That Mistletoe Moment by Cat Johnson Page A

before for Thanksgiving.
    Then again, he was very much looking forward to seeing Noelle.
    And speaking of Noelle . . . Nathan grabbed his cell phone out of his locker and saw he’d missed a text from her.
    Smiling wide, he read the message wishing him a good morning. He probably should be upset about his reaction to the simple text, for a number of reasons.
    She was in Connecticut, he was in Virginia, and there was one long-ass drive between them.
    He could be called out on a mission on a moment’s notice, or be deployed for the next six months.
    None of that made for a real good start to a relationship, but if the uncontrollable grin on his face was any indication, he didn’t care about any of the problems. The possibilities, on the other hand, seemed pretty enticing.
    Nathan shoved his phone into his duffel. He didn’t want to start a conversation now. He’d text back later when he was home and free to devote the attention to her she deserved. Knowing Noelle—and he felt like he really did know her after last night—she’d text him back immediately and often.
    He smiled at that thought as he headed to the shower.
    â€œWhat’s put that shit-eating grin on your face?” Stone asked in his usual colorful Southern drawl as he slammed his locker.
    â€œRemember that woman I told you I met over the bag of cranberries when I was home?”
    Stone’s eyes widened. “The hottie who gave you the recipe for the bourbon sauce you let me taste?”
    He had described her as that, hadn’t he? “That’s the one. Noelle.”
    â€œYup. I remember. I’m getting my mamaw to make me those cranberries when I get home. I already bought the bottle of bourbon for it.”
    Nathan shook his head at Stone’s one-track mind when it came to food. And booze, for that matter. “Well, she texted me to invite me to a party over Christmas.”
    Stone lifted his brow high. “So, you’re going to see her again. I approve.”
    Nathan laughed. “How can you approve? You don’t know anything about her.”
    â€œDon’t have to.” Stone shook his head. “Any woman who came up with putting bourbon in cranberry sauce is all right in my book.”
    Nathan couldn’t argue with that.
    It was all he could do to get through the end of the day and wait to be dismissed before he could run home and text Noelle.
    Good thing being in the Navy had trained him how to wait. Though sometimes he was more patient than others. With Noelle’s text sitting on his phone waiting for a reply, today was one of his less patient days.
    When he was finally inside his barracks room, Nathan dumped his duffel on the table and fished out his cell. He’d been thinking about it for the past couple of hours but still hadn’t settled on a suitable response.
    He gave up trying to be clever.
    Hey. Sorry I couldn’t get right back to you. Work.
    Her reply came back fast, which really wasn’t a surprise. The girl must keep her cell in her hand at all times.
    Oh good! I was worried I’d used up all my texts with you. How many more before I reach the limit?
    He laughed at her little joke. She was a funny one. He’d give her that. Smiling, he punched in a reply.
    For you? No limit.
    Really?
    Really.
    After he responded to her, he went to his bedroom to change into sweats. He might as well get comfortable while he texted. He’d just pulled a sweatshirt over his head when he saw the new text from her.
    So what are your plans for Christmas?
    Other than your party, you mean?
    He hit Send and held the phone in his hand, knowing she’d be sending him a response any second.
    LOL. Yes, besides that .
    I was hoping to see more of you, if you wanted.
    I’d like that .
    When her reply came through, he picked up the phone and hit to dial her number. Enough back-and-forth. He was tired of texting. He wanted to hear her voice.
    â€œHello?”
    He smiled at