Page 39 of Evergreen Christmas

Jordyn nodded.

“But . . .” Roxie made a face, her mouth twitching into a smile. “You’re all syrupy!”

Jordyn spread her arms out and growled. “That’s right! Come here, little girl!”

Jordyn, laughing maniacally, reached for her, but Roxie hopped out of reach, giggling. “No way! I’m not going to kiss you with all that syrup on you. Yuck!” Laughing, she added, “Good luck, Ms. Jordyn!”

With that, she dashed off, running across the field, weaving between people to join Nate, who now stood on the sidewalk outside the town square, watching her.

Standing slowly, Jordyn lifted her arm and waved hesitantly at Nate. He waved back and smiled, though even from this distance, she could tell the gesture was polite and restrained. But despite the guarded expression on his face as he met her eyes, he’d smiled. She’d take it.

After Tucker’s and Roxie’s visit to Chestnut Ridge two days ago, she’d thought over what Tucker had said about Nate, turning it over in her mind all afternoon. It had given her a bit of hope to think that Nate’s hesitancy to explore a relationship with her might be due to the pain he’d experienced in the past rather than a lack of interest in her.

She, of all people, knew how difficult it was to lose one’s sense of security in life and how comforting predictability could be. But she’d also had the advantage of experiencing firsthand on the rodeo circuit how rewarding risk could be. How life could hold surprises and enjoyment that she never would’ve imagined.

“He’s pining, you know?”

Jordyn broke eye contact with Nate and faced Tucker, his syrupy, lopsided grin making her smile. “He doesn’t look like he’s pining.”

“Oh, believe me,” Tucker said, wiping a handful of syrup from his mouth. “The man’s been acting morose ever since he turned your invitation down. And his eyes turned green and burned a hole in Mason Walker the entire time you sat with him at the Candy Cane Fishing contest.”

“Well, there’s no reason for him to be jealous. There’s absolutely nothing between me and Mason Walker. He’s a nice guy, but we’re just friends.”

Tucker shrugged. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. As a matter fact, speaking as a man, myself,” he said, placing a hand on his chest, “I have to admit that sometimes a little bit of jealousy is all it takes for a woman to get our attention.”

“That’s not how I’d like to get your brother’s attention though,” Jordyn said quietly. “I don’t like games, and I certainly wouldn’t like to play someone else.”

Tucker dipped his head. “Duly noted. Though in that regard, my brother and I are complete opposites. I’m the only one in the family that tends to play games.”

Jordyn winced. “Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry if—”

“Don’t sweat it.” He held up a hand, waving off her concern. “I didn’t mean anything by it, either. But it was good to hear because Nate is just as straightforward and honest as you are.” He grinned. “Just another reason why I think the two of you would hit it off perfectly if he would just give dating a chance.” His brows rose. “You give any thought to what I told you the other day?”

Jordyn narrowed her eyes. “Maybe. But does Nate know you’ve been talking to me about him?”

Tucker guffawed. “Are you kidding me? If he had any clue that I was talking with you about this kind of thing, I’d be laid up in the hospital with broken limbs about now.”

Jordyn laughed. “So, Nate’s a private person then?”

“Very private.” Tucker glanced over her shoulder at Nate. “He barely opens up to me about his feelings.” His eyes returned to her face, a somber note in them. “That’s why, this time, I’m nudging a bit.” He flashed another wide grin. “But just a very little bit, mind you. One of you two has got to pick up the slack and do some work yourself; otherwise, there’s no way y’all will ever hook up. And I can tell you right now that it won’t be him that does the chasing. So put your racing shoes on and get after him, woman.”

Laughing, Jordyn saluted him. “Yes, sir.”

“And don’t think for a minute,” he said, holding up a finger, “that I’m going to take it easy on you in this race just because I’ve taken a shine to you as a potential date for my brother.” He scowled down at her. “I’m gonna wipe the floor with you, woman.”

Jordyn lifted her chin, growling back, “Give it your best shot, dude. I can take it.”

“Alright then,” he drawled, sauntering away. “It’s on!”

She watched him join the others at the tinsel station, then glanced at Nate once more before walking over and joining the tinsel line, too.

A little bit jealous, huh?

The last thing she wanted was to play games with Nate by using another man’s presence to make him jealous. But . . . she wouldn’t be averse to the idea of him noticing that other men might take an interest in her. Maybe then, he would start contemplating how he felt about her himself, and if Tucker was right—which she really hoped he was—Nate did harbor some affection for her.

A fluttering sensation moved through her chest at the thought and she quickly reminded herself that that’s all it was—just a thought. Nate, himself, had done nothing over the past three days to indicate that he had changed his mind about dating her. So for now, she’d do best to focus on the race, give it all she had, and try to cinch a win.

“Whoever’s next, please!” one of the volunteers at the head of the tinsel line shouted as she waved for the next participant to come lie down on the pile of tinsel.

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