Page 14 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

I laughed and tossed my hair over my shoulder. I might be laying it on thick, but he was cute.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

I was about to answer when I felt a weight on my shoulder. I looked over and gasped when I saw Vince standing next to me. “She’s fine.”

I looked back at Leo and frowned when he nodded and walked away. I shoved Vince away from me. “What was that for?”

He looked at me like I was the crazy one. “What do you mean? He was hitting on you.”

I nodded. “Exactly.”

His eyes narrowed. “You can do better.”

“Excuse me?” I took a step forward until we were nearly chest to chest. “You have no right to say that. You don’t know him at all, and you don’t get a say in who I flirt with.”

He smirked. “Apparently I do.”

“Ugh.” I shoved him again, but he barely moved. What was he doing here anyway? This was a night out for my friends. I looked around and realized Steven and some of his friends had joined. Great. It was a free for all.

“Don’t be mad at me. You know you can do better.”

“He was handsome, smart, charming, and most importantly, interested in me. What else is there?”

He threw his head back. “You know all of that from a few words? Come on, Harry.”

I wanted to slap him. I really, really did. He had no right barging in here and treating me like a child. “Just leave me alone.” I moved around him and headed to Danielle, but he grabbed my arm.

“I’m sorry. I just didn’t like the way he was looking at you.”

“Well don’t worry. Thanks to you no guy here will speak to me tonight.”

I pulled my arm back and walked away. The night was ruined, but I wasn’t going to leave yet. I wouldn’t let him win.

Six

Surprise, surprise. My day with Mom had been taken over. I got to the kitchen in sweats and a t-shirt, ready for a day of intense baking and was greeted by far more than I asked for.

“What are you doing here?”

Mom glared at me. “Harlow, what’s gotten into you? You’ve been so mean to Vince since you’ve been home, and he’s been nothing but nice to you.”

I narrowed my eyes and looked back to Vince. He smiled sweetly as if he hadn’t been a complete jerk the night before.

“I just didn’t realize that he was a permanent resident. I thought I’d have some alone time with you today, Mom.” I laid it on extra thick, hoping she’d feel bad and kick him out.

“The more the merrier, honey. We have a lot of work to do and an extra set of hands will be helpful.”

Great, he’s infiltrated my home and my family.

“Yeah, Harlow. I’m just here to help.” I stopped when he said my name. I waited to see if he’d correct himself, but he just winked and went back to measuring ingredients.

“Fine.” I pulled the cookbook away from him and flipped the pages. “What are you making, Mom?”

“I’m working on the gingerbread. Vince is working on sugar cookies, so you can choose between thumbprints, peppermint pinwheels, or eggnog cookies.”

Should I leave the harder ones for Vince or make them myself?

I eyed his dough. He was going just fine with the sugar cookies. He could probably make all of these without issue just because he seemed to have a particular knack for aggravating me.