Page 40 of Holly and Ivar
“Correct!”George shouted.Cheers and friendly boos erupted around them.
Liv and Emma clapped, Tess banged a spoon against the bar, and Ivar raised his glass again.“To the Maple Mug Misfits,” he said, “and all the Christmas figures out there.”
He held his hand up to Holly for a high five.She laughed, accepting congratulations from some of the other teams, like she belonged there.
With him.
***
Ivar
The night air hit like a cool cloth after the warmth of the brewery.Snow had started again.Big soft flakes spiraled through the streetlamps, landing in Holly’s hair like bits of starlight.She pulled her scarf tighter, her cheeks flushed from cider and laughter.
“I can’t believe we actually won,” she said, glancing over at him.
“Pretty sure that means I retire undefeated,” he said.“Go out on top.”
“Coward.”
“Strategic,” he corrected, hands tucked in his coat pockets.“I’d rather stay a legend than risk humiliation next week.”
She gave him a sideways smile.“You liked it.”
“A bit,” he admitted.“But don’t tell anyone.I’ve got a reputation as a recluse to maintain.”
“Too late,” she said, bumping his shoulder lightly.“You laughed out loud and high-fived half the bar after our victory.”
“That was an accident.”
They both chuckled, their boots crunching on the snow.The town had quieted, with only the faint glow of windows and the scent of wood smoke lingering in the air.
Holly stopped for a moment, taking it in.“It’s beautiful here.”
He looked at her, the lamplight soft on her face, and thought the same thing.
He’d spent years keeping to himself, convinced solitude was easier.Trivia nights, crowded rooms, small talk was all noise.He’d chosen silence instead.
But tonight had been different.
Because of her.
And not for the mind-altering introduction to a world of magic.Something simpler, but equally profound.He’d forgotten the joy of sharing a laugh, of having a partner—not in work, not in survival, but inliving.
“Thank you,” she said suddenly.
“For what?”
“For today.For reminding me of how to have fun.”
He smiled, shy but warm.“You make a pretty good trivia partner.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
They reached the steps of the inn, hesitation hanging between them.For a moment, neither of them moved.The air between them felt charged again, but not with magic.Something quieter and human.The temptation to close the distance, to lean in and kiss her, was strong.
But whatever had stirred beneath the trees still lingered between them, and it deserved time to take root.
