“And who is judging?”
“It’s just for fun. We can judge each other. And no crazy prizes. How about title of best Christmas lawn display?”
“You know…” Aubrey tapped her lip as her words trailed off. “I hate to admit it, but I have a competitive side, and my decorations could use an upgrade. You sure you want to challenge me?”
I stepped closer, my brain involuntarily needing her delicious scent, like a druggie needing his fix. How we got here, I’d never be able to explain it, but here we were.
I wanted her.
I wanted a good competition.
“Yes. One week. Decorate your heart out, Aubrey.” I said, before turning and walking away without another word.
It was time to show herandthe town just how much I really loved Christmas.
CHAPTER TWO
Aubrey
“Wait,so this was the first time you’ve spoken to the mysterious grump, and that’s how it ends? A decorating contest? Do you hear how crazy that sounds?” Pip, my best friend from elementary school, asked before laughing so hard that her wine sloshed over the sides of her glass.
I rolled my eyes and handed her a napkin. Two glasses in and Pip was feeling good. I wish I were that easy of a date. Then maybe I’d actually get one.
Your hot neighbor…hello…
Hello nothing. A competition was hardly a date.
I sunk a chip into French onion dip and popped it into my mouth, the flavors exploding on my tongue, tangy and salty. One of my favorite snacks, especially with drinks and my best girl, Pip. I loved food and cooking, but my favorite was eating out and exploring local hidden gems. I ran a successful food blog and finding new hot spots was the best part.
“Yes, it sounds crazy, but it’s easy for me. I already decorated a ton. I’ll update some of them, maybe add a few inflatables, and it’s in the bag. I got this, girl.” I nodded my head towards her.
Pip wiped up her wine, put her glass down, and fetched a chip from the bowl, scooping up some dip. She chewed thoughtfully before answering. “You make a good point. But how crazy did you think he’ll get?”
“How crazy can you get?”
Her eyes grew big, the blue beauties piercing. My best friend was gorgeous inside and out and she found a man who worshipped her. Hopefully, I’d find mine soon. “Aubs, there’s a show you need to watch. I can’t remember the name, but people decorate their houses for Christmas in insane ways. I’ve seen Santa’s sleigh with reindeer and Santa figurines on the roof and they’re life size. Inflatables bigger than your house. Life size nutcrackers that honestly look super scary at night. Tell me you’ve seen this show.”
“Nope, can’t say I have.” I sipped on my wine. “Guess I need to up my game.”
“Let me find it.” Pip picked up her phone and tapped on the screen. As she searched on her phone, my mind drifted to sexy Nash. His handsome face hadn’t left my thoughts since the day we met.
He has yet to put any decorations up, but I’d been watching, sneaking peeks out of my windows.
Like a girl with an obsessive crush, I drove myself crazy, constantly thinking about him. I even used my vibrator to the thought of his face, his woodsy pine scent mixed with mint, and his sexy dark beard, causing friction burn on the insides of my thighs.
When I moved to the street, I already knew about Nash Hines. Appleridge was a small town and people talked. But itwas high time I moved out of my parents’ house, and besides, I kept to myself and didn’t plan on bothering him.
That was until he walked over to my yard and invited himself into my life.
“How will a grumpy scrooge decorate better than me?” I muttered, before grabbing a handful of chips.
Pip laughed. “I heard that. I thought you said he wasn’t as grumpy as you thought?”
I shrugged but failed to hide the smile on my lips. “How much do I really know about him?”
“Maybe he’s a grump to everyone else and not you.”
“He told me he’s quiet.”
