Beyond the Mistletoe: A Christmas Romance (Beyond Love Book 7) by Karice Bolton

being with him.
    “Thank you. You’re not looking so bad yourself.”
    Derek tipped his head and smiled. He’d changed into a pair of dark jeans and a navy blue sweater and looked sensational, actually. It made my mind wander back to the idea of purely having fun over the weekend, but we were already on the second night, and truth be told, I was a chicken.
    “So are we the only two here?” he asked.
    “Uh.” My gaze darted to the bar. “No. Eric’s here as well. I think he found a dancing girl he’d like to get to know better or something.”
    Derek’s gaze landed on Eric, and he let out a breath.
    “I can’t blame him though,” I added.
    “Why’s that?”
    “I think I might have accidentally made it overly clear who I was interested in during our sleigh ride.”
    Derek’s mouth curved up slightly, and he let go of my hand right before sliding his arm around my waist.
    “And who was that?” He brought me into him.
    “Do I really have to say?” I almost whispered, tilting my chin up.
    “Considering you couldn’t remember my name the first time we met, it would do wonders for my ego if I could hear you say it.” His smile melted me deeper into his embrace.
    “I’d have to say that you’re one of the most charming men I’ve ever encountered.”
    “Charming?” he repeated.
    “Yes. Charming. But that charm makes me worry.”
    I was surprised at how candid I was being with him, but he didn’t skip a beat.
    “The only thing you should be worried about tonight is solving the mystery.” He looked over at the table. “Shall we?” I glanced back at Eric and decided not to worry about him. He’d made his claim, and she came in costume for the evening.
    “I’d like that very much.”
    Derek led me over to the table I’d been eyeing earlier when I heard Gabby and Brandy’s laughter come through the swinging doors as they pushed their way into the saloon.
    “This is so cool,” Gabby squealed.
    “I second that.” Brandy stood with both hands on her hips as she took in the surroundings. Aaron stood behind Brandy and wrapped his arms around her, and I looked away, feeling as if I’d stumbled onto a private moment.
    “Would you like something to drink?” Derek asked, leaning down so I could hear over the music that had been turned up. The sound of another era pumped through the system with the clip-clop of horse’s hooves and western piano music.
    “I’d love a martini with extra olives.”
    “Gin or vodka?”
    “Vodka.”
    “Don’t let anyone steal my seat.” His brows furrowed together teasingly.
    “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
    I watched him walk toward the bar and couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like under all those layers of clothing. No doubt, incredible. My eyes skated over to Eric, who looked somewhat surprised when Derek showed up next to him. Eric quickly looked sheepishly around the bar, his gaze landing at our table, but not on me. I waved anyway.
    Derek seemed to be saying something to Eric as he pulled out a few bills from his wallet and handed them to Eric. Eric’s dancer glanced in my direction, and I recognized her as the server from the night before. Whatever Derek was saying to Eric seemed to make her uncomfortable enough to turn red and pretend to pour a drink, missing the glass completely. Derek patted Eric’s shoulders and made him look about two feet tall.
    Derek spun around with two drinks in hand and a smile that made most of the women in the saloon take notice. I waved at Tori who’d just arrived with Mason, Ayden and Lily. They’d found a table near the bar and took their seats, stripping out of their jackets.
    I glanced at the set menu that had been placed on our table and my stomach growled. I was starving and hoped we wouldn’t have to wait too long for the food, but judging by the surroundings we wouldn’t get dinner until after the performance.
    Just as Derek approached the table, a loud bang sounded and several of the dance-hall girls