Mistletoe Between Friends Read Free Page B

to have a make-believe romance with Lily to survive the holidays, Cam had simply thought that by saying they were involved, people would get off their backs. But as Lily explained the complexities of the situation, he realized he was greatly unprepared.
    And that was simply unacceptable.
    Taking a fortifying breath, he said, “Okay. It’s not like we have to play twenty questions to know each other better. We already know everything about each other. What do you suggest?”
    â€œWell,” she said, “it would probably help if we held hands when out in public.”
    Cameron considered her suggestions and—without reacting in any way, shape, or form—decided that this wasn’t going to be such a bad thing after all. He’d finally have the opportunity to touch Lily, to kiss Lily, and it was all her idea. He really was brilliant.
    â€œSeems simple enough,” Cam said. “Done.” He reached for her hand and held it while he focused on the road and drove one-handed. He wouldn’t normally do that because safety dictated that he drive with his hands in the ten-and-two position. It took all of thirty seconds for him to start to squirm.
    â€œThis is physically painful, for you, isn’t it?”
    â€œWhat? No,” he denied, although he was lying through his teeth. He wanted to concentrate on the feel of her hand in his but couldn’t when they were on the road.
    Lily pulled her hand away and almost burst out laughing at how quickly Cam’s hand went back to the steering wheel. “Okay, baby steps. We’ll only hold hands when we’re walking. How does that sound?” She smiled at the annoyance on Cam’s face.
    â€œSafety isn’t something to take lightly, Lily.”
    â€œOf course it isn’t,” she agreed. “I mean, driving twenty miles under the speed limit and one-handed? What was I thinking?”
    â€œIt’s a little early for all of this sarcasm,” he said dryly. “So other than hand-holding, what am I supposed to do?”
    Was he kidding? At this rate, she could probably convince him to act out every one of her fantasies that she’d ever had about him. But that would be wrong.
    Wouldn’t it?
    Yes, yes, yes. Bad Lily! What were you thinking?
    â€œKissing,” she said before she could stop herself. “We’ll probably have to kiss in front of people from time to time. And none of that buddy-buddy, on-the-cheek stuff. Like…real kissing.”
    Bad, bad Lily!
    She saw him considering the idea from all sides as usual. He never agreed to anything without thinking it through. “I guess I can,” he said, seeming bored with the idea.
    â€œThat’s the spirit,” she said and was relieved to see them turning onto the exit ramp for the airport. If all went well, within a matter of hours, she would be walking around Manhattan with Cam and presenting the image of a happy couple.
    Project Girlfriend had begun!
    * * *
    Snow was falling when they landed at Kennedy Airport, and Lily was practically bouncing in her seat with her eagerness to get out and walk in it.
    â€œIt’s just snow, Lil,” Cam said teasingly. “This isn’t something new.”
    She punched him in the arm playfully as they walked off the plane. “Yes, but this is my very first New York snow! I’m so excited!” Taking a chance and more than ready to jump into character, Lily took Cam by the hand and headed toward the baggage claim. Walking hand in hand felt wonderful and more than natural. Why had they never done this before? “I’m not crazy about the crowds, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.” Truth was, she actually loved the crowds because they were forcing her to stay super-close to Cam who, interestingly, wasn’t looking all that uncomfortable either.
    â€œHopefully we’ll get our bags quickly and grab a taxi. I’d really like to have a little time at the