Kaden:I didn’t lose it. I just ignored the instruction.
Valentina: Well, un-ignore it.
Kaden:Is that even a term, un-ignore it. Shouldn’t it be acknowledged it?
Valentina:Just stop sending me chocolates and notes, okay.
Kaden:Can’t. I’m persistent like that.
Valentina: Persistent or annoying?
Kaden: Charming. You’ll see. Give me five minutes.
Valentina: Not even five seconds.
Kaden: That’s all I’ll need.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Valentina:You sent a gourmet basket to my parents . . . What are you doing?
Kaden:Trying to get your attention.
Valentina: That’s not the way to do it.
Kaden: Well, you unblocked me and texted me, so it kind of worked. Listen, I just need to talk to you and apologize in person.
Valentina: No.
Kaden:I’ll send letters to the entire town of Maple Ridge.
Valentina:Saying what? That you’re an asshole?
Kaden:No, I mean . . . I haven’t thought that far ahead. But I’ll figure it out.
Valentina: You’re impossible.
Kaden: I want to say persistent.
Valentina: If I agree will you stop sending stuff to everyone I know?
Kaden: Probably.
Valentina: Well, except for the wine in the basket. Mom wants to know where to get more of it. Also, those truffles—the rocky road ones . . . I wouldn’t mind if you sent more.
Kaden: So what you’re saying is, I’m halfway forgiven?
Valentina: I’m saying my mom loves you—probably the wine—and I might be bribable with chocolate.
Kaden: Noted. Wine and chocolate are my way back in. Anything else? A fruit basket? Cheese platter? I’m taking requests.
Valentina: Kaden . . .
Kaden: What? I’m just trying to win over the entire Holiday family, while hoping you’ll give me five minutes of your time.
Valentina: You’re ridiculous.
Kaden: And you’re still talking to me. So maybe it’s working.