Chapter 8 #2
But there was something there. Something I couldn’t just walk away from. At first, maybe I just wanted the challenge. Or maybe it was more from the first moment.
A spark, just needing to be ignited.
And damn, has it ever been ignited.
“This the one?” I ask, snaking my hand around her waist as I stand next to her.
She tenses for a moment beneath my touch, but relaxes within seconds. The slight lean into me is all I need to know that the spark has to be mutual.
I mean, it must be.
With a nod, she confirms, “If I have to get one, then yes.”
“I’ll find a salesperson.” I give her side a squeeze before removing my hand and walking away.
I wander up and down the rows until I find someone, bringing them over to Holly and her chosen tree.
Except, she’s got her fists curled at her side, and there’s a man standing a few feet away from her with his eyebrows furrowed.
As we get closer, I hear her snap, “It’s a fucking tree. You can find a different one.”
“If it’s just a tree, you go find another one, lady. Have a heart—my daughter wants this one.” His raised voice instantly makes my blood boil and my snakes hiss.
He doesn’t get to speak that way to her. Nobody does.
I open my mouth as we get closer, but I don’t get a word out. Holly radiates such a strong aura I feel like I’m choking on it.
“Your daughter is an adult woman who just threw a tantrum because I wouldn’t give up the tree I’m literally about to purchase.” Holly scoffs, her voice much louder than the man’s. “Get real. And grow up. Both of you.”
He takes a step, but I reach them, placing a hand on his shoulder. “No need to get closer, bud.”
The man shakes me off, growling, “This bitch with you? That makes sense. Two snakes here to ruin Christmas for others.”
Before I can let him have it for calling Holly a bitch, she pipes up, her voice magically calmer, though still quite stern. “I’d calm down if I were you, or you and your daughter might not end up with a tree at all.”
It’s slightly frightening, but also…really turning me on?
The man lets out a laugh, challenging her. “Oh yeah? What’re you gonna do, little lady? Buy all the trees?”
My eyes dart over to her, and I can see the corner of her lips curve up. There’s a darkened gleam in her eyes, one that adds to her intimidating demeanor.
God, she’s hot.
“Yes.” She smirks at him, pulling her wallet out of her purse. She takes one of her cards out of her wallet, holding it up to the clerk.
He looks to me, and I just shrug, leading him to ask her, “Ma’am? You want…all the trees on the lot?”
Holly raises a brow at the man, crossing her arms. “So, what’ll it be? You going to calm down and apologize, or go without a tree?”
I offer up a smile to the man. “Or I could turn you to stone for a bit, if you’d rather.”
His eyes briefly dart to me, but it seems he’s more worried about what Holly can do. I’m the one with snakes for hair and a literal magical ability, but Holly’s threat is more…threatening?
This is not what I’m used to, but I kind of like it.
My raging-hard dicks tell me I more than just like it.
“You’re bluffing. You can’t buy every tree here,” he states, but the waver in his voice is enough to reveal that even he doesn’t believe what he’s saying.
She turns to the clerk, simply saying, “Yes, I’d like to buy every last one.”
“Let me go get the debit machine,” the clerk chirps, a grin on his face.
As the clerk turns to walk away, the man sputters, “Wait—I’m sorry. I apologize. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. Neither should my daughter.”
Holly calls out to the clerk, “Change of plans—just this tree.”
The clerk gives an acknowledging nod before disappearing from our row.
“You are a miserable woman,” the man mutters as he walks away.
Rage builds inside of me at his statement. He doesn’t know her. She’s not the cheeriest, but she’s not miserable. I don’t get the chance to defend her, though, because she’s rolling her eyes at him, seemingly unbothered.
“So original—haven’t heard that one before.”
When the man leaves, I look her over slowly. Did she somehow get hotter from all of that? I didn’t think that was possible.
“What?” She narrows her eyes at me.
I shake my head. “That was hot. You’re hot.”
Her head tilts and she gives me a small smile. “Shut up. Now, how do we get this damn tree to my house?”
“The workers and I will strap it to the top of my car.” Taking her hand, I lead her away. “Now will you tell me why exactly you hate Christmas?”
She’s quiet for a moment before she gives me an avoidant answer. “I’ve told you all you need to know. Besides, I’ve said the holidays bring out the worst in people.”
I laugh. “I think they bring out the best in people—other than that guy—and bring unexpected people together.”
She glances up at me, a small smile still gracing her full lips. Her lack of retort is still a win in my books, especially when it comes with a smile.
“By the way, you can’t spell holidays without D.” I wink, and her cheeks gain a red hue. “So, will I be seeing you on Christmas? But also, hopefully, before that?”
Releasing my hand, she gives me a side-eye as she crosses her arms. “I’ll consider it—if you stop with these awful puns.”
“Maybe that will be my Christmas gift to you,” I joke, which earns me a smile. “And by the way—I’m buying your tree, since this was my idea.”
“What a rip-off.” She winks, turning to look at me head-on. “And if you insist, fine. Thank you.”
Oh Holly, I have something much better planned for you for Christmas.
I just hope we make it that far.