Page 27 of Holly and Nick Hate Christmas
“Are you hiding from my sister?”
Nick jumped. His heart leapt and landed somewhere near his toes. Guilt pressed against his chest and he drew a deep breath as he stared at Ryan. “What are you doing?”
“Sorry, I was in the closet, stashing Lydia’s Christmas gift.” Ryan joined Nick at the door and craned his neck to see through the slit. “Aha!Told you. You’re hiding.”
“I’m not hiding.” As if to prove his point, Nick moved away from the door to the leather lounge chair where he’d left his suitcase next to the TV and gaming console. His gaze skimmed over the speakers and game options as he settled in the chair. Pretty good system, if a little outdated. Maybe the Sinclairs would consider throwing it into their real estate deal. “I didn’t want to get roped into playing, that’s all.”
“I think it’s too late for that.” Ryan grinned as he took the chair next to Nick’s.
“What’s that movie?” Nick leaned forward as he looked at his friend. “You know, where the blonde was pretending to date a guy and then went all wacky and bought him a love fern?”
“How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.” Ryan reached for the remote control. “Lydia made me watch it with her one night, and it was a surprisingly great film.”
“Well, that’s your sister right now. Instead of a love fern, though, it’s Santa cookies and Christmas music.” Nick shuddered. “What happened? You said she hated the holidays.”
“She has for years.” Ryan shrugged as he attempted to power on the television. He tapped the remote against his palm to jostle the batteries. “Maybe she’s just caught up in everything festive now that she’s home. Or…maybe it’s because you’re here.”
“I wondered. But I don’t want to listen to Michael Bublé or eat snowmen cookies any more than she should want to. No offense.”
“None taken. Besides, I’m the one who assured you things would be low-key, and they’re starting to shift a little.” Ryan winced. “My bad.”
“Not your fault. And don’t get me wrong, I’m glad your family could be together for the holidays.” Nick rested his head against the chair and sighed. “It just makes me feel a little weird, like I’m intruding.”
Ryan tried the power button again to no avail. “Of course you’re not. Besides, you can’t spend Christmas alone.”
Nick had a ramen noodle bowl he specifically saved for holiday use only. He couldtotallyspend Christmas alone. He ran a hand over his jaw. Not that he was hoping Ryan would send him home. He had to ride this out, at least a while longer, and get a chance to talk with Grace and Thomas.
Which apparently meant putting up with Holly’s love ferns. Or maybe now they were love poinsettias. So much for bonding over their shared aversion.
“I just meant maybe the plan is working, and she’s feelingcheered up, you know?” Ryan took the battery cover off the remote and peered inside. “Maybe her good mood generated some extra Christmas spirit.”
Nick barely knew Holly at all, and yet he would adamantly argue that wasn’t the case. He’d been in plenty of good moods himself over the years and that had never led him to decorate cookies and jam out to Christmas playlists.
“You’re not going to cancel the date, are you?” Ryan’s hand stilled on the remote. He raised his eyebrows.
Nick shook his head. “Of course not. I told you I would be here, so I will.” It wasn’t that deep, right? Especially in light of the progress he could be making toward his dream. In about a week, the holidays would be over, and he and Holly would rarely see each other again. “I’m sure I can get through a few festive moments without any lasting damage.”
“Maybe I can talk to her. And until we figure out what she’s up to, I’ll be right here with you.” Ryan tapped Nick’s arm with the remote. “Don’t worry.”
A knock sounded against the door. Nick and Ryan turned simultaneously as it opened and a red head poked through the gap. “There you are!” Holly announced brightly.
Nick’s stomach twisted—and not for the reason it had when he’d initially met Holly in the front yard. Attraction had slowly shifted into dread.
What would she do next?
She stepped into the room, a red feather boa wrapped around her neck and dangling over her white top. She’d apparently lost the Santa hat during her sliding competition, and her red waves had gone rogue. “Lydia’s looking for you, Ryan.”
“Coming!” Ryan was on his feet and moving toward the door in roughly two seconds. So much for being right there with him.
Nick held his breath, trying to look invisible, but Holly didn’t leave with her brother. Instead, she came and perched on the arm of Nick’s chair, her red skirt splaying over the edge.
“I wondered where you ran off to.” Her body heat warmed his right arm, and he pulled it to his side, away from her. She smelled like cookies, which wouldn’t have been so off-putting if he wasn’t incredibly aware that they wereChristmascookies.
“Just giving everyone a chance to settle in.” To that point, Nick hadn’t even unpacked. That would actually make a good excuse, since Ryan abandoned—
“Forget that. We need to get you festive!” Holly reached over and draped the boa around his neck, her green eyes dancing. The feathers instantly tickled his ears.
“I’m good, thanks.” He went to free himself, but she hadn’t moved her hand away yet, and their fingers brushed. Something brief flickered in her gaze. Then that obnoxious smile thathadto be fake re-formed across her face.
