Page 117 of Holiday Friend Zones
On my way to the festival grounds, I swing by his office.Since he’s not there, I leave the muffin on his desk and snap a quick picture.
Lauren
Left a sweet treat on your desk for when you get back.
The bubbles pop up immediately.
Eli
So I can expect you in my office when I return?
Oh.Oh!My heart does a ridiculous flip, like it’s auditioning for a cheer squad.Is he… flirting?I stare at my phone too long, weighing whether to lean in or play it safe.My thumbs betray me.
Lauren
No.This is better.
There’s a pause.Then?—
Eli
Doubt it.
I shove my phone into my pocket, unable to hide the grin taking over my face.
* * *
Later that evening,the cabin door opens with a rush of cold air, and in steps Eli, snow dusting his dark blond hair, his DNR uniform stretching indecently over his broad shoulders.
I should look away.I really should.But my heart stutters in my chest because he’s every lumberjack-meets-uniform fantasy rolled into one unfairly perfect man.
“The snow’s really coming down,” he says, stepping out of his boots.
“I’m making hot cocoa,” I manage to say, though my voice comes out higher than intended.“Want some?”
His smile softens something low in my belly.“Sounds perfect after the day I’ve had.”
“You can change and tell me all about it.”I want to tell him to leave the uniform on, but he might find my request odd since I know he prefers to be more comfortable when he’s home.
He disappears into the spare room to change, and I take a deep breath hoping it’ll calm my erratic nerves.It doesn’t.Did I think Julie would never hear about me living with Eli?No.It’s Mount Holly after all, but her jealousy caught me off guard.Eli returns to the kitchen in gray sweatpants and a black shirt, and I swear my knees and my brain forget how to function.
“Take a seat.I’ll bring it in,” I manage to choke out before retreating to the safety of the kitchen and pouring cocoa into two mugs.He’s already stretched out on the couch when I join him, casual and infuriatingly at ease—long legs sprawled, arm draped over the backrest like he owns the entire atmosphere.Meanwhile, I tuck my legs beneath me like they might bolt if I don’t pin them down.
“So what happened today?”I ask, handing him his mug.
“There was a group of snowmobilers ignoring every posted sign.We caught them, but it was a whole ordeal.How about you?”
“Less dramatic, but the festival’s coming together.And…” I sip, pretending nonchalance.“I had a run-in with your ex.”
His mouth twitches.“That must’ve been pleasant.How’d it go?”
“Well, she thinks we’re dating now.”
He nearly chokes on his hot cocoa.“Why does she think that?”
“Apparently, me living here screamsromantic relationship.”
He shakes his head.“Of course she would.She never could handle us being friends.”
