Page 126 of Pretend You Love Me
“He’s an amazing writer, that’s for sure,” Eli says.
Juno’s eyes drift over to where Kip is standing, helping Olivia and Will with their snow creation. “He’s just all around amazing.”
My eyes flash over to Kip, who looks like some sort of snow god. Of course, it hasn’t escaped my attention that he seems to grow more attractive by the minute - although I imagine that these damn pregnancy hormones are to blame for that too.
Eli points at me. “There it is.”
“What?” I’m looking down at my clothes.
“That look.” His eyes flash over to Kip and then back at me.
I put my hands on my hips. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. Are we going to build this thing or what?”
I sink down to my knees and start gathering snow.
“I think we should start taking bets,” Juno whispers.
I freeze.
“I’m in,” Keene says.
“Oh, no. This isn’t like that.” My siblings believe there is some sort of magical power to the Christmas cabin that makes people fall in love. Ok, most years I believe it too, but not this year. Definitely not this year. I have to admit, the cabin does have a pretty good track record after seemingly nudging together all the couples in our family.
“It is exactly like that,” Keene snaps back.
“Sometimes I really hate you guys,” I pout.
Keene just snorts. Thankfully, they move on and start discussing the best snow sculpting strategies, and I zone out. I bet Will thinks the cabin is going to work its magic on me, but he’s mistaken.
“Hot chocolate break!” Elizabeth calls from the porch after an hour.
“Sweet.” Keene has jumped to his feet.
“Perfect. I can’t feel my hands anymore.” Juno is trailing behind him toward the house.
“You going?” Eli asks as he stands up.
“Nah. I’m going to finish these eyes. I almost have it.”
Eli gives a little nod and follows behind Juno and Keene.
I’m so engrossed in sculpting these octopus eyes that I don’t notice Kip walk up.
“Looks good.” I jump at the sound of his voice. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
I lift my head to look at him. “I didn’t hear you walk up.”
“You going to get some hot chocolate?”
It doesn’t sound great to me, but my butt is completely numb from sitting in the snow. I should probably go warm up a bit.
I shrug. “I guess so.”
He holds out his hand, but I don’t take it. As soon as I stand up, spots float in front of my eyes.
Oh no.
I teeter slightly, and my vision goes completely dark.
