Holiday Loves
Page 46
She nods. “Yeah, that’d be super swell right about now. We could hire hot co-eds to split wood for us.”
I snort into the comforter. “Let’s be honest, those preps couldn’t lift an ax.”
“True story.”
My mind immediately wanders to the boy who could. I witnessed his strength myself, in many ways. Damn, he was—
Raven nudges me. “What are you smiling about?”
What the actually fuck? How did he sneak into my thoughts? I feel my cheeks flame, the flush bringing much-appreciated warmth. “Uh, nothing. Just imagining those guys trying to chop down a tree.”
She raises a brow. “No way. There was a faraway look in your eye, like someone special. Who were you thinking about?”
Oh, shit. I’m totally busted.
I yank on my ear and wince from the sting. “Not sure what you mean, Rave. My expression is frozen, be glad I’m not frowning.”
“You’re so full of shit,” she says, but her tone is bubbly. I giggle in agreement, happy she’s not pressing me further on the subject. That’s one long, twisted road I don’t want to travel down. Ever.
Raven hums and burrows deeper under the blankets. “I’m going to miss this.”
“Freezing our asses off?”
She rolls her eyes. “No. Living with you.”
“Aww, Ravey. That’s so sweet. But our separation is temporary.” When she stays silent, I add, “Right?”
Raven gnaws on her lip. “I don’t yet.”
“What?” I spin toward her. “Rave, I need you. We’ve discussed this. I can’t run Jitters without you.”
She hides under the comforter and groans. “I’m scared of change.”
I rip the cover off her head. “This will be the best type of change.”
Raven chews on her nail. “But this is huge.”
I tilt my chin, watching her knee bounce. I rest my hand on her shoulder. “Rave, this is your choice. You know I won’t force the issue.”
She nods, too quickly. “Yeah, I do.”
“So, what’s the problem? For real.”
Her fidgeting stops and she faces me. “I just don’t want to make any snap decisions. I don’t want to be like… her.”
I immediately wrap my arm around her, pulling tight. “You’re the furthest thing from erratic and impulsive, Rave. You think everything through triple-time. It drives me a little mad.” We share a laugh at that. “I’m not sure you could be more stable if you tried.”
She blows out a huge breath. “I wish you weren’t leaving next week. That’d give me more time to think this over.”
I elbow her lightly. “No way. I’m ready to go home. And you’re going to love Garden Grove. You’ve always wanted to plant roots and there isn’t a better place to settle down. I promise you’ll fit right in.”
“I’ve never had anything like that,” Raven mutters.
“Which is exactly why this move is perfect. Guess what’s happening there this week?”
She just gives me a blank stare in response.
I nudge her again, trying to pass along the electricity zapping my skin. “It’s Holi-Daze season, the greatest winter festival with all the bells and whistles.”
“And you’re missing it because…” Raven’s voice trails off with the last word.
I scoff. “Because I’m here with you. I won’t skip out on you even earlier than I already am. Holi-Daze runs for ten days. I’ll be in Garden Grove for the grand finale, which is epic.”
My heart beats a little faster thinking about being wrapped up on the sleigh ride, sharing hot apple cider, spending endless hours talking about the bright future… a pair of bottomless blue eyes that leave me breathless. Raven clears her throat, effectively knocking me out of the distant past.
“I’ll have to live vicariously through you,” she whispers.
“Or you could come with me.” I shimmy in place, pumping myself back up. “There will be plenty of hot guys to meet.” I have to bite my tongue to stop from adding that she’ll be the only one looking at them.
Raven smirks. “I wish, but my mom is actually committed to spending the holiday with me. She promised up and down that they’ll be here to celebrate.”
“Flavor of the month is joining?”
Her nose wrinkles. “Unfortunately.”
I sigh. “Well, I’ll be thinking of you. Addison will have to keep me company until you arrive.”
“Stop trying to make me jealous by dangling your other best friend in my face.” She sticks out her tongue.
I laugh. “She can be your bestie too. The lifer kind.”
“Oh, yeah? Like a tripod?”
“Exactly! We’ll be a fierce trio. You’ll see. And Garden Grove won’t know what to do with us.”
Raven quirks a brow. “Sounds almost too good.”
A smile lifts my cheeks, nostalgia setting in. “That’s what they all say. But you’ll see.”
Now all I want is to rush home and get our town ready, even if her move is months away. What I really should focus on is Jitters, but my future coffee shop takes the backburner in this moment. Somehow the plan doesn’t seem complete unless she’s part of it. And why wouldn’t she want to relocate to my town? It’s only the best place ever. My grin stretches wider just thinking about the festivities currently happening. I wonder if my mom already decorated. I bet Main Street is shining with red and green lights. Addison hasn’t sent any pictures, keeping me in suspense. She’s dropped a few hints that this year is the best yet, but five years ago is impossible to beat. My pulse seems to race with that thought. I realize belatedly that the cold temperature no longer an issue. My body is buzzing, pent-up energy zipping through me.
