“Mmmm popcorn” Chloe replied hungrily “Just what I need after that snowball fight we just had.” She snuck a glance at Brady who was grinning wildly thinking back to the events of this evening.

Brady’s eyes were fixed on Chloe’s rosy cheeks and glistening eyes as he casually responded, “Hot chocolate would be nice too Belle.”

Shawn awakened Brady and Chloe from their concentrated gaze by reminding the group of Belle’s less than perfect cooking abilities.

“Fine, I’ll make the popcorn. Brady, can you help me with the hot chocolate.”

“Whatever you say Diva,” he responded quietly as they both entered the kitchen.

Shawn looked at the handsome couple who had recently exited the room and back to his girlfriend with questioning eyes.

Belle shrugged him off, her response dripping with sarcasm “They are just friends.” She plopped down onto the couch and nuzzled comfortably into Shawn’s awaiting lap, “But how can we help them see that there is more?”

Shawn looked down at his girlfriend and smiled, “For someone so petite you sure know how to stir up a massive about of trouble.”

Belle shot her head off of Shawn’s lap and lunged a pillow toward him missing completely and smacking Chloe in the face causing her to drop the popcorn, melted butter running down her clothes and face.

“Sorry! I didn’t see you there” Belle shrieked in-between her fits of laughter.

“Apparently” Chloe sighed rolling her eyes.

Brady, who had heard the commotion, appeared in the doorway next to Chloe. After surveying the scene he began to laugh.

“And what is so funny Brady?” she asked in a jokingly annoyed tone.

“Ummm nothing.” He tried hard to control his convulsive laughter but failed miserably.

Suddenly Belle became quiet and Brady and Chloe focused their attention on her. “What’s wrong Belle?” Brady questioned.

“Look” she replied pointing above the doorway, which housed Brady and Chloe.

“Huh?” Chloe looked above her and then at Belle with daggers in her eyes, “No Belle…I do NOT think so!”

“Come on Chloe, tradition” she pleaded. “Make her Brady!”

Brady looked toward Chloe, his face lit up like a boy on Christmas day when opening his new treasures. He shrugged as his lips curled upward, “You know Tink, she won’t back down. After all it is tradition.”

Chloe sighed in defeat and proclaimed, “Fine. Let’s get it over with.”

“Fine by me,” and Brady went in for the kill. He swept down and leaned forward as their lips met. He touched hesitantly, not sure how far to allow the kiss to proceed. He, of course, wanted it to last forever, but this was, after all, only a small kiss under the mistletoe. Her response was different than expected. She suddenly relaxed under his touch and as her body went limp and his likewise. He put his arms around her, pulling her closer, closing the gap between them. Slowly but surely the kiss deepened as his tongue met her lips, begging for entrance. She granted and immediately the fireworks of their closeted passion began to explode between them. They were lost in each other, fighting for air but not wanting it to end, when suddenly…

“Ahem” Belle stood, arms crossed, in front of them while borrowing the famous John Black stare.

Chloe and Brady broke away from each other but their gaze was not lost, “Wow” Chloe whispered.

“I know,” he cooed quietly in her ear.

“Excuse me guys. Tradition is a small peck on the cheek, not…. that” Belle replied, wide eyed and at a loss for words.

Brady turned to her; arms still entangled in Chloe’s, “Sorry Belle, I…I guess I got carried away.”

“You think?” She responded in her best attempt to sound irritated but her face revealed. She was happy that they had finally found a way to get past the dreaded ‘friends’ stage.

Chloe turned her eyes back to Brady, ignoring the others in the room, “What took you so long?”

“Me?” He responded bewildered. “If my memory serves me right it was you that had this little problem with an overprotective, psychotic ex.”

She blushed and buried her head in his chest in disgrace, “You’re right. I am so sorry it took me this long,” Her eyes met his passionate gaze,” I mean wow!”

He grinned, “You already said that.”

“I know. I’m going to repeat myself again, what took you so long?”

“Long for what?” he asked genuinely confused.

She screamed in frustration as she practically jumped back in his arms, “For this!” and she planted her lips onto his.

The End!