“Yes. Candy sang three songs for us.” Penny grinned. “It was so weird and wonderful. She also handed us candy canes and curtsied.”
“It was so cool. Such a unique present, thanks, man.” Christian held out a fist, and Garrett bumped it.
“Not gonna lie, Hayden and I thought she was a stripper and stood guard.”
“Why the hell would I hire a stripper? Come on, Char.” Garrett playfully bumped into her.
She narrowed her eyes. “Because you’reyouand a general pain in the ass.”
“I second that,” I said.
“I’m sorry, what?” Penny hit the table, her laughter so loud that other tables glanced over at us. “You stood guard? What were you gonna do? Stop her?”
“I don’t know! It was awkward, and this conversation is done.” Charlotte snorted and met my eyes for a beat. She smiled, a slight blush to her cheeks before she focused on Penny. “Do you have an agenda for us today?”
“Obviously.” Penny pulled out green sheets of paper. “Free time until early afternoon. We’re gonna ski for a bit. Then Christian and I have a couple’s massage.”
“I could call Candy back, see if she could follow us around all day and sing?”
Everyone laughed at Garrett.
“We can meet in the lobby for a drink around four? There’s a dinner and karaoke tonight, then four different holiday movies in each section of the ballroom. I originally planned a drinking game for the movies, but we can’t—”
“We can still make it a drinking game, babe.” Christian gave her a look, and she nodded. “We have a list of items that make us drink depending on what movie we pick.”
“Home Alone,Christmas Vacation,Elf, andA Christmas Story. Hm, I voteChristmas Vacation, right?” Garrett clicked his tongue. “That’s the best.”
“OrHome Alone.” Charlotte laughed. “These lists are insane.Drink when Marv speaks Angrish.This is awesome.”
“There is an ugly sweater contest tonight too. The more original, the better. There is a team gift card for a prize, and I do plan to win.” Penny puffed her chest and took her time meeting all our gazes.
She truly was the perfect match for Christian. She was a holiday hooligan in the best, kindest way.
Brunch went on for another hour, everyone rehashing the competitions from last night. We all stood just as Charlotte grabbed my forearm, stopping me. Heat spread through my body from her touch. It was like the entire hour of distraction was for nothing. Images of her flashed through my mind, and I wanted to kiss her.
“There’s something we need to tell you,” Charlotte said to the group.
Wait. What?We didn’t talk about this. She couldn’t tell them before I even knew what we were doing. I tensed and pulled from her grip. I had to stop her without hurting her feelings. Shit. My mind spiraled, and nothing came out before she said, “Hayden and I scored higher than your team. There was a bet on the table, but as a kind gesture from our hearts, we made a playlist for the DJ at the wedding even though we shouldn’t have. I want it noted that we are better people than you.”
Garrett cackled. “Holy shit, you devious little monster. I love you, Charmander.”
Charlotte winked at him, which I didn’t love. Penny and Christian stared at her, then me, their expressions reflectingmatching dread. They were so damn competitive that this was the most offensive thing we could’ve done.
Even though we had good intentions about helping with their wedding. I mean, they seemed so much better this morning. They were touchy and happy.
“I hate you.” Christian narrowed his eyes at his sister. “This… this has to be one of the best moments of your life.”
“Oh. It is. Top five, easily.” She smirked and leaned to hug both her brother and Penny. “Have fun skiing. Love you!”
Penny, Christian, and Garrett took off to ski, leaving Charlotte and me to ourselves. She spun to me, a twinkle in her eye. “I love one-upping my brother. Does that make me immature? You know what, don’t answer. It feels too good.”
“You’re an evil little elf.” I found myself smiling too. With a quick glance toward the hallway, the others were gone, and I pulled her toward me. “I’m into it though.”
“Evil elves?” She scrunched her nose and smiled. I let myself stare at her two freckles under her eyes. I never let myself look too closely, and now I could.
“No. You.” I tipped her chin and kissed her. I couldn’t get over how good it felt. She sighed into me, like the kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. “I’m into you.”
“That will never get old. So what shall we do?” She wiggled her eyebrows and leaned into me. Hints of vanilla and evergreen filled the air. I ran a finger over her jawline, honestly obsessed with just touching her skin.
