“Well, that cheered him the fuck up,” Axel said with a snort.
“He’s probably hoping to sneak in some gift shopping while we’re out here,” Holden said. “Kid doesn’t have anything yet.”
Axel grimaced. “You know, I’ll go check on him.” He pointed at Dalton. “You stay here.”
Dalton smirked. “Don’t buy me another pair of socks, Ax, or I’ll decide you don’t really love me!”
Axel waved a hand behind him to acknowledge he’d heard.
Gray glanced at his brothers. “Did the rest of you already shop?”
“Of course,” Holden said. “It’s only two days until Christmas.”
“Yeah, good. Me too.” He rocked on his feet. “I’m just gonna have a look around.”
Holden muttered something about last-minute procrastinators under his breath.
Gray started away, then paused. “Come with me, Em. I got your present already. I’m a good boyfriend.”
Emory chuckled. “I’d love you either way.” He jogged to catch up, and I heard him say, “But I definitely love you more now.”
Gray gave him a quick kiss, and they carried on.
I pointed the rest of the group to the cocoa station—where another volunteer Noel had conscripted was making drinks— and they happily made their way across the grounds. Noel joined me shortly after.
“You’re Mr. Popular today.”
“Hardly,” I said. “Just trying not to stand around like a useless lug. No one wants a tree for me to cut and haul, so…” I shrugged.
“You’d never be useless to me.” Noel tugged my short beard. “You can climb the ladder for purchases off the high shelves, and I’ll enjoy the view.”
I smirked. “You’re teasing me, but I’ll happily do it.”
“Well, let’s?—”
“Noel, there you are!” Iola Fletcher cut right over his words. She had her hand locked onto Laurie Ellis’s arm. His husband, Tucker, followed along, looking mildly amused by Iola dragging off his man. “I wanted you to meet Laurie!”
Noel turned, gamely smiling. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”
Laurie shook his hand. “Great event you’ve got going today. I hope to get some of that hot chocolate, and if it’s not too late?—”
“We’re not here for small talk,” Iola interrupted. “I brought Laurie out here because your dinner party was so fabulous, Noel.”
Noel looked pleased. “Oh, thank you. I hope I can do it again.”
“Your mother told me you’d decided to stay,” Iola said. “Since you’re a chef, I imagine you’ll want to hold more events.”
“You imagine right,” Noel said with a chuckle. “I’ve got a few ideas. We have to start small, but?—”
“Why start small when you can startbig?” Iola said, shaking Laurie’s arm. “Tell them what you do, Laurie.”
Tucker laughed behind them. Laurie looked almost embarrassed as he said, “I’m an investor.”
Noel looked alarmed. “Oh, no. We don’t want to sell!”
“Laurie’s not that kind of investor,” Iola said, nudging him again. “Tell them.”
He smiled. “I’m an angel investor. I give businesses funding to expand or improve.”
