Page 24 of Turning Up the Heat

“Fine. Remember—be sure to get Ryder in here to help you with that display. You don’t need to be getting on a ladder.”

“Fine, fine.” He rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath.

“I’m serious,” I said, shrugging into my jacket.

“Got it. Now git!” He waved his hands at me, shooing me out the door.

As soon as I got back home, I sent my brother a quick text:

Q:Make sure you and Bree head over to the store today to help Pops w/ Christmas display. He shouldn’t get on a ladder.

Seconds later, Ryder texted me back.

R:Got it. Will do.

Another second later, I got another text.

R:Seen Lanie lately?

Geesh, this guy.

Q:I was at the store, with Dad.

R: Not all night.

Q: You’re awfully nosy. Is your life really this boring now?

R: Defensive. So you HAVE seen her then

Q: I didn’t say that

R: Didn’t have to

Q: How’s Bree?

R: I see what you did there.

Q: Very astute. Must have picked that up from your girlfriend.

R: Haha. Fine, I’ll grill you later, after your little “helping” date

Q: It’s not a date. Go have fun setting up the Christmas display.

R: Don’t eat too much pie

Rolling my eyes, I threw the phone on the couch and hit the shower. I needed to get ready to meet Delaney.

* * *

Mars was at the display case helping Liz Moss, the proprietor of the town’s only bed and breakfast, decide between vanilla scones and chocolate croissants.

“I like the scones myself, but I’m not a big chocolate guy,” Mars said. “You can’t go wrong either way, though.”

“Why not try them both, see which one guests prefer?” I said, sidling up to the counter.

“Hmmm, that’s a good idea,” Liz said, chewing on a pencil. “I’ll take a dozen of each.”

“Sounds good!” Mars said, shooting me a grateful look. “We’ll have those ready for you by six tonight.”

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