Page 20 of Evergreen Christmas
The disappointment on his face was obvious. “I see.”
She wrung her hands together. “And there’s something else.”
He held her gaze, trepidation in his eyes.
“The Nanas came by my place yesterday like they promised they would, and they just happened to stumble upon a misfortune of mine.” She searched his eyes. “I tried out the firewood you left on my porch—thank you for that, by the way—but after I lit it, I discovered pretty quickly that my chimney has some major issues that the previous owner, Hal, warned me about.”
Concern flickered through his expression. “What happened? Was the flue not working? Did your cabin suffer any damage?”
“The flue was fine and there was little damage aside from a few hours of smoke. And the whole embarrassing incident is entirely my fault for not being a more savvy home owner but from what the Nanas said, they knew the chimney had caused trouble for Hal in the past . . . and they thought you were aware of the problem as well.” She glanced at him beneath her lashes, looking for any potential of guilt. “They tried to convince me that the Christmas card you sent me was a warning of some kind and that you might’ve been hoping to cause deliberate damage to my cabin with your gift of firewood in hopes of getting my tree.”
He scoffed, disbelief in his eyes. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
The affronted tone of his voice, reflecting a blow to his male pride, coaxed a laugh from her chest but she closed her mouth and held it back. “I thought so, too. But they seemed inclined to believe that you might’ve been mocking me.”
He frowned. “Mocking you?”
“With the smiley face. I think it was the wink that did it.”
Nate sighed. “The wink was Roxie’s idea—as was the smiley face. I . . . wasn’t sure what to write.”
Jordyn smiled. “I see.” She added gently, “But I think it’s only fair that I let you know that the Nanas hold a very big grudge against you for monopolizing their Christmas festivities and they’re pretty intent upon using me to give you a run for your money this year.”
“No doubt.” Some of the irritation left his expression as a slow smile spread across his face. “And you’re here to tell me that you’re going to wipe the floor with me, right?”
She laughed. “Yep. I play fair, you know? Giving you warning that I’m in it to win it is the right thing to do. The Nanas have assigned Kandy as my mentor, and I’ve been told I need to attend the official kickoff of the competition tonight in the town square.”
“And I should brace myself for your wrath?”
“You bet.”
He laughed. “Well, I suppose we’ll have to agree to be friendly enemies rather than helpful neighbors until the competition ends.”
“For the integrity of the competition, I think that’s best.” Her attention lingered on his smile, that same rush of attraction streaming through her veins.
Oh, boy. Keeping her distance from a man she was this impressed by was going to be tough.
“Um . . .” She swallowed hard. “Is it okay for friendly enemies to shake on it?”
He held out his hand, the teasing light in his blue eyes making her wish they were on the same team. “I wish you luck, Jordyn—with ay—Banks.”
“Good.” She slid her hand in his and squeezed, the warm press of his skin against hers causing her breath to catch in her throat on her next words. “You’re gonna need it.”
And maybe this brief touch would help get him out of her system a little bit? Even if it didn’t, it’d have to be enough to tide her over until they were free of the competition, because as susceptible as she was to this man’s charms, there was no way she could let her guard down around Nate Reed and still win the Christmas Crown.
Three hours later, dusk had settled over the town square of Noel. The setting sun cast a pink-toned glow over Noel’s Nanas, who stood on a stage positioned in the center of the town square amid a swelling crowd of Noel’s residents. Several vendors had set up in the square, some selling crafts, others Christmas decorations, and a few selling snacks such as popcorn, baked goods, and caramel apples. Hot apple cider and the sweet scent of hot chocolate drifted on the crisp winter air, and children’s laughter was all around as little ones chased each other across the dormant grass.
An undercurrent of excitement vibrated in the air. This moment was the big event Noel’s residents anticipated all year.
“Oh, opening night always makes my stomach churn!” Kandy, standing on stage beside Carol Belle, rubbed her middle as people continued gathering in the town square.
Carol Belle scoffed. “I don’t think it’s opening night churning your stomach so much as the amount of hot cocoa you downed at Kringle’s Café earlier.”
Kandy blushed but her eyes returned to the crowd in the town square and homed in on one face in particular. Max Reynolds, owner of Kringle’s Café, six-foot-one and gorgeous, looked up and locked his gaze with hers, the corners of his blue eyes creasing as he smiled up at her. He lifted his hand and waved.
A lock of his salt-and-pepper-hued hair fell over his forehead and her fingertips longed to delve into the thick strands and smooth them back.
“I couldn’t help it.” Kandy smiled, waving back. “That hot cocoa is addictive.”
