Want a peek between the covers?

Here’s Xander and Hannah’s first kiss!

Setting the scene: We’re at a quirky celebration of life for Xander’s dearly departed Uncle Gus. Needless to say, Xander’s family are scandalized about holding a funeral in a “junk shop,” and poor Xander is just trying to carry out his favorite uncle’s wishes, however weird. Hannah tries to comfort her new friend.

👽❤️👽❤️👽

“You okay, Xander?”

Stupid question. Face pale, lips clamped tight, forehead dotted with sweat, he was clearly as far from okay as Trappers Cove was from Australia.

His nostrils flared in a deep inhalation. Who knew nostrils could be so sexy?

She rubbed his arm from elbow to shoulder and found his muscles so tense she might as well be stroking marble. “I thought you were exaggerating about that second son business, but it looks like you understated the problem.”

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I can’t stand to listen to them shredding Gus. My uncle was a good man. An oddball, yes, but so what? He was generous and kind and funny and—”

“Hey.” She grasped both his shoulders and turned him to face her. “You’re doing the right thing. You are a loving, loyal nephew. And in a couple hours, all your bitchy relatives will leave, so you can get back to remodeling Souvenir Planet. I have faith in you, Xander. You’re going to make this place shine brighter than ever.”

His eyes widened. Okay, maybe she’d gone too far, but the only way through this debacle was forward.

“You’ve got this, my friend.” She rose on her toes and pecked his cheek. At least, that was her intention, but a loud bang from across the room jerked his head around, and her chaste kiss landed on his lips. His soft, plush, slightly parted lips.

Xander gasped and blinked hard and fast, as if she’d blown dust into his eyes. “What the hell was that?”

A flush roasted her cheeks. “Sorry, I slipped.” She took a step back—well, she tried to, but he gripped her elbows, holding her in place.

“That was totally inappropriate,” she spluttered. “I apologize, Xander.”

A flicker danced in his dark irises—amusement or something more interesting? A corner of his mouth ticked upward. “I meant the noise, not the kiss.”

They both scanned the room. On the far side, near the door to Gus’s office, a set of metal shelves had crashed to the floor.

Hannah tugged her neckline in a vain effort to diffuse the heat of her embarrassment. “I think Gus is telling us to get the show on the road.”

Xander groaned and dropped his chin to his chest. His shoulders quaked.

Oh no! Desperate to undo the damage, she clutched his arms. “I’m so sorry. Me and my lame jokes.”

Still quaking, he gripped her elbows and pulled her against his chest, burying his face in her hair. She wrapped her arms around him and rubbed soothing circles on his back—his broad, warm, muscular back…

What a perfectly awful moment for her libido to kick in. Tingles zapped up and down her spine as Xander’s arms banded around her, snugging her tighter to his solid warmth. What a monster she was, getting all hot and bothered while he wept in her arms and…

Hold the phone.

She planted her palm on his chest and shoved. “Are you laughing?”

👽❤️👽❤️👽