Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36643 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“I had no idea they’d already registered.”
“Oh? You know them?”
“They live in my complex,” I say with a laugh. “If no one else has gotten it for them, I’d like to purchase it. Can we pick it up after we’ve made our rounds?”
I end up purchasing an extra for Mom and then we’re on our way again.
“Is everyone your neighbor?” Eric teases.
“Small town.”
“Are those food trucks?”
About the time he asks the question, we get a whiff of something savory and delicious. Eric grabs my hand, tugging me quickly toward the row of them. My heart pounds at the realization we’re now holding hands. His innocent touches have turned not-so-innocent in my brain.
Why can’t I turn off these strange feelings whenever I’m around him?
One of the food trucks boasts of having the best chili in town, so we get in line for that one. After we get our Frito chili pies and drinks, we find a small picnic table with an umbrella. Since it’s snowing practically sideways, it doesn’t help shelter us. I’m grateful when Eric sits to my right, blocking the wind and snow. I snuggle up close to him, getting lost in the fantasy that he’s my date.
“Okay, this is good,” I say after a mouthful. “I’m so glad we came here today. Casey’s really missing out.”
But, in a way, it’s good she couldn’t go. Not that I didn’t want to see my best friend, but she’d no doubt have wanted to bring the baby, and it’s too cold out here for that. It’s better I’m getting to spend time with my stepbrother.
We polish off our food in no time, eager to get back inside one of the businesses for warmth. It just so happens to be the Chamber of Commerce office. A portly man with rosy cheeks and a boisterous laugh greets everyone who steps inside.
“Monty Brunson,” he says in greeting, jutting out his meaty hand. “Thanks for stopping by.”
The man is jovial and friendly. It’s no shock that his kids are the beer bros. I suppose everyone in their family is popular with people. We meander through the Chamber offices until we come to a room that’s decorated like a gingerbread village. Smells like it too.
“We’re looking for volunteers,” a pretty blond woman with a bright smile says. “Either of you like to bake?”
Eric straightens up and his eyes brighten. “Perhaps.”
“I’m Stephanie Blakely.” She gestures to a stack of forms and pile of pens. “We’re doing a gingerbread contest this year. There’ll be lots of categories like creativity, taste, difficulty. Many ways to win prizes. The grand prize is an advertising package with our company. It’s transferable to cash if you aren’t in need for advertising.”
I snatch up a form and step aside so she can greet another person. Grinning, I look up at Eric. “We should so do this.”
“Gingerbread? It’s not easy.”
“Since when do we ever do anything that’s easy?” I toss back with an arched eyebrow. “We made stained glass cookies for Mom’s church when we were like twelve and fourteen. I think we’ve got this.”
He takes the paper from me, scanning through the rules to enter. After he’s read through it, his green eyes cut over to me, pinning me with an intensity I’ve not only been missing, but aching for.
“We have until tomorrow morning to turn in our submission. Think we can figure something out by then?”
“We always figure something out.” I snatch the form and begin filling it out for us. “Looks like we’re headed to the store after this.”
Once we submit our application, we continue on down Main Street, heading back toward Smoke & Sugar where we parked. Right as we pass the door, a man nearly knocks us over as he hurries out the door.
“Oh, fuck, sorry,” the man groans. “I didn’t see you there.” Travis, the electrician who never liked me the way I liked him, stares at me in shock. “Clara. Long time no see.”
He lives across the neighborhood pond, so I literally see him anytime me and Casey go on a walk, but I let it slide.
“I was just about to call you,” I say, forcing myself to sound bright and cheery.
His eyes widen and then he darts his gaze to Eric who remains still and quiet beside me. “I, uh, am with Savvy now. Me, her, and Cole are a throuple. Got a baby on the way.”
My cheeks burn hot with embarrassment.
“Not to fuck you,” Eric growls. “She needs an electrician to fix her snowman.”
Travis nearly chokes with humiliation. “Oh, yeah, damn. That was rude as hell. Sure. I’ll pop by in a couple of days to take a look. Good seeing you again.”
As he hurries away to get in his truck, I turn toward Eric, needing his comfort for some crazy reason. Always in tune with me, he tugs me to him, hugging me tight.