“I’m a big girl, Jake. And, like I said, Max and I like some of the same things. He even puts blackberry jam on his PB&Js. I thought you and I were the only ones who did that.”
Jake continued to stare at me, his face unreadable. “Is that so? What were his choices tonight at the festival?”
“The peanut butter hot chocolate and the snickerdoodle cookies,” I replied. “What were yours? You haven’t been to the Cocoa and Cookie Craze Festival in years.” It wasn’t until the past two years that the bakers had gotten more innovative, the flavors bolder and adventurous.
Jake released a sigh and smiled. “That’s easy. The S’mores hot chocolate and the triple chocolate peppermint cookies.”
The breath left my lungs and all I could do was stare at him. Why was the universe making things difficult for me?
Jake’s brows lifted and he cocked his head to the side. “You okay? Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” I said quickly, stepping backward toward the hallway. “I think I’m going to go to bed. And next time Max comes over, make sure you have clothes on. I don’t know what was going through that brain of yours, but it wasn’t funny.”
Jake laughed so loud it echoed throughout the room. “I thought it was hilarious.”
Rolling my eyes, I turned on my heel and started down the hallway. “Good night, Jake.”
“Sweet dreams, Lydia,” he shouted back.
Once in my room, I shut the door and leaned against it. Something was seriously wrong with me. All I could think about tonight was Jake when I should’ve been focusing on Max.
Groaning, I flopped down on my bed and buried my face in my pillow. One minute, it seemed Max and I had so much in common, but then Jake would come into the picture and prove we had more.
What was I going to do?
The problem was that I had no clue.
14
LYDIA
Violet and I made a bazillion sales today at the gallery. Saturdays were our busiest days and today proved it. It was time to close up early so we could make it across the street to the Winter Bash. Ben had texted to say he’d meet us at the gallery and we could all walk over together. Violet and I spent the whole morning deciding which three of Ben’s pictures we wanted to display in the store. I couldn’t wait to tell him which ones.
“What’s Jake up to today?” Violet asked.
I peered over at her from across the room to see her trying to hide her smile and failing.
“I don’t know,” I called out. “He left a note on the kitchen counter this morning saying he was going golfing with some friends. That’s all I know.”
Violet shrugged and smiled but kept her focus on the computer. “Nice. Will he be at the Winter Bash?”
I marched over to her and stood before the desk until she lifted her face to me. When she did, I glared at her. “No more talk about Jake. I had a date with Max last night and it went great.”
“That’s wonderful,” Violet agreed. “I just think you’re better matched with Jake.”
“You haven’t even met Max. You can’t say that.”
She shrugged again. “I know what I know.”
The bell on the door jingled and in walked Ben. His blond hair was in disarray from the mountain wind, and he was bundled up in his blue coat and jeans.
“Hey,” he greeted, acknowledging me and Violet with a wave. He pointed out at the crowd across the street. “It’s packed over there. I got to listen to one of the bands warm up and I’m impressed.”
“Oh, which one?” Violet shouted excitedly. “Was it the group with three guys and the main singer had long, brown hair?”
Ben’s face lit up. “Yeah, that’s it. They’re awesome.” He walked over to us and I waved a hand between him and my sister. “Ben, this is my sister, Violet. Violet, this is Ben Davis.”
Violet thrust out her hand, obviously still excited about their conversation. “It’s nice to meet you. Lydia and I are ecstatic about your photographs. We can’t wait to tell you which ones we want.”