“I really want you there with me. You need to be part of this,” I add.
She’s silent for a moment and I can almost hear her mental wheels spinning. I wait her out, knowing she’s got something heavy on her mind.
Raven’s posture deflates, the stress seeming to pour out of her. “Aren’t you worried?”
I squint at her, not expecting that question. “About what?”
“Pouring all your savings, not to mention your parent’s money, into this unpredictable endeavor?”
I slap a palm to my chest and gape at her. “Jeez, thanks for the confidence, Rave.”
“You know I’m always curious, and cautious. Probably to a fault.”
“Oh, you think?” I ask with a raised brow.
She rolls her eyes. “Ugh, I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“I understand your concern, really and truly. But we grew up in two different worlds. That town is all I know, and I know it very well. My parents wouldn’t back me on this if they didn’t believe it could be successful. It’s my dream and they’re already living theirs. Those were my mother’s exact words, by the way,” I say with a smirk. “Garden Grove is almost too good to be true, but you know what’s missing?”
Raven shrugs. “Uh, hot cops?”
I tap my chin, considering that. “Okay, in addition to uniformed hotties.”
“A coffee shop?”
“And bakery,” I supply. “That’s where we come in.”
“You’re selling me the goods,” she laughs.
“That’s my job, right? Better get used to it.” I elbow her, the humor wilting slightly. “If you don’t live in my adorable little town, where to? I have an impossible time imagining you anywhere else after getting my hopes up.”
The truth I’m not ready to admit is Raven’s support will replace a very particular absence in Garden Grove. He was far more than a sturdy shoulder to lean on, though. But that’s a story for another day.
Her long sigh says it all. “You’re right, of course. I’m sorry for being a total downer. It’s just this time of year. I’ll snap out of this funk and be ready for my next adventure.”
“Which is?” I prompt, needing confirmation. I’m practically vibrating in place.
Raven giggles. “The look on your face is priceless, D.
Don’t worry, I’ll come to Garden Grove after graduation.”
“For permanent?”
“Yes, to stay.”
I don’t hold back my squeal while wrapping her in a hug. “I promise you’ll love it.”
There’s a pout in her voice when she says, “My problem now is waiting five months to get there. And being here all alone until then.”
I frown. “Aww, Rave. Don’t be sad. Just masterbake your butt off. Practice makes perfect, right?”
“I’m never gonna live that name down, huh?”
“Not a chance,” I say.
“Well, I better make sure to live up to the hype.”
“And I’ll let everyone know the masterbaker is coming.”
Raven chokes on a laugh. “That’s so bad.”
I wink. “I think the word you’re looking for is punny. And you’re welcome.”
* * *
I slump against the counter after battling my way through the rowdy crowd. The server station feels like home base and I’ve just slid in safe, for a quick minute at least. I glare at the rude bunch who’d recently stumbled into Dagos. As fate would have it, they found their way to my section of the bar. I very rarely complain about customers, especially when they’re running up a big tab, but tonight has been wild enough. These visitors are far more handsy than usual. The holiday cheer has them loose and taking liberties. I’ve smacked more than a few unwanted hands away from my ass this evening.
What happened to manners? Or common decency? How about a man treating a lady with respect?
My lonely heart pangs and I rub at the hollow ache. With all these extra people around for Holi-Daze, snagging a date with a semi-decent guy shouldn’t be challenging. No, scratch that. I’d settle for a polite conversation at this point. What’s wrong with men these days? They get a few drinks in their system and think it’s totally appropriate to play grab-ass with the server. What world are they living in? Definitely not mine.
“What’s that look for?” Myla asks.
My frown deepens. “Man problems.”
My co-worker winces. “Was it Trey? I saw him storm out earlier.”
I wave that off. “Uh, no. I’m used to him being a dick.” I nod toward a table of boisterous customers, currently engaging in what looks like a belching contest. “Would it hurt them to be gentlemen? I mean, really? It’s Christmas.”
Myla laughs. “Right? But that’s typical behavior these days. Swoon-worthy dudes are harder and harder to find.”
I mock-sob and hang my head. “You’re so lucky to have Grayson.” I blindly gesture toward the bartender hustling to fill drink orders. “He’s one of the good guys.”
She tracks my flailing movement, looking at her boyfriend. Her gaze gets all dreamy and my chest tightens. I want that look. Myla bites her lip and gives my arm a reassuring squeeze.
“I had to pick through a lot of weeds before finding him. Your one is out there, Addy. Just wait and see,” she tells me with more confidence than I’m feeling.
All I can offer is a shrug while Grayson brings over a slew of drinks. I grab mine, trying to hold back a defeated sigh.
“Wish me luck,” I tell them and lift the hefty load to my shoulder.
“Always,” Myla offers with a thumbs-up.
I dip and dodge through the masses while trying to keep my balance. My full tray tips when people refuse to move and knock into me. A few girls get spilled on and scowl, but they still don’t get out of the way.
Don’t mind me, I’m just working. The faster you move, the quicker I can deliver.
