.i.

The Christmas party was being held at Embry's.

Leah went straight for the booze when they entered, kissing Embry on the cheek as she passed him. Embry's gaze travelled over Leah, and then Bella, and she felt herself blush at his look. She took the drink Leah handed her, spluttering a little as she downed half of it immediately.

Leah smiled. "See? This is going to be a blast."

She finished the rest of her drink quickly, and went to pour herself a new one. Embry handed her the bottle, and she smiled at him.

"Nice dress," he said, leaning in low beside her, and she could feel the blush rising again.

"It's Leah's," she said, taking a drink.

"I like it on you."

"You guys," Leah said suddenly behind them, and Bella turned. "You're under the mistletoe."

Bella looked up. The mistletoe hung mockingly above her head, and she turned to face Embry.

"You put mistletoe over the bar?" she asked.

He shrugged. "It's where people congregate."

He moved forward, and she backed away, keeping her eyes focused on his. "What are you doing?"

"Mistletoe," he pointed out. "We're supposed to kiss."

She closed her eyes, and a moment later felt Embry's lips on hers. After a second, she pulled away.

Somewhere in the background, she thought she heard Leah snort. "You call that a kiss?"

Bella glanced at her, and then back at Embry. That look was back in his eyes, and she shivered.

"You heard the lady," he said. He stepped forward, placing his hands on either side of her waist, and she closed her eyes again. This time, the kiss was softer, less rushed, and she felt herself relax. He parted his lips slightly, and after a moment's hesitation she did the same, lacing her hands around the back of his neck as his tongue slid against hers. His hands tightened on her waist, bunching the fabric of her dress, and she leaned into him.

They broke off after far too long, to the catcalls of some of the people nearby. Bella bit her lip, and thought that maybe it hadn't been long enough.

"Merry Christmas," Embry whispered in her ear, and she smiled.

"Merry Christmas," she said quietly.