Hart frowns at me, still wiping snow from his eyes and out of the dark stubble on his jawline, the exasperation in his voice cracking me up even harder. I double over, unable to provide any defense even as I watch him form a snowball with his gloved hands. I bring my arm up just in time to shield the side of my face but get hit by Nate the next second.
A moment later, the driveway has turned into a battle-royale-like war zone. Hart and I each take cover behind a pile of snow on opposite sides of the driveway while Nate fires at both of us, dancing in between the front lines and cackling like a madman.
“This is ridiculous!” Hart calls out from behind his cover, but instead of arguing with him I throw the next snowball the moment his dark head appears. I don’t stay up to see the result; his muffled curse is satisfying enough.
“Wow, really mature, Nicko. Now come on, we are supposed to clea– oh for fuck’s sake, Nate!”
“Come on, Xan, live a little!” Nate laughs, then comes running to my side when his best friend finally goes on the offensive.
“Nuh-uh! Get your own fortress,” I protest, but he’s already diving behind my hastily built wall of snow.
“Form an alliance?” He grins at me, holding out one hand that I eye suspiciously before taking it.
I should have known better. The moment our hands touch he pulls me forward, rubbing a fistful of snow directly into my face. I squeal as it sneaks its way under my scarf and into my collar, sliding down my torso.
“I got him, Xan! I infiltrated the enemy!” my twin shouts.
“You’re my brother!” I gasp when I free myself of his grip, but whatever he’s saying next gets drowned out when Hart jumps across the driveway, tackling me.
I let out an “Oof!” as my back hits the ground, then instinctively turn my head to the side to escape the load of snow coming my way.
Holding up both hands, I shove at my attacker’s chest, but it’s no use, he’s already straddling my lap and trying to get a hold of my hands. When he finally succeeds, he pins my wrists above my head.
“Look at you,” Xander states smugly as I cough and spit from under the snow he rubbed all over my face. “All quiet for once.”
“Shut up!” I huff, narrowing my eyes at his face-splitting grin. His cheeks are glowing with a healthy flush, and his blue eyes hold a dangerous sparkle.
Suddenly, there’s a shiver running down my spine that has nothing to do with the snow melting against my skin.
Bucking my hips upward, I manage to catch him off-guard. Hart yelps when I topple him over, turning us both so that now I come out on top. My stiff fingers are already grabbing for more snow to shove at him.
“Oh you little– No! Nicko! Don’t you–”
I throw my head back with laughter as his warning drowns in my renewed attack, my legs tightening around him so I won’t get thrown off.
***
It takes us the whole morning to clear the driveway of snow. Our jackets and boots are dripping in the wet room while we sit in a half circle around the fireplace, watching the flames dance and eatingGemberbolusfrom little glass bowls.
Nate and Hart are solving the daily Wordle while I amuse myself by watching Hart as he’s trying to eat the sticky pastry. He’s licking his fingers clean after every bite and then discreetly wiping them on his sweatpants before typing in another five-letter word.
“How do you like Dutch cuisine, Xander?” Dad asks as he joins us with his own serving.
“It’s really good!”
I roll my eyes at his rushed answer. The guilt over stuffing his face with sweets is written clearly on his features.
“I’m glad. When I came to the US, I really missed my Oma’s homemade pastry. There’s an amazing Dutch bakery in New Jersey, but I couldn’t spend all my free time there, so I learned to do it myself.” Dad beams with pride.
“Oma’s are still better,” Nate comments, popping the last bite of ginger roll into his mouth.
“Omameans granny,” I provide when I register the frown on Hart’s face.
“You speak Dutch?” Hart blinks at me in surprise, and I’m honestly offended.
“Duh! I lived in the Netherlands for ten years,” I remind him.
“His Dutch is actually better than mine,” Nate admits with a shrug, the compliment catching me by surprise.
