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“People think Declan’s using you.”
Holly snorted. “That’s ridiculous.”
“I hope so. He’s always seemed like a stand-up guy, but people are wondering how the two of you went from not being able to stand each other to living together.”
“People grow and change all the time. Besides, he rents his room and—you know what? I’m not even going to entertain this stupidity because Declan isn’t some shady, selfish person. He came home to run the store because his dad…” Holly’s voice trailed off as she realized she’d almost broken Declan’s confidence. “All you need to know is that Declan is not using me, and furthermore I have a brother and an over-protective sister, Sam. I don’t need you all up in my business too.”
Sam threw his hands in the air with a laugh. “All right, I’m only concerned because I care about who dates my pretend girlfriend. From the way you’re defending Declan’s honor, I am going to go out on a limb and say he’s a great guy.” Sam cupped one side of her face and kissed her cheek softly. “Which is perfect because you deserve the best.”
Holly gave Sam a hard hug. “That is the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“Please, I’m always sweet.”
“Flirty sweet, but that was genuine concern for my happiness and I appreciate it.”
“Speaking of happiness, we should find these bags or whatever we’re looking for because I think the others are done and ready to move on.”
Holly followed his gaze over her shoulder and spotted Declan and Sally heading toward them across the lawn.
“Based on your boy’s expression, I’d come clean about my feelings sooner rather than later. He looks ready to kick my ass.”
Holly grinned mischievously. “Maybe you could use a little ass-kicking.”
“If that’s how you’re going to be, I fake break up with you,” he said, pretending to wipe his hands.
“Good, ’cause you were a lousy fake boyfriend.”
The others caught up to them near the line of trees which were lit up with Christmas lights, and Holly studied the limbs, looking for anything that resembled bags.
“What’s taking you two so long?” Sally asked, carrying a small tote.
“We’re talking instead of searching,” Holly said, smiling at the two of them. “Wanna give us a hand in finding them? The big bear statue is right there, so we figured it’s got to be in these two trees.”
“I think that’s cheating.”
Declan’s tone was cool and Holly’s attention jerked to his face. His inscrutable expression gave nothing away, but the way his gaze seemed fixed on Sam, she thought maybe he’d gotten the wrong impression about them.
“I don’t care about winning, but I’m pretty sure what’s hanging in the tree is all the dry groceries we need for this weekend,” Holly replied.
“I guess we better find them then,” Declan grumbled.
Holly frowned. “What’s wrong with you? I thought you were going to pretend to have fun.”
“I am pretending. Joy, joy, fun, yay.”
“You’re a terrible actor.”
“What’s your problem, Declan?” Sam asked.
“You for starters.”
Holly’s jaw dropped as Sam took a step toward him. “That right?”
“Boys!” Sally yelled, clapping her hands. “No fighting. I’m officially calling a cease fire.”
“You’d better get your boy, Holly, before I teach him a lesson in respect.”
Declan bristled, but Holly and Sally stepped between them at the same time, Sally pushing Sam toward the opposite end of the tree. “Come on, Sam, let’s look on this side, but don’t get any ideas ’cause this ship has sailed, buddy.”
