Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Pope sighs, glancing at Knox. “Let’s just say he’s had a rough go. His dad was everything to him, and when he lost him… well, he’s been keeping people at arm’s length ever since. As for relationships? There was someone once, but it didn’t end well. Now he’s convinced he’s better off alone.”
I feel a pang in my chest, imagining the hurt he must carry, buried under that rough, unbreakable exterior. He may act tough, but I’ve seen hints of the man underneath, the part of him that softens when he’s not busy being Copper Mountain’s resident Grinch.
Knox gives me a sympathetic look. “If anyone’s gonna crack that shell, Ivy, it sounds like it’s you.”
My cheeks heat, and I laugh, trying to deflect. “Really? Sometimes I feel like I’m just annoying him.”
They both chuckle, Knox giving me a knowing look. “Nah, it’s more than that. Don’t worry, he’ll come around. Just don’t let him scare you off first.”
I grin. “Not a chance. I’ve got a lot more Christmas spirit up my sleeve.”
Pope crosses his arms, his smile widening. “Then maybe you should join us on a triple date. You and Cole, me and Ruby, and Knox and Petal. Could be a good way to get him out of his cave for once.”
My heart leaps at the thought. “I’d love that. Though convincing him might be a challenge.”
Knox shrugs. “You’d be surprised what a woman like you can do when she puts her mind to it. Just… give him time. He’s got a lot of ghosts he’s wrestling with.”
The gravity in his voice reminds me that while my mission to “Christmasify” Cole has felt lighthearted, it’s clear there’s much more to him than I first thought. And for some reason, that only makes me more determined to show him that he doesn’t have to keep hiding.
“Thanks, guys,” I say softly. “I think I needed to hear that.”
Knox winks, giving my shoulder a light squeeze. “You’re good for him, Ivy. Don’t let him convince you otherwise.”
With one last smile, I leave the hardware store, feeling more resolved than ever. If Cole’s going to be stubborn, well, he hasn’t met anyone as determined as I am. He may not be ready to believe in the magic of Christmas, but maybe, just maybe, he’ll believe in me.
Later that evening, I find myself outside Cole’s workshop, a bag of supplies in hand and a fresh dose of determination. As I push open the door, he looks up, his brow furrowing as he takes me in.
“You again,” he smirks. “Addicted to my dick already, Mrs. Claus?”
“Me again,” I giggle cheerfully, walking in and setting my bag on the counter.
He watches me, his arms folded over his chest, eyebrows raised. “What’s with that shit-eating grin on your face?”
“Dropping off some supplies. Thought you could use a little extra Christmas cheer,” I say, pulling out a string of lights and some ornaments.
He rolls his eyes but doesn’t stop me as I start stringing the lights around the doorframe. “You really don’t give up, do you?”
“Nope. I’m relentless,” I say, shooting him a grin over my shoulder. “So, what’re you doing tonight? I heard there’s a Christmas movie marathon happening at the festival.”
He smirks. “Not my thing.”
“Shocker,” I say dryly, finishing the lights and stepping back to admire my work. “You know, if you just tried to enjoy it, you might surprise yourself.”
He gives me a look that’s a mix of challenge and amusement. “And if I don’t?”
I shrug, meeting his gaze. “Then maybe you’ll learn that you can still have a little fun.”
He snorts, shaking his head. “Fun. Sure. That’s what I need.”
I step closer, meeting his gaze head-on, feeling a spark of mischief. “Maybe I’m exactly what you need, Cole.”
His eyes darken, his expression unreadable. For a second, we just stare at each other, the air between us thick with unspoken tension. Then, with a slow smile, he reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You really think so?” he murmurs, his voice low, his hand lingering just a little too long.
“I know so,” I whisper, my heart racing as he leans in, his gaze flicking to my mouth, his breath warm against my cheek.
“Ivy…” he says, his voice rough, almost hesitant.
“Yes?” I whisper, barely able to breathe.
He pauses, his gaze locked on mine, and I can see the struggle in his eyes, the part of him that wants to give in, to let go of whatever’s holding him back. But then he pulls away, his expression hardening.
“You stayin’ tonight?” he asks.
I swallow, shaking me head. “I can’t. But I’m not giving up on you, Cole.”
He doesn’t respond, his shoulders tense, and I know I’ve struck a nerve. But as I turn to leave, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to him than he’s letting on, that somewhere beneath that hard exterior, there’s a man who wants to believe in something, even if he doesn’t know how.