“I’m not dating her!” All the years of rivalry and spite swirled around Holden in a blizzard of emotion. “We’re not dating.”
“Well, that’s probably a good thing, since your parents are sworn enemies. Montague and Capulet style. Rumor has it this Christmas tree competition has knocked all of them completely off their rockers.”
“Let’s not get carried away.” But it was too late for that. This unwelcome discovery even had Holden’s thoughts scooping him up and depositing him straight into crazy territory. What was he going to do?
“You know? I find it really hard to believe Rachel Joy would willingly date you. I’m pretty sure you were her least favorite person back in high school.”
“Like I said before,”—Holden emphasized—“we’re not dating. And she might not be entirely clear on my identity either.”
Lance let out a hoot that had Scout’s ears cocking at the uproarious sound. “This is wild, buddy!”
“That’s it!”
“What’s it?” His friend’s face went neutral.
“That’s why she keeps calling me Buddy! She probably heard you call me that the other day when we were in the store together.” It all started to make sense, like the missing pieces fitting into a very convoluted puzzle.
“She thinks your name is Buddy?” Lance let out another hearty guffaw. “What are you? An elf?”
“This is a mess,” Holden groaned.
“Little bit.”
“What am I going to do?”
“For starters, you could clear up the whole name thing. You really want her thinking you build toys at the North Pole for the Man in Red?”
Holden grimaced. “I’m serious, Lance. This is not good. I’m supposed to go over there tonight.”
“Another date?”
“No.” Swallowing around the tight lump wedged in his throat, Holden said, “To measure their Christmas tree.”
“Really? I’m surprised her family would want someone with your last name anywhere near their precious evergreen.” Eyes rounded, Lance added, “But that’s right. She doesn’t know you’re a Hart.”
“And she doesn’t know I’m coming over.”
Lance’s raised brows indicated his unspoken need for clarification.
“I’m doing a favor for my dad,” Holden expounded.
“You mean you’re sneaking onto private property to measure a tree that doesn’t belong to you for a competition that’s gotten way out of hand?”
“Something like that.”
Holden rubbed his shoulder, massaging the tension that pulled all of his muscles. He felt like he could snap.
“What time?” Lance asked quickly.
“Huh?”
“What time do I need to be ready?”
“You’re coming with me?”
“Course I am, buddy. Snowdrift Summit hasn’t seen this much drama since the year I busted my knee during that terrible ski race you organized.”
Holden didn’t need the reminder; it was something he thought about every day. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
