GINGER
“Merry Christmas Eve to all of you,” I say, smiling at my friends. “Thank you for coming to Laugh a Latte’s second annual Christmas cookie decorating party. I’ve baked more options for you to choose from than I did last year.”
“That’s because last yearsomeone”—Willow points at Reed—“ate half the dough before it made it to the oven.” Laughter echoes through the room.
Reed raises both his hands. “Guilty. But I’ll make up for it by decorating the best cookie tonight.”
“Oh, sure,” Nina teases. “Nothing will redeem you better than an over-frosted snowman.”
I clear my throat, gaining everyone’s attention again. “This year, I’m upping the stakes. You’ll each pick one of your cookies to enter in the ‘best cookie competition,’ and at the end of the night, we’ll vote for a winner. The prize will be bragging rights and some Laugh a Latte merchandise.”
The guys groan and the girls cheer. Drew starts strategizing about icing techniques. Willow claims she’s artistically challenged but secretly pulls up inspirational pictures on her phone.
“Take a seat and get started. Be creative, and have fun.”
Earlier, I pushed four tables together and then covered them with a white vinyl cloth in case of any icing mishaps.
Jordan nudges his arm into mine. “You’d make a great teacher.”
I laugh. “I’m not that patient.” I hold my arm up, getting everyone’s attention. “One more thing. I have hot chocolate and coffee. Let me know which one you’d like.”
“Hot chocolate.” Reed shouts his order at me.
Willow smacks his arm. “Say please.”
“Please,” he adds.
“I’ll find out what Travis and Drew want,” Jordan says, moving in their direction.
I get Nina’s and Willow’s orders, and head behind the counter to get started. As the hot chocolate flows into the cup, John Mellencamp sings about seeing his mother kissing Santa Claus. It’s impossible to keep my hips still while listening to the lively tune.
Jordan comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my stomach. “What do we have here?” He buries his nose in the crook of my neck, and I feel his lips move against my skin as he answers his own question. “A dancing angel.”
“That must make you the devil who corrupted me.”
He chuckles deeply. “I’ll spend eternity in hell to have you now.”
“Wow. That’s both romantic and terrifying.”
“Terrifying’s a small price to be with you.”
“Hey!” Reed shouts. “Less flirting and more hot chocolate making.”
“Do you believe this asshole?” Jordan asks, shifting to stand beside me.
I nod, but I’m smiling as I add whipped cream and shake out some colored sprinkles on top. I press a cover on and hand it to Jordan. “You can handle the delivery.”
“I’m feeling clumsy today. I hope I don’t spill any on him.”
I raise an eyebrow. “That will only make more work for me.”
He sighs. “Yeah, that’s true. I’ll resist the temptation this time.”
“Your soul will thank you someday,” I joke.
“Says the angel.” He winks at me and then walks off.
I prepare hot chocolate for Willow and Nina, which goes much faster without Jordan distracting me. When he returns, I nod toward the two cups. “Can you please bring those to the girls?”
