Cassidy dug deep and put on the most determined look she could muster. Or that any woman could muster with felt reindeer antlers on and temporary glitter star tattoos.
“Perfect. That’s the one.” Elsie beamed. “I’ll make sure to tag both of your shops when I post it.”
“Thank you—that’s perfect,” Cassidy said, clapping her hands. This was exactly the kind of publicity she needed.
She turned and stuck out her hand, her grip firm. “May the best business win, Grinch,” she said with a confident smile.
“Don’t worry, Sugarplum,” Liam replied, his thumb brushing over her wrist before he let go, a playful smirk curving his lips. “It will.”
The touch lingered like a spark. Cassidy’s pulse skipped, her breath catching slightly as heat curled low in her belly.
She straightened her antlers, doing her best to look composed.
But deep down, she wished they were alone, with nothing but the sweet heat of their bodies between them.
THIRTY
LIAM
Thursday, December 11th
On Thursday night, Liam met Zach and Tyler at the Kettle for a round of darts and a couple of beers. Jackson didn’t want to come of course. He thought about inviting Cassidy, but Tyler was single and Zach hadn’t said anything about bringing Madison. It felt like a guys-only night.
That might be the case now, but earlier, his phone was blowing up with the group chat.
Madison: Okay, okay Ineedto know… how did I miss the Team Cassidy vs. Team Liam sweaters?
Kit: You were literallyin the roomwhen the crafting club talked about it!
Madison: Yeah but I thought they were joking?? Now they’ve already been made somehow and it’s all over Elsie’s social feed!! I just saw two middle schoolers arguing over which team to join.
Cassidy: It’s so cute, OMG.
Emily: I give up! Anyway, I won last year.
Zach: I’m Team Whoever Brings Me Food. I can be bought.
Zoe: All jokes aside, I don’t care if I win. I’ve got a whole fundraiser planned for my eco project with the greenhouse kids and Mrs. C.’s Sunday Club. We’re good.
Emily: Same. Honestly, the more the town hypes this rivalry, the more people turn out. That means more sales foreveryone.Win-win.
Madison: I love this town so much. Also I want both sweaters.
Liam hearted the last message and shoved his phone back into his pocket. The Kettle was packed, as usual. The tavern had gone all-in for Christmas. Silver tinsel was draped along the walls and around every beam, catching the glow of red and green twinkle lights strung from the ceiling. The mirror-backed bar reflected the lights, making the uneven cobblestone floor seem brighter than usual. Framed pictures on the walls—snapshots of locals, vintage beer ads, and old concert posters—had been wrapped in festive holiday paper and rehung like presents on the walls.
The scent of wood-fired pizza and fried everything filled the air. They’d demolished a plate of chicken wings, devoured a deep-dish pizza, and played more than a few rounds of darts. Thankfully, Cassidy’s name hadn’t come up once yet. If Liam glanced at the door more than once or twice, hoping she might walk in, Zach didn’t say anything. Liam remembered a time notlong ago when Zach had done the same thing. Liam had left his friend alone then—and Zach was returning the favor.
It wasn’t until an hour or so later, on his way home, down the streetlight-lit street with the snow crunching under his boots, that he spotted her.
She was still outside, working on the Cocoa Corner’s window display. From a block away, he could see her shivering despite her red puffer coat and a white beanie hat dusted in glitter.
Liam picked up his pace.
“Not again,” she muttered to herself.
“You’re not locked out again, are you?” Liam tried to joke.
Cassidy startled, jerking at the sound of his voice. The cup in her hand flung upward, splattering him right in the face. A white, chalky substance splashed into his beard and dripped down his coat.
