“But we brought that story to life. Our cookies tasted like time travel,” I argue. “Good punch line, by the way, Rhett.”
“He gets that from me.” Olivia tosses her hair.
“I do.” Rhett snakes an arm around Olivia, pulling her in for a kiss.
“Boo! Get a room.” Callie blocks her face, but I can tell by the smile on it that her actions are done in good fun.
“Oh, grow up!” Rhett throws a piece of cookie at her. “I’m not surprised the girls won. Between Olivia’s marketing savvy, Callie’s rampant imagination, and Lauren’s organizational skills, it all came together perfectly.”
“What about my baking skills?” Callie asks, frowning.
“You’re just as good as me. We cancel each other out.”
“I still don’t think they should’ve won,” Charlie grumbles. “‘Justice for the elves’? Come on!”
“Hey, it’s not our fault elves have been unfairly represented for centuries.” Callie crosses her arms. “It’s about time someone spoke up for them to let everyone know they’re not the tiny little creatures we’ve been led to believe they are.”
“It doesn’t matter how silly the idea is, Charlie. It’s all about how you present it,” Olivia says.
“That’s marketing talk if I’ve ever heard it.”
“I don’t think we are all capable of agreeing on how this bake-off was settled, so let’s just move on,” I offer, trying to keep the peace.
“That’s what a loser would say. The vote was unanimous.” Lauren gleefully spins in my direction, moving inclose and then quickly dragging her addicting aura away from me.
I’m dying to get her alone. Her big hazel eyes and curves in those leggings have been distracting me all day. Trying to pretend my sole focus was on Charlie has been difficult to say the least.
“All right, well, I better head out.” Callie stands from her seat. “Thanks for handing us the competition on a silver platter, boys. Maybe next time you can actually put in a little effort and make it fun?” She smirks as she heads toward the door.
“Yeah, we better get going too.” Olivia gets up. “Maverick and I will be helping with the Resilient Paws table tomorrow at the Christmas festival,” she says, referring to the dog she and Rhett adopted from the rescue last year. “Plus, this is my first Christmas in Roots, so my mom wants to show me everything the festival has to offer. I just know it’s going to be exhausting.” Despite her words, Olivia wears an affectionate smile as she gives Lauren a quick hug.
Rhett nods at Charlie and me, which I’m beginning to think might be the closest we will ever get to a bro hug from him. Oddly enough, I’m starting to accept his reserved nature.
“Are you two going to the Christmas festival tomorrow?” I ask Lauren and Charlie.
“Of course.” Lauren’s tone is matter-of-fact. “I have to work at the Copper Hill booth.”
“You’re going toworkat the Christmas festival? No one should have to work at the festival, especially not Little Miss Whoville.”
“That’s what I told her, but she keeps refusing.” Charlie frowns.
“Come on, Freckles. You need a break.” I catch myselfreaching out to grab Lauren’s hand, but it’s too late. Charlie is already giving me a look, his brow raised. I can’t meet his gaze. After years of friendship, I know he can see right through me. It’s a miracle he hasn’t already figured out what’s going on.
“Someone has to work the booth. This is how I’m going to spread the word about our shift to regenerative agriculture,” Lauren insists. “Plus, people come from out of town for the festival. Think of all the new customers and connections. The ranch can’t afford to pass up this opportunity.”
“But, again, the girl whose favorite holiday is Christmas deserves to enjoy theChristmasfestival.”
“I’ll still enjoy Christmas day with my family.”
I glance in Charlie’s direction for some help. She may be mine now, but I still haven’t figured out exactly how to get through to her.
“Let me help then,” Charlie offers. “We can rotate shifts so you can enjoy part of the festival too.”
“No way. This is the first time in years you’ll be around for it. People are going to want to see you, and you deserve the chance to enjoy it.”
“I don’t exactly mind being stuck at the booth for a bit. I’m sure Jax will pitch in to help too.” Charlie nudges me in the side, and funnily enough, a wave of relief rolls over me at the gesture.
The fact that he thinks he needs to convince me to help Lauren is laughable, but I do my best to play the part he expects. “Uh, yeah. I guess I can do that.”
