Page 77 of Matchmaking the Rival

"And you call yourself a Christmas enthusiast," he said. "I guess everyone decided to start Christmas earlier this year." He sounded like a total grump.

I never understood people who complained about Christmas starting early. It was the happiest time of the year. I started my countdown to the holiday in August, and that was after I celebrated Christmas in July. This was one of my favorite festivals in the whole city.

"What do you want to do first?" I asked.

"You’re in charge tonight. I’ve never been, so..."

I turned to him, gasping. "That can't be true. You're a SoWa Winter Festival virgin?"

He frowned. "I don't like the wordvirgin."

I grinned. "You don't, huh? I think I'm going to use it a few more times just to rub it in. Okay, I'll give you a tour. Let's start by buying something to drink. I love mulled wine. Or they have also these Christmas cocktails. I can't make up my mind."

I was so excited. This looked like something out of a fairy tale.

We went to one of the food trucks on the Trail of Light. I chose a Christmas cocktail, and so did Cade. I had no clue what was in it, but it was definitely not just one type of liquor. I knew mixing alcohol was maybe not the best idea. On the other hand, you kind of needed it to brace against the cold. I’d stupidly dressed in sexy garters again instead of putting on wool tights, thinking we were going to stay indoors.

"Okay, let's start with a walk through the Pine Forest," I said. This place was a true winter wonderland. There were ice sculptures at the end of the Trail of Light, past the food trucks. Walking through the Pine Forest always brought me joy. "When I'm here, I feel like I'm a kid all over again. My parents used to bring me here every year."

"My parents weren't big on Christmas things, but my grandmother is. This is good." Cade nodded at his cup.

“You sound unsure. I scared you with that pumpkin drink.”

“Your words, not mine.”

"Oh, alcohol is a must for this stroll. Otherwise, you end up with frozen feet and hands. Ask me how I know." I kept sipping my drink. It definitely had rum and possibly champagne... or vodka... or maybe all three? I had no clue. I was about to ask Cade what was in his when I realized he was looking at me.

"What?" I asked.

"You're beautiful. I like seeing you so excited and happy."

"You're kidding, right? Seeing Christmas stuff makes me the happiest."

"Yep. I've made a mental note about that. I'll make sure to indulge you."

I grinned from ear to ear. My cheeks were a bit sore, but I was too happy.

We went down around the perimeter afterward, soaking up the lights.

"One day, I dream of moving into an actual home of my own," I admitted. "Something with a porch and a tiled roof so I can put up lights everywhere."

Cade threw his head back, laughing. "I like your criteria."

"Hey, it's as good as any," I retaliated. I couldn't stop looking at all the displays. "Oh, there was a bookshop here last year. I think it might have closed, though." It had been replaced by a shop selling jewelry. "I hope they didn't go bankrupt."

I put my hand on my chest. My heart was hurting just thinking about that, knowing it had been here for as long as I could remember. Yes, you could call me a nostalgic when it came to the holidays—it comforted me.

"She used to give me candy as a kid when my mom wasn't looking. I can probably look her up. Maybe she just found a better location."

Cade didn't say anything. When I glanced at him, I realized he was staring at me again.

"Something wrong?" I asked.

"No, but I can't believe you care so much about everything."

I shrugged. "It's just who I am."

"I'm starting to learn that."

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