“Not going to be a problem,” I say to Max. “Excuse me for a second.”
“Sure,” I hear him huff behind me.
I walk over to her station where she’s setting her things up, and because Taran is near, I put on a smile but say, “I hope you burn your sugar.”
Her eyes flash up to mine, and they glint as she smirks. “And here I thought that maybe you might be nice to me today.”
“What gave you that impression?” I ask, sticking my hands in my pockets so I don’t touch her.
“The holiday spirit?”
I shake my head. “Nope, I plan on making the best candy cane Old Man Chadwick has ever seen.”
“Do you call him that to his face?” she asks as she sets down a vial of liquid I assume is her flavoring. We haven’t spoken much about our plans for the competition, and that’s probably for the best since Max seems to be having some sort of crisis about winning now.
“I don’t. That’s a special pet name I gave him for myself and myself only.”
I watch as she tries to hold back her smile. She fails miserably so she tilts her head down and pretends to adjust her bowl.
“Ah, there they are, my new favorite couple,” Martha says as she walks up to us, Mae trailing behind. “You know, if you connect your candy canes together, they’ll make a heart.”
Just the two people I need.
With them around, I can touch Storee as much as I fucking want.
I move over to Storee, pull her into my chest, and try not to lean in too hard to get a better smell of her hair. “That’s what I’ve been telling her, Martha. But she’s kept her recipe a secret. We haven’t connected candy canes in days.”
“I do enjoy a competitive spirit in a girl.” Martha winks at her. “Are there plans for any other dates? I feel like we haven’t seen you two out and about much.”
“Busy with candy cane making,” I say. “But I was planning on taking her to the farm tonight.”
“You were?” Storee asks.
“You were?” Taran repeats, leaning in to the conversation as well.
I glance around at all the expectant faces and nod. “Yup. Want to introduce her to the reindeer.”
“That will be so sweet,” Martha says.
“And romantic,” Mae chimes in.
“And smelly,” Taran mumbles as she walks away.
Martha gives Taran the stink eye and then whispers to us, “Looks like someone is missing the Christmas spirit.”
“She’s just upset about our light display. Don’t worry about her,” Storee says, defending her sister.
“Ah, I see, well, you’re still in the lead, so no need to worry. If anyone should be worrying, it’s this guy,” Martha says, thumbing toward me.
“Not worried,” I say. “Max and I have this one in the stocking.” I wink and Martha chuckles.
“Well, good luck to both of you,” Martha coos and then she and her sister move toward a pair of chairs in the front.
We’re once again in the school gymnasium with our own stations set up. But unlike last time when I was next to Storee, this time Jimmy Short is between us. Probably best so I won’t get as distracted.
“So, the farm tonight?” she whispers.
“Only if you want to,” I whisper back.
