. That’s something you can count on.”

Bilbo nudged himself between the two of them and barked at the leash held loose in Ethan’s hand.

“All right. Let’s go.”

Ethan snapped the leash on the dog and paused before reaching for the door. “You know the entire town will be downtown. Aside from fair weekend, I think it’s the most popular thing to do. We’re gonna see a lot of folks we know.”

Her happy glow dimmed a bit. “I know.”

Something crossed his features, some small sliver of doubt, and he glanced away for a few seconds.

“Hey,” she said. “I want people to see us, Ethan. I’m not ashamed of what we have, of where we are.” She frowned as a new thought struck, one she hadn’t considered until now. “Are you?”

“No.” He turned back to her. “Don’t ever think that. But we need to be realistic here, Em. There will be people who think like Paul. People with small minds who have no problem sharing their narrow view. They’re not going to like that we’re together. They’re going to see this as a betrayal to Rick. To his memory. To our friendship. The Davenports have deep roots in this town.”

“So do we,” she said softly.

“Yes,