Page 14 of Never Sleigh Never
My lips curve into a smile.
“The way you can’t keep that smirk off your face must mean it’s true.”
I shake my head. “As great as that sounds, it’s not even remotely true. More like I saved her from getting flattened by a truck on the side of the road, and afterward, she wanted to throw me in front of said truck.”
“That sounds more like the welcome home party Brie would throw for you.” Simon grins. “Remember, you’re not in the city anymore. People will know everything about you, including what time of day you take a shit. If you don’t want people in your business, you’re in the wrong town.”
It’s a love/hate relationship with Mount Holly. Everyone will be sniffing down your neck whether you want them to or not, but at the same time, they are the first ones to rally behind you when you’re in trouble. I knew my life would be under a microscope when I returned, but I’ve known these people all my life. Plus, it’s comforting being surrounded by family and close friends again. For now, the pros outweigh the cons. I’ll have to adjust to everyone being in my business.
On the TV behind the bar, highlights from last night’s Minnesota versus Colorado hockey game play on the screen. Then an idea hits me. Just because I retired from professional hockey, doesn’t mean I still can’t play. “I’m thinking of putting a little holiday hockey tournament together to go along with my carnival. I’m already building a rink for free skating, might as well use it for a friendly tournament, maybe for charity.”
“Nothing says Christmas like a little hockey.”
“What do you say? Get the team back together.”
Simon laughs. “It’s probably been about ten years since I’ve laced up, but I’m in.”
“Who else is in town? Henry. Mason. Carson.”
“I’m sure it won’t take much convincing.”
A brunette with shoulder-length hair stops in front of me. The nametag on her shirt reads Cara. “Raffle ticket? They’re only a dollar.”
I glance from her to the stack of white tickets in her hand. “Sure. Why not?” I dig into my pocket and pull out a dollar bill. Her fingertips graze my palm as she deposits the ticket in my hand.
“Good luck.” She winks before sashaying to the next customer.
Simon snorts. “Clearly, you won’t have any issues making friends.”
I claim an empty stool and face him. “Too bad I’m not here to make any friends.”
“With the way Brie is trying to light you on fire with her heated glare, I’d say you’re doing a pretty good job at that.” He tilts his chin toward the far side of the bar.
I swivel around, and sure enough, Willa’s on one side, a woman with auburn hair is on the other, and Brie is in the middle, glaring daggers at me. We lock eyes. A static hums between us. I might as well introduce myself. Rising from my stool, I grab my beer and stroll across the bar.
“Hey ladies.” I stop at their pub-height table. “Couldn’t help but notice you all were staring. So I thought I’d come over here and say hi.”
Willa jumps up from her seat and wraps her arms around my neck in a hug. “It’s good to see you, Logan.” She lowers her tone. “Sorry to hear about your wife.”
My arm around her waist stiffens, and I press my lips together. “Thanks.” She pulls away. Her eyes are soft. I guess I’d better get used to the condolences from those I haven’t seen in years.
The auburn-haired woman smacks Brie’s bicep and stage-whispers, “Why didn’t you tell me he’s prettier in person?”
I bite back my laugh. “Thank you.” I offer her my hand. She reaches across the table and grips it in a firm but gentle handshake.
“Hi. I’m Sloane. I own the hybrid coffee shop and bakery, Sip and Sleigh, in town. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m a huge fan. Stop by and you can have whatever you’d like on me. Not on me, but my treat. Unless you’re into that kind of thing.” Pink washes over her cheeks.
I laugh. “I understand what you meant. And thanks again.” I release her hand and peer down at Brie. A moment ago she was watching me like a hawk. Now she’s studying her drink like it’s a science experiment. I return my attention to Sloane. “It’s always great to meet a fan.”
Glancing down at Brie again, I hold up my arms. “No hug?”
Finally, she peers up at me. Her bronze eyes darken to espresso as the soft, gold flecks from our earlier run-in are now sharp as broken glass. The soft curve of her brows draw together, creating a small furrow that somehow makes her even more beautiful. “I was already close enough to you once today.”
The corner of my mouth curves upward. “That’s right. You did have your arms wrapped around me earlier. If I remember correctly, you were reluctant to let go.”
“Perhaps you need to get your memory checked.” Her fingers curl into a fist on the table. “Now, I wish the truck had actually hit me,” she mutters under her breath.
A small chuckle escapes me. The Ice Queen doing what she does best. She’s gained more sass since high school. “I guess I should get going.” I nod to Sloane. “It was nice to meet you. I’ll be sure to stop by the coffee shop. Willa, it was nice to see you again.”
