Chapter 10 #2
Especially since he doesn’t let go as we walk toward the sign for the farm, draped in holly-laden garlands. A towering tree flanks it, the evergreen branches home to a glittering array of shiny ornaments. A sparrow is perched at the top of the tree. My heart goes all glowy as I gaze at the sight.
“Is that what it looks like in your house?”
“In my home, squirrels perform chorus line dances on all of the trees.”
“And chipmunks sweep up any stray needles,” he adds dryly.
“You understand,” I say, grinning.
“Oh, I do. I definitely do.”
As we wander along a stone path to a red gift shop cottage at the entrance to the farm, I tell him about the couple who runs this place.
“I’ve known Kaiden for several years. His parents bought the tree farm when they moved to California from Haiti, where they’re from, and then ran it for a long time.
They retired recently so they turned it over to Kaiden.
Then I introduced him to Bennett, who hangs Christmas tree lights, and they got married and have been running the farm and the lights business together for the last few years. ”
“You matched them?”
“It’s what I do,” I say with a proud smile.
“So, we’ve got the coach, the art museum executive director, and now the Christmas tree farmer and the light hanger?”
“Oh, please. There are so many more of my matches.”
“I’m getting the impression they’re everywhere,” Rowan says.
I pat his arm. “And you’re next.”
He scoffs.
We reach the cottage and go inside, where the scent of pine from candles wafts through the air.
“Hey, handsome hotties. Love the new hair,” I say to Kaiden, who’s rocking a fade.
“Thanks, babe.” Kaiden strikes a pose to show off the new ’do.
Bennett gives me a pointed look, asking, “What about my hair?”
“Your head’s like a beautiful cue ball,” Kaiden says with affection as he runs a hand over Bennett’s shaved head.
Bennett rolls his eyes. “Not the answer I wanted.”
“You both look terrific. How’s the season going?” I ask.
“Can’t complain,” Kaiden says, stepping out from behind the quaint wooden counter, lined with twinkling lights. “We had a busy weekend, and for a Tuesday, it’s not too bad.”
“Considering my husband with the perfect hair made his world-famous cranberry and fake turkey sandwiches, I’d say it’s a great day,” Bennett adds.
“Yum,” I say appreciatively.
“Want one to go? I can make another,” Bennett offers, hooking his thumb behind him, toward their home on the property.
“Tempting,” I say, then turn to the strapping, grumpy hockey player beside me. “This is Rowan. He’s going to help me find a tree today.”
Kaiden eyes him with curiosity. “Do you need one for yourself too?”
“Or a sandwich?” Bennett chimes in, since he’s always helpful.
Rowan chuckles as he leans an elbow casually against the counter. “The sandwich sounds delicious, but I’m good.”
“You sure?” Bennett presses. “You haven’t lived till you’ve had a cranberry and fake turkey sandwich.”
Rowan arches a curious brow. “What’s the fake turkey made of? Is it like a chicken pretending to be a turkey? A pig impersonating one? Or mushrooms and quinoa doing the catfishing?”
Kaiden points at Rowan with a smirk. “He’s a keeper. I approve.”
Heat rushes to my face, and I bet I’m as red as a fire engine. “Um, he’s not my—” I flail for words. “Boyfriend. Date. Person to keep. He’s not my—”
Kaiden hoots. “That so, babe?”
Bennett slaps his thigh. “You sure about that?”
The blush spreads down my neck as I scramble for an answer. “He’s…” I don’t want to say client—I keep my client list confidential—so I sidestep. “Friend. He’s my brother’s friend. And, you know the saying—your brother’s friend is…your friend.”
Rowan shoots me a look. “Is that really a saying, Isla?”
I double down, saying, “Yes. Yes, it is.”
“Also, you can tell them who I am,” he says smoothly.
I hesitate. Does he mean my client or the famous hockey player? I don’t know, and I want to protect his privacy. “You’re my…” I pause, searching for the right word. He makes a rolling gesture with his hand, urging me to continue.
Then, way too pleased with himself, he says, “Since you don’t want to admit you’re dying to date me, you can just call me…the guy you FaceTimed in your robe the other night.”
“So you’re dating again. Yes!” Kaiden pumps a fist in the air.
My hands fly up in protest. “We’re not dating. We’re just—”
Rowan leans in, whispering conspiratorially, “She wants me. So badly.”
Bennett’s eyes widen. “Get it, matchmaker.”
I swat Rowan’s arm. “Please.”
Rowan purrs—actually purrs. “She wants me so much it’s hard to keep up with, but I’m here for the task.”
Bennett grins wickedly. “Well, then, you should climb him like a Christmas tree, don’t you think so, hun?” he asks, turning to his husband.
Kaiden nods vigorously. “Like a raccoon.”
Rowan’s eyes sparkle, and his grin is the textbook definition of cocky. “Yeah, Isla. You really should climb me like a raccoon.”
Of course he’d pick now to be funny. And smug. And attractive.
I clear my throat, trying to clear away the naughty thoughts these three have planted in my head. “I’ll take a handsaw, please.”
“One handsaw, coming right up,” Kaiden says.
“And happy raccoon climbing,” Bennett says with a straight face. “With your date.”
Rowan winks at me. “Yes, Isla. Your date needs a handsaw to handle your tree, baby.”
I’m going to kill him.