Page 12 of Dumped for a Christmas Tree Farmer

“No, I just—”

“Because the Kleenex is ready, the tear ducts are primed. I just need to heat the pajamas up on the radiator and get another bottle of whiskey out.”

She tilts her head back down, looking toward the front door before sighing heavily.

“He makes me feel seen. When we’re together, I feel like he’s seeing the real me.”

And yet he would only sneak into her cottage for a quick fuck. He wouldn’t take her out on a date.

“Holly does the same. You clearly know what she’s like. People are drawn to her. Her warmth, her humor. She’s graced with the skills of networking and approaching people she doesn’t know like they’re old family friends. It’s that disarming charm that people love about her. When she’s on my arm, doors open, conversations start, deals are drafted. Then I rely on my skill and expertise to hammer it home.”

“You can’t do it without her?”

I hesitate for a moment, because if I thought about it, I’d know that the answer to that question would be yes. Which would lead me to wonder whether pursuing Holly now isn’t just some need to make a point. To feel worthy of someone from her background. To be worthy of sticking around for, even when times are tough. Instead of saying that to Indy, I shrug.

“I like to take the easy route in life. Why make things harder by doing it alone?”

“Do you love her?”

I let go of her calf and push myself off the floor so I'm standing to my full height. I crowd her so she’s forced to lean back, holding on to the back of the couch with the grip of her fingertips.

My face inches from hers, I can’t help but think how different the setting is now compared to when I swiped the cream from the tip of her nose. Her eyes drop to my lips and back up. The scent of vanilla and campfire fills me, consuming me. Blood floods south as I think about what it would be like to kiss her. Just to see if she still tastes like hot chocolate. I won’t allow myself to do it, no matter how badly my body aches for it. Whatever kind of love Indy thinks I have for Holly, it’s not true. I don’t love anyone. That ship sailed a long time ago.

Now, there are transactions, deals to be made, services to be rendered. Holly hasn’t followed through on our deal, and it's time for her to pay up.

“I don’t love, Indy. It’s not in the cards for someone like me—”

“But—”

“I’m not what you think I am!” I snap. “It’s all an act. But if you follow me, you’ll get what you want. I guarantee it.”

“And what is it you think that I want?” Her breath tickles my lips.

“James . . . he’ll be begging for a second chance by the end of the year.”

I step back, giving her room to slip past me, grabbing a box of almond cookies before she heads toward her bedroom, her feet pattering against the floorboards.

“Oh, Indy?”

She pauses at her door, looking over her shoulder, her blue eyes hopeful.

She still thinks I’m a nice guy, and I’m not. Time to hammer home the message.

“Save the come-fuck-me eyes for when we’re in front of Holly.”

Her whole body flinches, her mouth turning down. The cat is at her ankles, scowling at me, and as she enters the bedroom, I hear the snick of a lock.

Good. She’s learning exactly who I am.

Chapter Six

December 26

Indy

The B&B is still buzzing with Christmas spirit. The paying guests take part in the town’s festive activities as much as the locals. This evening’s snowball fight harnesses a particular amount of excitement over breakfast, especially for our younger patrons. More than one set of parents had to call their kids in to eat breakfast, insisting that the only way to win a snowball fight is if they’re big and strong enough.

Which has led to Henry and me heading down Main Street at 10:00 a.m. now that the kids had drunk all the milk in the building. As everything was closed yesterday, we were running low anyway, but now shops have reopened for fresh supplies.