Page 42 of Take Me Home for Christmas

“More tourists mean more money in my pocket,” Lois replied as she set four mugs of coffee on the table. “We have Elle to thank for that.”

“The Christmas flotilla always attracts a big crowd.” Xander glanced around the coffee shop. “If I had to guess though, there are more folks here than in previous years, even with this cold snap.”

“Yup.” Lois stared down at Hayden. “We need to find a reason to keep Elinor McAlister in town.”

Hayden groaned. “Don’t you have customers to serve?”

Lois mumbled something under her breath as she returned to the counter. Hayden shook his head.

“I guess now is not the time to ask why you had your hands all over Elle last night?” Xander—Hayden’s now former friend—asked.

Both Simone and Gabby’s heads snapped around to gawk at Hayden.

“It wasn’t like that,” Hayden argued.

Except it was.For all his blustering about keeping Elle firmly in the friend zone and moving on, he was having a heck of a time keeping his hands off her. It was second nature to lift her so she could see over the crowd last night. He’d been doing it for years. Except touching her felt different now. Hell, just being near her stoked a fire inside him that made him want to throw the woman over his shoulder and carry her off to the nearest bed.

“If you say so,” Xander said into his coffee cup.

Simone gave Hayden the stink eye. “You said you were going to give Livi a chance.”

“I am. It’s not my fault the gods keep spoiling our dates. We’ll get some one-on-one time today at the gingerbread house contest. Afterward, I have dinner plans for us at the marina. And a private viewing spot for the flotilla.” He arched an eyebrow at his partner. “Even you have to agree I’m putting myself out there.”

Gabby shook her head. “Livi has the flu, Hayden. AsBachelorworthy as your day sounds, you’ll be flying solo.”

“Are you kidding?” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “She said it was allergies.”

Simone tsked. “Even a TV doctor would know allergies are not what took that poor woman down. We’ll take your reservations at the marina, though. We’ve been meaning to go there for months now.”

“We have.” Gabby nodded.

“Fine. But you’re taking our spot in the gingerbread house-making contest, too. I’ve already paid the entry fee. And it’s for a good cause.”

“No!” Aunt Kitty cried. She stopped by their table, juggling two to-go cups of coffee. “I’ll take Livi’s place. Please, Hayden. I’m an accomplished artist. We’ll win for sure.” She fluttered her eyelids.

He grinned in surprise at his aunt. Shewasan amazing textiles artist. One who hadn’t really practiced her craft since losing her husband. In fact, Hayden couldn’t recall seeing her this animated about anything since his uncle’s death. He glanced at the coffee cups in her hands.

“You sure that isn’t the caffeine talking?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s for a friend.”

Damn, was she blushing?

“Come on, Hay,” she pleaded. “West thinks he’s got the contest locked up. I know you and I can beat him.”

West.

“Spicing up your relationship with a little healthy competition. I like it.” Simone gave her two thumbs-up. “Show your man who’s boss.”

“West isn’t her man,” Hayden argued.

The expressions on the three women’s faces said otherwise.

Hayden swore under his breath.

“Please,” his aunt pleaded. “You’ll be my favorite nephew.”

“I’m your only nephew,” he muttered. “Fine.”

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