Page 28 of Just Add Mistletoe

Penny grinned. “You’re such an inspiration.” In the next second, she was practically glowering at Lori. “Now, what is ityoudo?”

Lori had already told her once. Was this some sort of strategy to intimidate her?

“She owns the shop across from the worksite, as she already told you,” Malcom said. “Now, anyone hungry? This looks good.”

“You’re already letting him speak for you?” Penny asked, laughing as if she was trying to make it seem she was being funny.

Lori gave her a tight smile and turned her attention to her plate. The chicken parmesan and asparagus did look great. She took a bite.

“What do you think?” Malcom asked.

“About the food or . . .”

“The food,” he said with a chuckle. Then he sobered. “Sorry about all the questions. I think Penny has outdone herself.”

Lori set her hand over his and squeezed, mostly for Penny’s benefit. She was watching them from across the table. “So it’s all smooth sailing from here?”

Malcom’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “If only we could be so lucky.”

They continued to eat and chat, and eventually Penny’s focus shifted once again to Doug. It didn’t take too much analysis to see that the way she was speaking about the company was bothering Malcom. Did they not have management meetings to get on the same page with each other?

The MC tapped the microphone, then began to speak at the podium in front of the room, and for the next thirty minutes, awards and accolades were announced. Bronson, Malcom, Penny, and Kari all went to the front of the room to receive their award. A photographer stopped them on the way back for pictures, and Penny wedged herself right next to Malcom.

Lori had to force herself not to laugh at his expression. He was truly uncomfortable, and it wasn’t funny. Well, only a little funny. Regardless, she was glad she could come tonight and help him out. She couldn’t remember a time when a non-date had actually been so fun, let alone a real date.

Lori ate a couple bites of dessert—raspberry cheesecake—as she waited for Malcom to return. Penny held on to his arm, drilling him with questions, her smile tight.

Malcom’s shoulders were tense, and he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else than talking to her.

Lori looked over at Bronson, who’d just returned to the table and sat down with Kari. They set the glass trophy between their place settings, admiring it. Didn’t Bronson see what was going on with his stepbrother? How bothered Malcom was? Did he not care?

Not that Lori was a family-dynamic expert. She didn’t have any siblings—let alone jealous or vindictive ones. Because Lorihad decided that Bronson must be one or the other, or even both. Were high school sports really so important as to divide two brothers?

“Hey,” Malcom said, standing next to her. “Want to go check out the silent auction?”

Lori stood immediately. “Sure.”

He grasped her hand, leading her to the row of tables where a few people milled about, putting in their bids while the MC continued with the program.

“Congrats on your award,” she said.

Malcom nodded.

“Looks like you got some good photos,” she continued.

He looked at her then, his expression amused. “Depends on your standard for good photos.”

Lori smiled, and his mouth lifted. At least this was something he could smile about. “Was she so awful?”

“Worse.” He squeezed her hand. “Have I thanked you for coming?”

“You have.”

They continued browsing the auction items. “Spa day for two?” she teased.

“Sign us up.”

“It would mean a second date, or a second non-date.”

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