Chapter Thirteen
MAGGIE
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“THAT’S THE UGLIESTthing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” I hide my smile behind my sweater.
“Isn’t that the point of an ugly Christmas sweater?” Cole yanks the green sweater over his head.
It’s a couple sizes too small. His muscles push the material to the max. But that’s not what looks ridiculous. It’s the ribbon wrapped halfway up one arm and the bows, snowflakes, and pinecones glued with no rhyme or reason all over the sweater. It’s a hot mess.
I can’t control my laughter. It spills out of me.
“Thanks, Maggie.” He secures his Stetson on his head and nods at the sweater I’m clutching in my hand. “Let me see yours.”
I would feel ridiculous putting on the sweater if the room wasn’t packed with people creating their own ugly Christmas sweaters. Assorted Christmas decorations spill out of containers lining tables. The gluing stations are littered with folks attaching the tackiest decorations.
“Go on. I showed you mine.”
I laugh, and slip the red sweater over my head. I pull the edges down. I brush away the strands of static hair that cling to my face before I look at Cole.
His hands are stuffed in the front pockets of his jeans. He leans his weight on one leg. His gaze rakes down my front. Slow. Seductive. I heat up inside.
“That might be the prettiest ugly Christmas sweater I’ve ever seen. I don’t think you grasp the concept of ugly.”
I glance down at the pink tinsel, silver bows, and cupcake ornaments placed in a cute pattern. “I want to win the runway contest tonight.”
He chuckles. “I can’t wait to watch you strut your sweater in the lobby.”
“I’m not doing it alone. You’re strutting with me.”
“Like hell I am.” He wraps his arm around my shoulder. “But I’ll wear it to dinner with our grandparents, which we’ll be late for if we don’t head over.”
I fit perfectly in the crook of his arm as we walk down the hallway. We fit together on so many aspects. I’ve never quite met anyone like him. Someone I can be myself around. Who sees the real me. Who accepts me. This week feels like a lifetime with him, but not long enough. I love that he enjoys the Christmas classics, but cringes at romance holiday movies. And watches them with me regardless because I’m a sucker for holiday romance. His humor keeps me smiling. His kindness melts my heart. And his attentiveness toward me makes me feel like the only person he has eyes for. A week isn’t long enough.
When we reach the lobby, we part like we always do. The Quylt sisters seem to be lingering here and there this week. Since this vacation fling ends in two days we don’t need rumors to swirl around town.
I find it a bit thrilling to walk the lodge stealing glances or touches with Cole. As if just the two of us are in on this top secret.
“I can’t believe tomorrow evening is the fundraiser.” I playfully nudge his side.
“And you’re leaving Sunday.” He sounds as disappointed as I feel.
“I am.”
He catches my hand as we pass the gift shop. “Let’s get something for each other to remember this weekend.”
“I thought that’s what these are for.” I flick the bell hanging just by his nipple.
“I’m going to hide this masterpiece in a box the second I get home and never look at it again.”
We tour inside the gift shop. They have everything from fox themed clothes to knickknacks. The beautiful assortment of hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments from a local artisan catch my attention. Christmas trees and Santa Claus. Snowmen and angels. The one that stands out is an oversized pink frosted cookie. It looks like my Dreamy Monster Cookiextreme. The sprinkles on top bring back memories of our trip to the grocery store and every day that’s followed.
I choose the cookie ornament. When he’s not looking I sneak to the cashier to purchase it. The young girl wearing fox ears with a Santa hat headband gift wraps my present in a small box.
I wait for Cole in the lobby. My phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s my sister.
