“Why do I get all the blame? Nat threw the marker at me, I was trying to catch it and tripped over Jake’s big, stupid feet,” she said, wincing at the sound of her voice and words.
“We’re not s’posed to say stupid,” Asher told her. “But I think nap time is stupid.”
The grown-ups laughed, including Maisie, and Ellie shrugged her shoulders with a quiet laugh.
“Sorry, Asher. You’re right. My brother’s feet are justreallybig.” She pointed at Jacob who was already poised to say something… well, stupid (and gross, since it was her brother).
“However,” Nat interrupted. “A quiet games day with movies and snacks sounds wonderful. We can really ease into the break before Maisie unleashes the rest of her holiday activity extravaganza on us.”
Maisie caught Nick’s gaze and realized that he was staring at her. She wasn’t sure if he looked charmed or worried.
“It’s not an extravaganza so much as some ideas,” she muttered.
The others laughed. And then, because she couldn’t help herself, she added, “I have a scavenger hunt planned for tomorrow. We can work around anything people have to get done. I wasn’t sure if you had to be at the tree lot, Ellie, and you certainly don’t have to entertain us. I haven’t started wrapping and I want to make cookies.”
When Colton had invited all of them to his friend’s farm, and everyone said yes, Maisie immediately set out making plans to recapture the Christmases of her youth. Before she grew up and her family grew apart geographically and in other ways. She wanted to go back to those days before she realized that she didn’t read as fast as Natalie or wasn’t as good with numbers as Jake. Of course, she only realized those things when her mom started pointing them out in her teenage years.
Ellie stood, grabbed a few dishes. “We’re free the entire week. I was very lucky that the manager and staff wanted to stay on when I bought this place. I’ve spent the last several months learning everything I can but with so many seasoned staff, it runs really well. I’m very lucky.”
“It’s not luck when you work your as—butt off for it,” Nick said gruffly, taking the dishes from his sister. The others stood to help.
Maisie was caught on the protective sound of Nick’s voice. He might be a jerk—though not entirely, since he did apologize sincerely—but he clearly loved Asher and Ellie. And Colt loved him. So, she could suck it up and deal with being in his space for a week. It was one week. She could keep her unrequited crush to herself, especially with her family around.
Joining the others, she picked up dishes and everyone trailed into the kitchen.
“I’m sensing a cookie decorating competition,” Natalie said.
Maisie grinned at her sister. “What fun would it be if it wasn’t a competition? But we’ll keep the real rivalry for the guys-against-girls scavenger hunt tomorrow.”
“I’m already regretting not suggesting Hawaii,” Jake said, bumping Maisie’s hip playfully with his own.
Maisie grinned up at her brother. “Oh, it gets better. I’m giving Ellie a day to like me first but then all bets are off. First group to finish the scavenger hunt without cheating or skipping anything wins. Losing team has to wear reindeer pajamas.”
“I’m sorry. What?” Nick said, that low, raspy morning voice rolling over her skin. The dishes rattled against each other when he set them on the counter.
Maisie turned to look at him, setting her dishes down gently. “What’s the matter, Mr. Hockey? I’m sure you’ll look great in a onesie.”
Ellie laughed. “Oh my gosh. Do you actuallyhavereindeer onesies?”
Maisie’s smile wasn’t forced this time. “Colton sent me sizes for everyone. I know people.”
She wondered, for a second, what she would have done if Colton had saidwhowould be here rather than just telling her sizes for Ellie’s family.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jacob said to Nick, moving to the dishwasher. “We’ll just make sure we win.”
Natalie laughed. “Good luck with that.”
“Here we go again,” Kyle muttered.
“Do I get to play?” Asher asked. He’d followed them all.
“Of course you do, bud.” Nick walked around the island, pulled out a drawer that hid the garbage, and started scraping plates. For a big-shot hockey player, it surprised her, just a little, that he cleaned up after not only himself, but others. “You get to be on my team. And I always win.”
His gaze landed on Maisie and even though she had no intention of losing, she couldn’t help remember how absolutely focused and determined Nick King could be when he set his mind to something.
She might be in big trouble.
Chapter Six
