Christmas Chances

Chapter Two: A Soldier Named Lee

Holly hadn’t planned on inviting him to the table. But when the soldier—Lee, as he introduced himself—offered her a steady hand and a quiet smile after the confrontation, something in her shifted.

She wasn’t used to being seen like that. Not defended. Not protected. Not… noticed.

“Come sit with us,” she said, her voice softer than she expected. “Unless you’ve got somewhere else to be?”

Lee shook his head. “I’ve got time.”

He followed her to the table where Marissa, Jake, and Lila were already buzzing with curiosity. Holly could practically feel the questions vibrating in the air.

“This is Lee,” she said, sliding into her seat. “He saved me from a very awkward moment.”

Lee gave a polite nod, his posture relaxed but alert. “Nice to meet you all.”

Marissa leaned forward, eyes sparkling. “So, Lee… what brings you to Maple Creek?”

“I’m visiting my grandma for Christmas and New Year’s,” he replied. “She lives just outside town. I’m deploying next month, so I wanted to spend some time with her before I go.”

The table fell quiet for a beat, the weight of his words settling in. Holly glanced at him, her heart tugging unexpectedly.

“That’s really thoughtful,” she said. “She must be happy to have you home.”

Lee smiled, and Holly noticed the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. “She’s been baking nonstop since I arrived. I think she’s trying to fatten me up before I leave.”

Lila giggled. “Sounds like Holly. She’s our bakery queen.”

Holly rolled her eyes, but warmth bloomed in her chest. Lee’s gaze lingered on her, and she felt it like a touch—gentle, curious, steady.

The music pulsed around them, a mix of holiday classics and upbeat pop. Drinks flowed, laughter echoed, and Holly found herself relaxing into the rhythm of the night. Between the glow of the lights, the warmth of her friends, and the quiet strength of the man beside her, she felt like she was under a spell.

A good one.

Lee stayed close, his arm brushing hers now and then, his voice low when he spoke to her. He didn’t pry, didn’t push. Just listened. And when she laughed, he smiled like it was the best sound he’d heard all night.

By the time the clock neared midnight, Holly’s cheeks were flushed from laughter and a single cranberry cocktail. She glanced at her phone and sighed.

“I’ve got to open the bakery tomorrow,” she said, gathering her coat. “Early.”

Lee stood with her, his movements smooth and deliberate. “I’ll give you a ride home.”

“You don’t have to, I just live a few buildings down. I live in the apartment above the bakery.”

“I want to and I feel better knowing you made it home safe. We can walk there.”

Outside, the snow had thickened, blanketing the sidewalks in soft white. Holly pulled her scarf tighter, her breath forming clouds in the air. Lee walked beside her, hands in his pockets, his steps matching hers.

“You handled that asshat like a pro,” he said quietly.

Holly snorted. “He’s not worth the energy. But thank you—for stepping in.”

Lee stopped in front of the bakery window, looking inside at the warm welcome even with the main lights off. The lights from her window spilled onto the snow, casting a golden glow.

“I meant what I said,” he murmured. “You didn’t deserve that.”

Holly looked up at him, her heart thudding. The cold air made her cheeks sting, but his gaze warmed her from the inside out.

“Goodnight, Lee,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He leaned in, slow and deliberate. “Can I kiss you?”

She nodded before she could think.

The kiss started soft—just a brush of lips, a shared breath. But then his hand cupped her cheek, and hers found the front of his jacket, and the kiss deepened.

It was heat and snow and cinnamon and longing. It was everything she hadn’t let herself feel in months.

When they finally pulled apart, Holly’s breath caught.

Lee smiled, his thumb grazing her cheek.

"Do you want to come up for some hot chocolate?" she asked, surprising herself with her boldness.

"Hot chocolate?" Lee replied with a hint of amusement. Holly nodded, taking his hand and leading him to the door of the upstairs apartment. Inside, Holly slipped off her coat and shoes, with Lee following suit.

"I'll start the water—make yourself at home." She headed toward the kitchen, but Lee caught her, spinning her to face him.

"I don't want hot chocolate, Holly."

"Then what would you..." Before she could finish, Lee pressed his lips to hers—not the soft kiss from the bar, but something hot and urgent. Before Holly could fully comprehend what was happening, she found herself in his lap on the couch, not even realizing they were no longer standing.

Lee broke the kiss to catch his breath, one hand resting on her hip and the other tangled in her hair, keeping her close.

"This is what I wanted, Holly, from the moment you walked into the bar," he said, still holding her, his thumb tracing slow circles under her shirt. Holly met his gaze, finding no trace of malice there. She hesitated to take the leap, but thought maybe for tonight it wouldn’t be such a bad thing. She didn’t expect to see him again, and she knew she deserved to let herself have fun.

"I do too," she murmured, leaning in to kiss him with all she had, grinding against him she did. Earning moan from him as he lifted his hips to meet hers. "Why don't we take this to the bedroom, baby," Lee said as he lifted her effortlessly. Holly nodded, wrapping her legs around him.

This was it—no turning back now. A night of pleasure and fun, and tomorrow she could return to her romance novels and cookies. Tonight, she had her soldier and was ready to live out her own romcom fantasies.