Page 71 of The Naughty List Agreement

“I’m not unique,” he promised her. His entire family and everyone in Hearthvale did the same. He was a product of his environment, the same way that she was.

He edged closer to her and this time she didn’t stop him. He took her hand in his. “Still want to go to my place?”

“I’d be scared to go home now.”

“Why?”

“You might go into withdrawal,” she teased.

He laughed. This spark that she always had set his heart on fire. She shook off heavy topics and defeats with so much vigor and spirit. Maybe it was the survivor in her.

“Thanks.”

“Good deeds and all that… If I leave, you might turn feral.”

“No might about it. I definitely need you tonight.”

“You do?” They’d reached the side of the rink. She sat down to take off her skates and he did the same.

“You know I do. I’m not sure how I ever thought I could date another woman once you came into my life.”

“Anger and spite I’m sure played a part at first.”

“Hey. I’m offended.”

“By?”

“I’m not spiteful.”

“Tell me you weren’t wishing that I wouldn’t agree to your terms so you could walk away,” she demanded as she put her boots back on.

He put both of their skates back in the closet, buying time. He wouldn’t lie to her, but she wouldn’t understand the truth. How could he tell her that he needed her to have the best festival yet, but in a very different way?

“I always hoped you would accept my terms. I think together we can give Pine Falls and all our visitors the kind of Christmas they deserve. One that’s full of magic and wonder.”

Her eyes went wide and then she chuckled. “You sound like an advertisement. I might borrow that for our socials.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know. It makes me uncomfortable when you’re earnest. Don’t ever say that in front of anyone else.”

“No promises on that one.” He took her hand and led her away from the rink.

“Where’s your house?”

“The end of this street,” he said, leading her past lantern-lit shops to the spot where the cobblestones began to climb. “Locals call it Hearthcrest.”

Cora stopped when they were at the winding path that led to up to it. There was a stillness to her as they passed under the arching pine branches heavy with snow. Some flakes fell on them as they walked, filtered by the lamplight that shone down from the front porch of his house. The house was a vast, tiered structure made from carved timber and pale stone, the many roofs stacked like folded wings, each capped with frost. Smoke rose from the tall chimneys that stood at different angles, filling the air with the scent of pine resin and sweet cedar.

“That’s your place?”

“It is. There are some public areas in there too, for the business. My ancestor built the house when he first came here. A lot of the first inhabitants of this area were housed in the space back when they all lived and worked together.”

“How long ago did they come here?” she asked. “This is remarkable. I find it hard to believe I’ve never heard this story before.”

“Folks up here don’t want this place to become a tourist attraction so we keep things pretty quiet,” he told her as he led her up the wide stone steps to the front porch which was supported by thick, carved pillars. They were etched with ancient runes of protection and goodwill—markings that the first Nick Bari put on there to protect the dozens of wandering elves that had come with him.

Nick’s home took her breath away. Everything about this little village nestled into the hills made her feel like she was in a movie, or a dream. The front doors were massive, seemingly built from oak and reinforced with bands of wrought iron. They opened silently when Nick lifted the handle and pushed it.