White Rose Author Kara Lynn Russell

Nick and Noelle by Kara Lynn Russell

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“What I want,” the pastor stated “is for you two to learn how to get along. Separately you both have much to offer the church. Together – you’re a disaster waiting to happen.”

Nick and Noelle have been in competition against each other from their Christmas day births to their present adulthood. After their rivalry causes chaos at a youth group event, Pastor Thorn assigns Nick and Noelle the task of decorating the church for Christmas. Can Nick and Noelle cooperate? Will they end up killing each other – or maybe kissing each other?

Excerpt:

Nick leaned forward, resting a hand on the counter on either side of her. “Did it ever occur to you,” he growled, his face inches from hers, “that we’d have no problem getting along if you weren’t so stubborn.”

Noelle folded her arms across her chest. “Did it ever occur to you that you might be the stubborn one?”

"I'm trying to be nice."

"Well try harder."

He refused to back up and knew she couldn't as the counter was behind her. "Have lunch with me."

"What?"

"That's what I came in to talk to you about. I wanted to take you to lunch to talk about decorating the church for Christmas."

"Lunch?"

"Yes."

"Where?"

"Wherever you like."

Noelle placed her hands on his chest and pushed. He didn't move.

"What's your answer?”

"I didn't know I was being given a choice."

"You are. What's your answer?"

"Really, Ni—"

"And if 'really Nick' comes out of your mouth one more time today I'll..." He stared at her mouth. She was close enough to silence with a kiss. He was suddenly aware of her palms, still flattened across his chest. For several heartbeats he stood there, incredibly attuned to her nearness, her warmth, the smell of her shampoo.

Had he lost his mind? Abruptly, he backed away.