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And I’m worlds away from a rural good ole boy.
I’m closer to resembling the ex-boyfriend left behind in the city, but like I told Shelby, this is reality, and I’m not getting left behind anywhere.
CHAPTER FIVE
SHELBY
He’s not wrong. However, annoying the truth may be.
I am living the heroine’s life before her Christmas romance. But just because Prince Charming or whatever hasn’t shown up yet, doesn’t mean I’m going to hate on Hallmark or HAC holiday films.
“Touché.” This is an argument neither of us will win. “Let’s agree to disagree, shall we? You need to finish your mom’s gift, and I’ve got to leave soon. Besides, this whole conversation isn’t conducive to my Christmas spirit, which you don’t want me to lose considering how I’m only helping you because of it.”
“Don’t forget the positive exposure for your business, too,” he adds with a bright smile. Gah! Why does he have to be so handsome with those dimples and wavy hair begging my fingers to run through the soft strands?
All this press for Chic Charm Crafts better pay off. Big time. Especially if I’m expected to hang out with this Christmas Grump—who’s also a Holiday Hunk.
“So, you’ve got plans tonight… Hot date?” There’s almost a note of envy in his voice, but I shake off the thought. Why would Eli Cooper be jealous if I had a date?
“Maybe.” Not. But he already knows I’m single and a Hallmark heroine in training, apparently. What’s the harm in letting him believe my happily ever after is right around the corner? Spitting in the face of his scorn for holiday romance?
He hums in the back of his throat, a frown creasing his mouth. “What’s on the agenda? A freezing sleigh ride? An ice cold movie in the park?” His disdain is clear.
“Christmas carols at O’Malley’s,” I retort with a huff.
“Of course. The two of you can share a romantic duet together.”
“Under the mistletoe.”
Eli glances up at me, and the fire in his gaze shocks me with its intensity. What’s his deal? What’s my deal? Because I’m squirming in my seat, suddenly flushed and tingly like a bolt of electricity just ran down my spine.
Knock it off. You can’t actually be attracted to this man!
Sure, he’s handsome, and it’s kind of fun teasing him, but so what? It doesn’t mean anything.
Eli snaps his gaze away, releasing me from its powerful hold, and snips a loose ribbon from his wreath. “Well, have fun with your corn-fed farmer. Perhaps you’ll prove my theory about Christmas fairy tales wrong.”
Maybe I will.
***
The bar is crowded. Everyone loves Karaoke Night at O’Malley’s, and Christmas karaoke? It’s the best kind because literally every patron knows the songs and sings along with raucous laughter and cheer.
“You made it! I thought you might be late since you had a date with a movie star.” My friend Corinne waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I roll my eyes, tossing my jacket over the back of a bar stool.
“It was hardly a date. We spent most of the time arguing about Christmas movies while he butchered a gift for his mom.” The woman would probably love the misshapen mess of greenery, since it was made by her son, but the poor thing was definitely made with more love than talent.
Corinne pouts. “You’re not going to see him again?”
“Probably not. I’m sure he’ll stick to his booth at MerryCon while I focus on what’s important—potential customers.” My gut tightens at the reality. It shouldn’t bother me that there’d be no more banter with Eli Cooper. The man’s the antithesis of a holiday hero, no matter the leading men he plays.
“Hmm… I’m not so sure about that.”
“What? Why?”
Corinne juts her chin toward the bar entrance where Eli and a couple of other recognizable stars step in from the cold. Did he follow me here? Immediately, I shove the thought away. One hour together is hardly enough time to entice the man into stalking me. He probably remembered I mentioned O’Malley’s and figured he’d check it out with some friends. Enjoy the night life our town had to offer, which wasn’t much.
“Oh, and he brought Patrick Nickels with him. Do you think I’ve got a shot of snagging my own Hallmark hottie?” Corinne fluffs her hair before readjusting her blouse, displaying her cleavage to full advantage.