But I smile politely and carry on. The tips from this week alone will pay my January rent. Maybe even February. I reach my waiting table and drop off their beverages. After scribbling down their food order, I turn away to begin the process all over again.
I take a deep breath and cringe. Rather than getting a refreshing lungful, sticky-stale air burns my nostrils. Gross. There’s far too many folks stacked in here and not enough ventilation. If it wasn’t so cold outside, I’d open a few windows. Maybe I’ll do it anyway.
I check the time on my phone, mumbling a pep-talk to survive the remaining two hours of this shift. When I glance up, there’s a man blocking my path. I attempt to swerve around him, but he follows.
Alrighty, then.
I huff loudly. “May I help you, sir?”
His arms cross over a massive beer belly. “Aren’t you a sight.”
He lewdly licks his lips and I wrinkle my nose. I peek down at my red sweater, checking for a stain or whatever he’s leering at. This move is mostly for show, letting him know I see straight through his crap. He doesn’t take the hint.
I snap in front of his face. “Eyes up here, pal.” I’m sick of these horny assholes. If one more guy ogles me, I’m gonna lose my mind.
He points to my red hair. “Does the carpet match the drapes?” The moron chuckles while receiving encouraging cheers from his buddies.
I roll my eyes. “Wow, how original.”
Before he can spew more creativity, someone looms closely behind him.
“These guys bothering you, Addison?”
Shane.
Without looking, I know it’s him. I don’t know much about the guy, other than he works at Jacked Up and mostly keeps to himself. He’s so damn quiet, only talking when something really needs to be said. Like right now, apparently.
I peer around one of the douche bags, catching his glower. I give him a finger-wave and say, “Hey, you.”
The loser in front of me cranes his neck to see who I’m talking to. I notice the moment he takes stock of Shane, his body locking up and practically trembling. This imposing mountain of muscle stands there, waiting and watching. Actions are screaming louder than words. Shane’s are very clearly announcing that this man better back the fuck off. The stranger’s gaze bounces back to me and he sneers.
“Not worth the trouble,” he mutters.
“Ouch, my ego.” I barely refrain from another eyeroll. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I shoo him like the pest he’s being.
He shuffles away, tail appropriately tucked between his legs. His posse follows and I track their sloppy movements. One less group of dicks to worry about.
I smile at Shane, stepping closer so he can hear me. “Thanks for that. I appreciate you stepping in. You’re my savior of the night.” I’d swear his cheeks turn a little pink, but it’s probably the overhead lights.
“It was nothing more than what anyone else would do. Just offering a helping hand.” He shrugs those impossibly wide shoulders.
“You’d be surprised,” I grumble.
Shane’s brow lowers. “You deal with that type of shit a lot?” His voice is more of a growl, but I’m not scared in the slightest. His narrow stare pierces into the door those guys just scurried through.
I touch his flexed forearm, the need for his attention prodding at me. “It’s all right. I’m used to it. They’re all harmless, really.”
Shane’s honey eyes focus on mine and my breath falters. He looks down at my grip, his features immediately softening. I shiver despite the room’s suffocating heat. A bead of sweat rolls down my spine while I continue gawking. How haven’t I noticed his hotness until this moment? I bite my lip, trapping the lie. Shane has always been sexy in my eyes, but he’s so… impossible.
I blink quickly, clearing my jumbled mind. I should get back to work before I do something embarrassing, like hump his very muscular thigh.
I clear my throat and glance at his empty hands. “Can I get you anything to drink or eat? Where are you sitting?”
“At that far high-top,” he says and points toward the corner. His gritty tone strikes me deep and I can’t stop my eyes from lifting to his.
“Did you order anything yet?” My voice is far too breathy. Shane probably can’t hear me.
He shakes his head. “I’ve been waiting.”
I tilt my chin. “For?”
Shane rocks on his heels, taking his time to respond. A
fter rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact, he says, “A certain lass.”
I feel my face blaze at that, remembering similar words from a different day. Where is this swagger of his coming from? I get tingly all over and my knees definitely wobble. What the eff is going on? I place a palm on my balmy forehead and exhale slowly. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. How do I respond to that?
I’m just feeling indebted to him—or more inclined to jump his bones—because he stepped in to save me from those drooling idiots. That’s all. I mean, we’ve barely spoken more than three words to each other since he moved here two years ago. There’s nothing going on here other than some gratitude, which I already extended. Case closed.
Yet I’m still standing here.
And so is he.
* * *
Want to read more?
Check out Trey and Raven’s enemies to lovers story in GENT!
Will Delilah and Zeke get a second chance at love? Find out in MISS!)
Addison and Shane are getting their book super soon. Be on the lookout for LASS in early 2019.
Harloe Rae is a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after.
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When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.
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Harloe is the author of Redefining Us, Forget You Not, Watch Me Follow, GENT, and MISS. These titles are available on Amazon.
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Find all the latest on her site www.harloe-rae.blog
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Redefining Us
A standalone friends to lovers, military romance.
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