Page 35 of Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty

Mark’s eyes narrow, and then he glances at the broom. “Though you were some hotshot doctor. Now you’re a maid?”

“I’m multi-talented. Again, can I help you?”

“Nah. I’ll just wait for Emma.”

“No can do.”

“Huh? The hell are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”

“I’m themaid,” I snap back sarcastically. “But Lily left me in charge, and no one is supposed to be in here without her permission. Unless you want to have this conversation with the cop who’s on the way to seal up the door?”

Mark glances behind him, then looks back at me. “Whatever. Tell her I came by.”

“If I remember.”

“What the hell is your problem?”

“Nothing.” How do I tell him I’m jealous? We don’t know each other and yet I’m so insanely jealous that he got to give Lily a daughter and a family. He got that with her while I was wrapped up with my suffocating family. “Just doing as she asked.”

Mark’s lips part as if he has more to say, then he appears to change his mind and just smirks. “Whatever. Just tell her I’ll be in touch about the date.”

My heart punches hard against my ribs.Date?

“Sure,” I reply tightly. “Assuming she’s still interested after last night. The auction was quite a hit.”

Mark wrinkles his nose. “I heard some parts were a bit… lackluster,” he says, and there’s a flash of anger in his eyes. Then he turns and storms out of the bakery.

I tighten my grip on the broom and bite the inside of my cheek.

A date, huh? Mark may be Emma’s father, but that doesn’t mean I’m rolling over this time.

Mark’s got competition.

13

LILY

“Mommy!” Emma gasps loudly as she follows me into the bakery. “What happened?”

My heart tightens slightly, furthering the ache in my chest as I turn to face her. “Remember I said the Grinch came by and messed up the bakery?”

Emma nods rapidly.

“Well, this is what he did.”

“No!” Emma releases my hand and runs at a full sprint toward the display cases. Just as I jolt after her in alarm, James darts out behind the counter and catches her by the waist, then he scoops her up.

“Ah! That’s not safe to touch, I’m sorry,” he says while Emma squeals in surprise. “The Grinch left somenastyitching powder everywhere, so you can’t touch any of the surfaces, okay?”

“Oh, no!” Emma yelps. “That naughty Grinch!”

“Exactly. And he—oh, no.” James gently sets Emma down on the ground. “I think I got some on me!” He begins scratchingfeverishly at his sleeve, and Emma gasps loudly, then she bursts out laughing and leaps back.

“Don’t touch me!”

“Are you sure?” James grins, leaning toward me. “I think I should share.”

“No!” Emma laughs loudly and darts away from him, clutching at her jacket as she heads back to me. “Mommy, don’t touch anything!”

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