Page 61 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
A little smile played at the corner of her lips. “So, you heard about that.”
“I might have. I might also have been shown some pictures of the castle-like structure that you built. It was impressive. I can see why you won.”
She let out a little laugh. “Thanks.”
“So, I’ll stay and build a gingerbread house if you will.” He looked expectantly at her.
She didn’t say anything. She was torn about what to do.
As though he could tell she was on the fence about the decision, he said, “We should make this interesting.”
“What do you have in mind?” She was almost afraid to know the answer.
“We’ll make a wager.” He paused as though he could just pluck the idea from the air. “How about this? We each have to pick what place we’ll finish. If my number is closest, you have to go have some hot cocoa with me at the Kringle Cup Café. If you win, I’ll leave you alone to enjoy your holidays.”
Ouch.She wasn’t so sure she wanted to win this contest, but she wouldn’t mind spending some more time with him. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
He blew out a breath. “Good. You have to name what place we’ll come in.”
She paused to give it some thought. Parker appeared to have never done this before. That would put her at a disadvantage. “I think we’ll place third.”
His brows rose in surprise. “You seem pretty confident.”
“I am. How do you think we’ll do?”
He pursed his lips, as though giving the decision some serious consideration. “I think we’ll place seventh.”
“You don’t have much faith in our abilities, do you?”
Before he could answer that question, Merry stepped up on the little stage at the end of the room. “Welcome, everyone, to our annual gingerbread house decorating contest. As you noticed, we’ve switched things up a bit this year. Everyone has a partner so those houses should be twice as nice. You can use anything on your table to create your amazing gingerbread house. You’ll have two hours to create it. And now because I know you all are anxious to get started… Begin. And good luck.”
A frown pulled at Belle’s lips as she looked around. Everyone was already busy assembling their houses. She was going to have to plan quickly and implement even faster.
“What’s wrong?”
She glanced over at Parker, and their gazes caught and held a moment longer than was necessary. It made her heart skip a beat. Heat rushed up her neck and settled in her cheeks. She glanced away.
She’d meant to ask him something, but she couldn’t recall what it was. Maybe that was because her heart was now racing, and all she could think about was how good he looked with the scruff trailing down his strong jawline and that cream-colored sweater paired with a pair of faded jeans.
“Belle?”
Oh. Right. Focus.And then it came to her what she’d been about to ask him. Her gaze lifted and briefly met his. “Do you have a pen?”
He smiled. “This sheriff always has a pen.” He reached into his coat and produced a pen. As he handed it to her, he asked, “What do you need it for?”
“This.” And then she started to draw on the disposable white tablecloth.
He leaned in closer. “What are you drawing?”
“An octagon.”
“I know I’m going to regret asking this but why?”
“Because our house has to be distinct to win. So maybe an igloo house.” She continued to draw out her idea.
After she’d drawn most of it, he said, “Don’t you think that’s a lot of pieces to hold together. And the roof… It looks complicated.”
She hated to admit it, but he was right. With a frustrated huff, she leaned back in her chair. She needed something easy but would give the appearance of being complicated.
