Page 13 of Decked Out with Ivy

“Why?” Ivy’s eyebrows drew together, curiosity pulling at the edges of her eyes.

“Because she’s the only one who has ever believed in me.”

The tight-knit between her eyebrows eased, her eyes softening as she looked at him. She leaned toward him as if she wanted to hug him, but thought better of it. “Fine. But only if you give me the chance to make you fall in love with Christmas.”

He was starting to question if she was out of her mind. “That’ll never happen.”

“Give me the chance, or no deal.”

His eyebrow arched, curiosity piqued. “Why do you care?”

“Christmas is my favorite holiday.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s answer enough for me. Do we have a deal or not?” She held out her hand and waited.

He stared at it, wondering if he took that small hand into his, he’d be making a deal with the devil. His eyes drifted up at thewoman with the Christmas antler headband on her head, and he suppressed a laugh. Ivy Parker was far from the devil.

He wrapped his hand around hers and shook, hoping this little Christmas freak wasn’t going to make him regret this.

Chapter 6

After a long day on set, Cody couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there. He was playing an innkeeper. He couldn’t be something cooler, like an ice sculptor or even a toy store owner?

Jim had picked him up, and they were heading across town. He had to make a stop before he could close his eyes and forget about this day.

“What are your plans tonight?” Jim asked.

“Sleep.”

“I imagine you’re tired, but if you change your mind, the garden society is hosting a Christmas Bingo night. Ten dollars to play and all proceeds go to help fund the flowers that will be blooming all over town this spring.”

“I think I’ll pass.”

“Don’t blame you. I’d be tired too. You had a long day shooting. That’s why you get paid the big bucks.”

Jim parked the SUV outside Ivy’s Cozy Couture. The mannequins on snowboards were now holding perfectly wrapped gifts and a beautiful tree was set up in the far corner.

Cody opened the door and stopped. “Thanks, man. If I’m lucky, I’ll be out in a couple minutes.”

Jim laughed. “Take your time. I have today’s crossword. Jim reached over to the passenger seat and retrieved a newspaper.

Cody hopped out of the SUV and headed straight -for the door. Snow had started to fall, and he pulled his scarf tighter around his neck. It was hand knitted by Ivy and luckily was just solid navy blue. He had been afraid she’d hand him a red and green striped one.

He stepped into the store.

“Welcome to—Oh, it’s you.”

“The joy in your voice just warms my heart.” Cody smacked a hand to his chest, feeling lighter, happier at the sight of her.

“Why are you here?” She picked up a perfectly folded sweater and refolded it. “I already agreed to whatever charade you have planned.”

“Yes, and now we need to implement.”

“I haven’t seen a single paparazzo in town, so what’s the point if we’re not going to be seen?”

“We need to be out for people to see us.” Even if the paparazzi didn’t take pictures, someone was bound to post pictures of him on their social media account. People loved sharing celebrity sightings.

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