He shot Ryan a sideways glance. “You realize you just saidboywith the same inflection most people sayBrussels sproutsorescargot?”
“I know what I said.” Ryan narrowed his eyes as he stared out the window at the little group on the porch. Poor Axel—the guy didn’t stand a chance.
What would Ryan think if he knew how close Nick had come to completely forgetting his own script?
The moment from the closet still melted in his stomach like hot chocolate. He and Holly had been arguing, as usual, but she’d smelled like vanilla, and instead of sending a burst of annoyance, seeing her in those elf ears had somehow sent a jolt of…joy? Something pleasant, anyway. Something he wasnotused to feeling when staring at a closet full of holiday décor.
Maybe that’s what scared him the most.
Nick glanced down at the lights in his hand. Usually, the sight of all the traditional elements—especially snow globes—pulled him into a deep melancholy. Flaunted “what could have been” in his face.
Somehow, Holly wrapping him in lights and grinning like a mischievous little elf had unwound a tiny knot in his chest.
What was going to keep him from unraveling?
Nick kept working the lights, his palms stinging from the stiff faux needles of the branches. See? Annoying. It was allannoying. He needed to stay focused on his goal. Christmas was and always would be something to simply get through. That wasn’t going to change because of one half-charged moment in a closet with a woman wearing elf ears.
They were each other’s date for a holiday party. Nothing more.
Lydia patted Ryan’s shoulder as she squeezed past Kat to reach for a box of candy canes. “I don’t see the big deal, babe. Your sister and Axel are in college.”
Ryan’s scowl deepened and he snatched a candy cane from the box. “Exactly.Much too young to bring someone home for the holidays.”
“Now you sound like Dad.” Holly kicked one leg against the cupboard as she threaded another hook into a sparkly snowflake. She still wore the ears, which had triggered several looks between her siblings when she wasn’t watching. “We all knew it was only a matter of time before Chloe got another boyfriend.”
Kat took the snowflake from Holly. “Yeah, big bro—don’t you want all your siblings to find utter bliss like you and Lydia?” She rolled her eyes, as if making sure he got the sarcasm.
Nick paused. Had Holly just stiffened at that?
Ryan pointed the candy cane at Kat. “You’re married too. Are you telling me you’re not in utter bliss?”
She smirked. “I’m saying we’re not honeymooners anymore. Just you wait.”
Lydia hooked her arm through Ryan’s and pressed a kiss against his cheek. “Your sisters are just messing with you.”
“Right. That’s it.”
Lydia winked at her behind Ryan’s back.
Holly leaned against the counter and craned her neck to peer out the window toward the front yard. “So what do we think of Axel? Besides the fact he’s aboy,apparently.” She grinned at her brother.
“Axel looks like what I’d imagine if a boy band and a made-for-TV Disney movie had a baby.” Kat wrinkled her nose. “By the ocean.”
“Kat!” Lydia widened her eyes, trying too late to hide a smile behind her hand.
Kat bristled. “What? I’m just saying what we’re all thinking.”
“You sure have lost your filter lately.” Ryan gestured toward Kat. “But I’m not arguing against your description.”
“He does have a surfer vibe. But he seems…nice.” Holly squinted out the window, her voice pitching with doubt. Everyone followed her gaze. Axel had stuffed a pair of ornaments under his T-shirt and was dancing around, making Chloe giggle. Olivia swatted at him as the kids bent over double, laughing.
“Oh for crying out loud.” Kat face-palmed with both hands. “An entire college campus and that’s what she finds?”
“Let’s give him a chance.” Lydia turned Kat away from the window, keeping one arm tucked around her shoulders as she guided her back toward the half-decorated tree. “After all, I’m glad you guys accepted me.”
“That was different,” Ryan, Holly, and Kat said all at once.
“Yeah, you guys were older. More mature,” Kat clarified.
