Chapter 4

Nigel laughed, a heavenly sound that made me catch my breath. “I never thought the Messiah would look so fine.”

“What?” I asked, confused. His smile made it hard to think, and it was only with considerable effort that I managed to stop staring at him long enough to let him into the townhouse.

“No, I’m—my name is…I—” Nigel laughed again and I shook my head as if to untie my tongue. “I’m actually leaving.”

“So soon?” Nigel set his bags on the floor and turned that million-watt smile my way again. “The minute I come, you walk out? So much for the afterglow.”

My face warmed and suddenly the room was too hot, whatever chill that had followed Nigel in dissipated at his suggestive words. “This really isn’t my thing.”

Behind me, Barry’s voice boomed over the music. “You must be Nigel!” he said, then laughed. I turned to find him pointing up at that damn mistletoe. “Look where you guys are standing.”

“Barry—” I began.