Finding Christmas by Jeannie Moon Page A

Cooper wasn’t going to let go of the comment without an answer. “Because I think we’ve already talked about this.”
    “I don’t know. There’s a lot to think about.”
    Ethan rolled his eyes. “Stop being such a candy ass. Make your move, and if she’s not interested, you’ll know.”
    “Did you just call me a candy ass?”
    “Yes,” Ethan said. “She’s a grown woman. Treat her like one.”
    Shit.
    Will had made himself believe this whole thing with Maggie was complicated because of her injury, but Ethan had made a good point. She knew her own mind; if she didn’t want to go out with him, she’d tell him to back off.
    It was that simple, and Will was a little pissed at himself for not taking her feelings into account. It was a dick move, to be honest, and he’d like to think he could do better.
    “So I just ask her out and see what happens.”
    “That’s it,” Coop agreed. “She’s smart, and she’s not going to say yes unless she’s into you.”
    Thinking about the number of kisses they’d shared, there had to be something between them. Their chemistry was off the goddamn charts, which made him wonder why he hadn’t made a move. It didn’t have to be anything crazy. Maybe dinner or a movie. Something.
    He was definitely a wuss.
    Movement at the corner of his eye made him look toward the house. Past the white fence, the remnants of summer shrubs, and the now dull-green lawn of his yard, Maggie stood on the back deck.
    Her hair was still in its long thick braid, but there were wispy gold strands blowing around her face. She was wearing her worn NAS Pensacola sweatshirt and pants, and what looked like one of his winter jackets. It was a good thing, because it was damn cold on the water.
    But what struck him was the way the sun, filtered by high snow clouds, played off her hair and skin. She took his breath away.
    Ethan leaned in. “This girl has got you by the balls, man. I can see why, but if you don’t make a move soon, I’m going to. Mother of God, she’s hot.”
    “Fuck off,” Will growled, watching every step Maggie made across the lawn toward the boat.
    “You shouldn’t have let me sleep like that,” Maggie chided. “Hi Cooper. Hi Ethan,” she said before turning back to him. “How long was I out?”
    Extending his hand to help her onboard, Will answered, knowing she was going to be pissed. “About an hour.”
    “Seriously? Why did you let me do that?”
    “It’s not a big deal.”
    “Pffft. It was the damn pancakes. They were too good. I swear Lindsey whips some magic pancake flour in there or something. I couldn’t stop.”
    “That’s the truth. You ate enough for three people.” He regretted it the minute he said it. Maggie’s face froze in place. “Damn it.”
    He heard Cooper and Ethan mumbling words like idiot and asshole from behind him, which didn’t help.
    This was it. Not only was she going to walk away from him, but the town would lose their Christmas Boat Parade VIP—a two-for-one nightmare.
    “Maggie, I’m sorry…”
    She looked away. No response.
    “I’m really, really—”
    “Oh, would you shut up?” She cut him off. “I like breakfast, and I ran for the first time in two years. And I kept up with a kid who apparently has wings on his blades. I feel no shame.”
    “No?”
    “None. The only thing that’s bugging me now is that I fell asleep while you three were out here in the cold getting the boat ready.”
    Cooper had his head bent and was chuckling. “God, Maggie, I love you. If only because you made Fitz sweat.”
    “I’m glad I could provide some entertainment.” Grabbing a handful of lights, Will watched as Maggie, Cooper, and Ethan figured out where to secure the strands of lights to the windshield.
    “If I’m going to be riding on this fine vessel, I want it to sparkle like a Vegas casino. No use in doing things halfway.” Maggie’s mouth curved up at the corner, and Will thought he might have to feed her pancakes every