Beyond the Mistletoe: A Christmas Romance (Beyond Love Book 7) Read Online Free PDF

ears don’t stand up or stay down,” Gabby added. “They just kink in the middle.” She used her fingers to demonstrate and Brandy laughed, while I felt insulted on behalf of Bodie, and every chiwoodle out there.
    “Let’s not forget his bark,” Gabby said, grinning.
    “What about his bark?” I asked, completely puzzled. There was absolutely nothing wrong with Bodie’s bark. It was friendly and commanding with just one yap.
     “It’s a warble with a squeak.” Gabby glanced at Eric and then at Derek before returning her gaze to me.
    “How is a dog supposed to bark? I didn’t think there was an official language.”
    “Don’t forget the hiccup sound at the end,” Lily teased.
    “He only hiccups if he’s excited.” I grabbed my napkin and unrolled it to occupy myself from the onslaught of chiwoodle injustice.
    “Well, your chiwoodle sounds like he found himself the perfect place to call home,” Derek said, his voice completely layering me with desire I hadn’t realized I’d bottled up for the last six years.
    “Thank you. I think he’s a keeper. And just remember we all come in different packages.”
    “Indeed. But I still can’t quite picture what took place to create a chiwoodle.”
    “And you know…” My voice trailed off in a whisper.
    Derek’s brow arched, and he leaned into the table, waiting for me to finish.
    “I think it’s best if you stop trying to imagine the deed.” I winked, and his laughter filled the air, and I swear I wanted to bottle it up.
    I had no idea what was coming over me. I never ever felt this for my ex-husband.
    Maybe that was one of the many problems.
    The server came over to take Derek’s order, and I placed another order as well. The happiness circulating around the table was infectious, and I felt completely at home with this group.
    “So in other news, we’ve got a fun schedule planned for the weekend, some of which can include Bodie. We know he’s the main squeeze in your life,” Brandy said.
    “Hopefully not for long,” Lily whispered, just loud enough for everyone to hear as both Derek and Eric looked over at me and smiled.
    I stepped on her toe, and she squirmed only slightly. I needed better aim.
    “Tomorrow, depending on the storm, we’ll be doing a sleigh ride around some of the trails, and we’ll end the night with a murder mystery dinner show and drinks in the lodge after. The following day, we’ve got a treasure hunt planned that includes contests on the way for best s’mores, hot chocolate creations, ornament decorating, and a few other surprises.”
    “Is there a prize?” Brandy asked.
    “Lots of them,” Gabby assured her.
    “And to top it off, we’ll be dividing into three teams for a chili cook-off, judged by the chef here at the hotel,” Jason added. “And you better make it good since that will also be our dinner.”
    It sounded like a blast.
    Lily and Ayden began devising a plan about the chili recipe to use, and I noticed Derek studying me.
    “What?” I asked, pretending he had absolutely no effect over me.
    “So you don’t remember me, do you?” Derek asked, resting his arm on the table as he moved closer.
    I narrowed my eyes at him and shook my head. “I feel like I should know you, but I’m not sure.”
    Derek placed both hands over his heart and winced. “I’m crushed. Completely crushed that I’m that forgettable.” His lip curled slightly and my stomach did a dip. No man had ever made me feel like I was on a Ferris wheel before. And he made me feel like not only was I on one, but I was about to fly off the bench.
    And then it hit me. Lily and all of us had crashed Ayden’s bachelor party, and he’d been there. We’d been briefly introduced, but I’d just had an online dating fiasco and had my blinders on.
    “Aren’t you Ayden’s trainer?” I asked.
    “Was Ayden’s trainer. He doesn’t fight anymore. Isn’t that right?” Derek raised his beer toward Ayden.
    “Not a chance in hell I’d step in