Page 25 of A Very Merry Enemy
“Already doubled Emma’s projected revenue for the season.”
“Great.”
Dean studies me for a long moment. “You know, for someone who claims to hate Holiday Patterson, you sure do pay a lot of attention.”
“Yeah? It’s because I promised Emma I’d keep an eye on things.”
“Right. And we know how you like to keep your promises.”
I exhale.
“Noticed you nearly walked into a golf cart yesterday when Holiday came out to help load cookies into Mrs. Appleton’s car.”
“Mind your own damn business,” I tell him. “Don’t you have actual work to do?”
“I do. But watching you be miserable iswaymore entertaining.” He claps me on the shoulder. “For what it’s worth? She’s hot and I’d do her.”
My jaw clenches, and he bursts into laughter. He sees me, but says nothing, just walks away.
The rest of the morning drags by. I throw myself into work—hauling trees, running the netting machine, helping a familytie a ten-footer to a minivan while the kids argue about who’s putting the star on top of the tree.
Today I’ve had too much time to think, and that always leads to scowling at the bakery.
I’ve seen too many glimpses of her through those windows, laughing with Bella and Wendy. She’s wearing a red apron today, and her hair piled on top of her head in that messy way I like.
I turn away and nearly crash into a customer.
“Lucas Jolly!” Mrs. Blankenship beams at me, her arms full of shopping bags from the gift shop. “I heard the wonderful news!”
Something cold settles in my stomach. “What’s that?”
“About you and Holiday. My quilting club was just saying how we always knew you two would end up together.”
“We’re not?—”
“Don’t be modest. You buying all those cookies to support her is the most romantic thing I’ve heard in years.” She pats my arm. “My granddaughter’s been asking you out for months, but I told her you’re with Holiday.”
“Mrs. Blankenship, we’re not dating?—”
“You don’t have to be shy about it. The whole town’s rooting for you.” She winks and walks away before I can correct her.
Thewholetown. That sounds like an exaggeration.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out and see a notification from Sammy.
Convenient.
Sammy
Why are you and my sister the talk of the town?
Lucas
I have no fucking idea.
Sammy
Why would you spend $2,400 on cookies? Had a change of heart?
