AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“See ya.” She waves at us and walks out of the bar, her narrow hips swaying side to side.
I blow out a breath, shoving a hand in my pocket.
“Damn, Mads. Way to play it cool. You might as well announce you have the hots for her,” Scott says, knocking my elbow on the bar.
I shrug. “I don’t have time to play games. Besides, how often does a woman like that land on Candy Cane Key? Plus, I think she likes me.”
“You’re the most confident man I’ve ever met. You think every woman likes you,” Scott says, rolling his eyes. “And don’t come crying to me, saying I didn’t warn you, Banks. Trust me, you’re gonna regret this more than that third glass of your Aunt Ethel’s Christmas punch.” He shakes his head, shooting me a look of pity.
“We’ll see about that.” I gaze at the space Ivy filled seconds ago, more determined than ever to get to know her better and see where this thing goes.
After all, this is Candy Cane Key, a magical island. What better place to find love?
5
IVY
I wishmy co-worker hadn’t been at the bar just now. Sure, I’m not getting involved with a new guy any time soon, but Maddox at least seems genuine and friendly. If I’m going to be stuck here for two months, I might as well make a friend. All the better if that friend’s a local and knows the ins and outs of the town.
He probably knows the best restaurants, not just the tourist traps with high prices and greasy everything.
He probably knows all the fun things to do on the weekend, exactly where to hit the beach and when.
He probably knows how to treat a woman.
Whoa.
Full stop.
Too soon. Not going there.
Maybe ever again.
And definitely not right now.
I climb the steps of the Sugar Plum Inn as I scroll through messages on my cell, debating a quick shower to rinse off the sticky sheen of sweat clinging to my skin.
“Oof.”
And run full tilt into someone.
A manly someone, with close-cropped dark hair, crystal blue eyes, the perfect amount of facial scruff. Broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist.
“Maddox?” My voice tips up in confusion as I back away, untangling myself from his solid chest.
“Who are you?” A deep furrow etches his brow, and now I’m more puzzled than ever.
“Ivy, remember? I just saw you at the restaurant.” I swing my take-out bag through the air. “The Wild Shrimp?”
“Wasn’t me,” the man growls. “Must’ve been my brother—”
“But…” I narrow my gaze, sizing him up. “You look so much alike.”
“Yeah. We’re twins.”
“Oh. Got it. That makes sense.” I bite down on my lower lip, feeling colossally stupid right now. Besides plowing into the man, I also confused him for his brother.
This entire scene is straight out of one of my holiday movies. If only I could remember my next line…
