“You promise.”
“I do.”
“What about Gizmo?”
“Let him walk for a bit. That pup has more energy than anyone I know. And then when we get home, he’ll sleep instead of getting into more mischief.”
“That sounds like a good plan.” She smiled up at him. “I like the way you think.”
“Well, if you like that wait until you find out what I have planned for later.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at his outrageous flirting. Things between them were so much different now—so much easier since he knew the truth about her. If only she had known how good it could be between them, she would have told him sooner.
They strolled through the Christmas market locally known as Christkindlmarkt. The thing Serena loved most was sampling all of the local delicacies—from sipping mulled wine to devouring kiachl, somewhat like a donut with cranberry jam. Serena had never tasted anything so delightful. Jackson enjoyed the raclette brot, a type of bread with warm cheese. And of course Gizmo had to sample most everything, too. So much for her rule about not feeding him human food. After all, it was the holidays. Everyone deserved a treat.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Jackson asked.
“I am.” In the background a brass band played holiday tunes. And overhead, strands of white twinkle lights brightened the night sky. “This place is amazing. And I can’t bring myself to stop sampling all of the delicacies.”
“I know what you mean. I’m full, but I just have to try one more thing.”
They both laughed. The evening was perfect. No one recognized her with her strawberry blonde hair pulled up in a ponytail and lack of makeup. Here in Austria, she was just another person on the arm of a very handsome gentleman.
And then he reached out and took her hand in his. His fingers threaded through hers quickly and naturally as though they’d been doing it for years. Her heart leaped in her chest.
This man, he was something extraordinary.
And Serena knew in that moment, in the middle of the Christmas market, that her life would never be the same.
* * *
He couldn’t stop smiling.
Jackson sat in the passenger seat as Serena pulled into the driveway of the cabin. She’d chatted the whole way home from the Christmas market. He was glad he’d suggested they go. Not only was it a scouting mission for his segment for his morning news show, but it also had been their first official date.
Serena put the vehicle in Park and turned off the engine. “And we’re home.”
“Hey, what happened to your smile?”
She shrugged. “It’s just that all of the magic of the evening disappeared.”
“Ouch.” He grasped at his chest.
“What’s the matter? What hurts?”
“My ego. You just pierced it. I’m wounded.”
“Oh.” She smacked his shoulder. “You had me worried. I thought something was seriously wrong with you.”
“There is. You just said the magic has ended.”
“You know what I meant. The music. The festive mood. The amazing food. I loved the evening.”
“And you don’t think my company can compare?”
Serena’s green eyes widened. “What exactly are you implying?”
“Forget twinkle lights, I’m thinking of setting off some fireworks tonight.”