“Yes.” She smirks at him, pulling her wallet out of her purse. She takes one of her cards out of her wallet, holding it up to the clerk.
He looks to me, and I just shrug, leading him to ask her, “Ma’am? You want…allthe trees on the lot?”
Holly raises a brow at the man, crossing her arms. “So, what’ll it be? You going to calm down and apologize, or go without a tree?”
I offer up a smile to the man. “Or I could turn you to stone for a bit, if you’d rather.”
His eyes briefly dart to me, but it seems he’s more worried about whatHollycan do. I’m the one with snakes for hair and aliteralmagical ability, but Holly’s threat is more…threatening?
This is not what I’m used to, but I kind of like it.
My raging-hard dicks tell me Imorethan just like it.
“You’re bluffing. You can’t buy every tree here,” he states, but the waver in his voice is enough to reveal that even he doesn’t believe what he’s saying.
She turns to the clerk, simply saying, “Yes, I’d like to buy every last one.”
“Let me go get the debit machine,” the clerk chirps, a grin on his face.
As the clerk turns to walk away, the man sputters, “Wait—I’m sorry. I apologize. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. Neither should my daughter.”
Holly calls out to the clerk, “Change of plans—just this tree.”
The clerk gives an acknowledging nod before disappearing from our row.
“You are a miserable woman,” the man mutters as he walks away.
Rage builds inside of me at his statement. He doesn’t know her. She’s not the cheeriest, but she’s not miserable. I don’t get the chance to defend her, though, because she’s rolling her eyes at him, seemingly unbothered.
“So original—haven’t heard that one before.”
When the man leaves, I look her over slowly. Did she somehow get hotter from all of that? I didn’t think that was possible.
“What?” She narrows her eyes at me.
I shake my head. “That was hot. You’re hot.”
Her head tilts and she gives me a small smile. “Shut up. Now, how do we get this damn tree to my house?”
“The workers and I will strap it to the top of my car.” Taking her hand, I lead her away. “Now will you tell me why exactly you hate Christmas?”
She’s quiet for a moment before she gives me an avoidant answer. “I’ve told you all you need to know. Besides, I’vesaidthe holidays bring out the worst in people.”
I laugh. “I think they bring out the best in people—other than that guy—and bring unexpected people together.”
She glances up at me, a small smile still gracing her full lips. Her lack of retort is still a win in my books, especially when it comes with a smile.
“By the way, you can’t spell holidays without D.” I wink, and her cheeks gain a red hue. “So, will I be seeing you on Christmas? But also, hopefully, before that?”
Releasing my hand, she gives me a side-eye as she crosses her arms. “I’llconsiderit—if you stop with these awful puns.”
“Maybe that will be my Christmas gift to you,” I joke, which earns me a smile. “And by the way—I’mbuying your tree, since this was my idea.”
“What a rip-off.” She winks, turning to look at me head-on. “And if you insist, fine. Thank you.”
Oh Holly, I have somethingmuchbetter planned for you for Christmas.
I just hope we make it that far.
