Page 8 of Enemies to Lovers

That gets a chuckle out of me, and I realize I don’t need to count steps on our way inside . She babbles on about Brewster and how she can’t wait to train him and cuddle him. It’s hard to dislike someone who is this excited over animals. Not impossible, but hard. Maybe Brewster will be in good hands.

All right, I know he will be. Val’s the damn best at everything without trying.

We step inside, a wrapped gift in my hand while a gift bag swings from her index finger. Before we get to the table Logan and Joy are waiting at, Russ stands on a chair and claps his hands.

“All right, everyone! Who’s ready for a little race?”

My heart stutters, and Val nudges me, stopping me from full-on panicking on the spot.

“You ready to get your ass whooped?” Her eyes narrow playfully, a small wrinkle appearing above the bridge of her nose.

Just like that, those words extinguish the flames of fear and ignite the competitive side of me. It’s the monkey bars, the election, the science fair… all of them all over again.

My lips curl upward. There is a first time for everything, and I’m ready to win.

The teams are split into groups of two. The fastest run time will win the big prize, several pairs going at once. Logan and I stand at the starting line with Miles and Joy standing to our exact right.

I playfully stare down my opponents, hoping my face is intimidating enough because my stature sure isn’t.

Russ, apparently the big boss of the place, has to stand on a chair to be tall enough to call out directions. I like him; he’s friendly and fun, and I’m a tad jealous Logan gets to work in such a good environment.

“Okay, first member of the team blows up the balloons at station one!” Russ shouts, then he leaps from the chair and grabs a balloon. He blows it up, his cheeks going blue. Amusement makes my shoulders shake.

“Phew,” he says, tying the balloon. “After… after that, stuff them into these nylons.” He starts stretching the material, and the crowd laughs as he fumbles with it. I cast a side glance to Miles, who is as stone-faced as ever, nodding as each instruction is given. He’s so cute.

Russ then ties the nylon to his head, making him look like he has antennae. “Once your reindeer antlers are on, gallop over here…” He gallops to much more laughter, and a few people start clapping. Logan sort of joins in, but I know he’s just doing that to feel included. He’s probably dying inside. This is so not his thing.

Russ bends over, his voice muffled as he demonstrates the next step. “Without your hands, get the Rudolph nose on.” He smashes his face into the stuffed red nose, and after a good few wiggles, gets it in place. “Now gallop back and tag team member two!”

Since he’s demonstrating solo, he slaps his own hand, his face red from exhaustion and beaming with alcohol and excitement. I again wish I worked here, if only to have him as a boss.

“Team member two will play the role of Santa.” He dashes to a large table where a slide puzzle is. “Do the puzzle.” He pretends to do it, waving his hands over the slides. “Then run to your toy bag.” Russ crouches next to a giant garbage bag and a bunch of stuffed animals. “Get all the toys in and then haul it over your shoulder to station three!”

He’s losing steam as he rushes to the third station, empty garbage bag over his shoulder. He stops halfway, resting on his knees to take a breather.

“You got this, Russ!” I cheer, and that elicits much laughter and clapping from the crowd. Miles lifts an eyebrow at me, and I playfully scrunch my nose at him. I can’t wait to go head-to-head. I’ve so got this, whether I’m Santa or Rudolph.

Russ gets to station three, a rolling office chair and a jump rope the only things there. “Santa, strap on into the chair and get your reindeer. Rudolph, take Santa across the finish line!”

He grabs the chair and rolls it behind him, collapsing across the red duct tape on the carpet. He gives a thumbs up. “Everyone understand?”

There’s a unanimous muttering of yeses, a few very excited whoops thrown in… one from me. I clap my hands and turn to my brother. “So, who do you want to be? Rudolph or Santa?”

Logan rubs his chin, staring at the two stations. “I’m a better puller. Definitely better galloper. But I do love slide puzzles.”

I smack his upper arm. He knows damn well I would rather do a puzzle, even if it is a slide. “Okay, I’ll be Santa. I hope your skinny ass can haul my stocky butt.” I’m going to be clinging to the chair for life.

Miles and Joy whisper close together as I take my spot at station two. I’m totally hoping Miles stands next to me. He’s be great at either station, but I’d like to smell him. I know that’s completely weird and stalky, but the smell of pen ink will always remind me of him. He’s always got one on him somewhere.

After another minute, my heart sprints in my chest as Miles heads to station two. I can’t help the bounce in my toes when he stands next to me, that inky scent now up close and personal.

“Expert in slide puzzles?” I ask, even though I know the answer. Miles didn’t get to where he is in his schooling by his pretty face.

He gives me a look I want to snap a picture of and frame on my wall. The guy is gorgeous, and I love when his competitive side comes out. He’s such a quiet soul, always working hard. But man, when he’s playing a game, this whole other man takes over. And it’s hot as hell.

Probably why I try to compete with him as much as possible.

Russ taps on the wall with a giant ruler once everyone’s lined up. Thank heavens it’s such a giant space; there are probably ten groups competing right now. “All right. Everyone ready?”

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