Other than the receptionist, Zara was the only person to brave the slushy streets and make it into the office. As she packed her belongings, she couldn’t stop thinking about Aaron and trying to decipher his feelings from his actions. Since she’d returned from Wisconsin, some of her anger had faded, leaving a fog of confusion in its wake.

She took a bite of a chocolate chip scone. Maybe she could stomach pumpkin by next fall. Every damned thing reminded her of him.

Music from the Wondrous World’s soundtrack broke the quiet.

The song made her heart ache.

The clicking of Cheryl’s heels on the tile floor set her teeth on edge.

Zara braced herself for the owner to gloat or to order security to pat her down to make sure she didn’t abscond with any company property. After all, they considered her a criminal.

“I’m sorry for firing you.” Cheryl leaned against Zara’s desk. “Legal has done a thorough review of company policy and has determined that your actions are not grounds for termination. I hope you’ll stay with Windy City Gaming and continue to lead the Wondrous World’s project."

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Aaron suggested having the entire marketing team dress up as Oompa Loompas to serenade you. Just say the word and I’ll make it happen. I draw the line at dressing up myself. I’m the boss after all.” Cheryl put her hands on her hips. “Whether you decide to stay with the company or not, give Aaron another shot. He can be a pain in the ass, but he’s a good person.” She headed to her office and closed the door.

Aaron slouched into the room dressed in a chainmail vest, black pants, and leather boots.

Zara’s breath caught in her throat.

He held the wand of wishes, with its swirl of stars.

“Thaddeus the bold and brazen wizard,” she whispered. The primary hero of the Wondrous Worlds game in the flesh. The yang to Yolanda’s yin.

He fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable to be decked out in a costume.

The receptionist crept over, her eyes wide, to witness the spectacle.

He bopped Zara lightly on the head with the wand. “My wish is to escort you to the office New Year’s party.”

“Don’t you hate that party because of the pressure to kiss someone?”

He reached into a pocket and withdrew the fake mistletoe from the cabin. “You’re the only person I wish to kiss.”

“Stop with the freaking mixed messages already. One minute you’re into me, and the next you’re reporting me. I’m sure all that talk about getting a cat was a bunch of bullshit.”

“I didn’t tell Cheryl about your Comicon costume,” he said. “A dog is probably the best bet, but I’m open to getting a cat. Maybe we can go together to pick out my pet. My New Year’s resolution is to be the best boyfriend for you I can be.”

“You don’t believe in resolutions. You said that they never last for more than a week. You’re making my head spin.” She sucked in a breath. “We’d be a disaster together. Virgos and Geminis aren’t compatible.”

“You and I might have to work harder than other couples, but it will be worth the extra effort. Will you start the new year as my girlfriend?”

Zara grabbed the mistletoe from him, held the fake plant above her head, and closed her eyes.

Aaron’s kiss was every bit as yummy as she remembered.

* * *

The office New Year’s Eve party was in full swing. Waiters passed out glasses of sparkling wine, and Cheryl commanded a crowd of marketing guys on the dance floor.

Zara plucked an orange hair off Aaron’s suit coat. “I can’t believe you chose a cat.”

“The moment I saw Pumpkin Spice, I knew she was purrrrfect.”

Every day since he’d dressed as her hero, Aaron had left a little sketch for her to find. The guy was trying to make things work by clearly communicating his feelings.

Vowing to keep better track of her keys, she’d retrieved the spare from Warren. She considered giving it to Aaron, but she didn’t want an excuse to slip back into bad habits. She’d even retired her Cubs undies.

The New Year’s count down started, and partygoers shouted along with the television.

Aaron wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“I hope our kiss isn’t disappointing,” she said.

“All of your kisses are earth shattering.”

The countdown reached one. Auld Lang Syne played, but Zara barely noticed. She was consumed by his lips and his subtle cologne.

“That kiss shattered the whole damned galaxy,” he said. “Let’s get out of here. I want to start the year off right by making love to my stunning girlfriend. There’s something to be said for being perfectly mismatched. Our relationship will never be boring. We go together like Oompa Loompas and mistletoe.”

“Or pumpkin spice and licorice.”

“Are you talking about the cat kind?”

“Maybe.”

“We’ll figure out how to make the pet situation work when we move in together. You need to be in a more secure building.”

“That’s a terrible reason to cohabitate.” She narrowed her eyes. “We shouldn’t rush into anything.”

“I’m doing it again, aren’t I? Sending mixed messages.” He stroked her face. “The reason I want to live with you is that you’ll be the last person I see before I go to sleep. Am I being clear enough?”

“Crystal.”

“We don’t have to move in together right away. We’ll wait until we’re ready.”

“It’s going to be a hell of a new year.”

“Just wait until baseball season starts.”

“My goal is to convert you into a Cubs fan.”

“Isn’t it enough to be your fan?” he asked.

“We’ll see if you’re still speaking to me when you discover what I did with your paperclips.”

“Crap. I owe Ted in marketing twenty bucks.”

Fingers entwined, they said their goodbyes and headed out into the frosty Chicago winter. No matter how cold the weather, Zara’s perfect mismatch would keep her warm.