Читать книгу 12 Gifts for Christmas - Джулия Кеннер, Джулия Кеннер - Страница 32

MARI bit her lip as she looked away, scrutinizing Declan out of the corner of her eye while she tried to pretend she wasn’t anxious about his answer. She was also pretending she wasn’t checking out his package.

“And when I win?” he asked, his head tilted to one side so a lock of hair fell over his brow.

“What do you want?” she asked, shrugging like she didn’t care. She glanced at his hair again, her fingers twitching to touch the silken strands … among other things. “How about free haircuts for an entire year.”

“I doubt I’ll be here that long.”

“You’re not living in Ponder Hill?” Why had she thought he was? Mari frowned, noticing for the first time the Georgia plates on his truck.

“Nope. Which means my stakes should be a little more interesting. Especially since the contest competition is fierce this year. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

She’d decorated the salon she worked at for every holiday. And while she might not have much talent with a hammer, she was hell-on-wheels when it came to a hot-glue gun. She remembered the various displays from her childhood and gave a sharp nod.

“Of course I’m sure. But if you need any help, you just give me a holler.” She offered him her sassiest smile and pointed to her mother’s house. “I won’t be far.”

“Living with Mommy?” he teased.

“Just until I find an apartment.” She arched her brow toward the Coles’ ranch house and asked, “You bunking with your relatives?”

“Nah. They don’t need a third wheel. Besides, the girls are all coming home for the holidays, so the house will be full up.”

Mari thought of Declan’s three cousins. All gorgeous, all talented, all clever. She and Rita Mae had hung out once in a while, but Alison and Layla had been a couple years ahead of her.

“So where are you living?” she asked.

“At the old man’s place. It’s been empty for a few months and it’s a dump, but I plan to flip it.” His words were short, his tone closed.

She winced, remembering her mom mentioning Clayton Cole having cancer. He must not have made it. She’d have offered her sympathy, but she knew Declan didn’t want it.

Still, Mari’s heart melted a little. She’d always felt for Declan. Whereas so many people had whispered about what a wild child he was, she’d yearned to bring him home with her and hide him away in her bedroom where he’d be safe. Luckily, by the time she’d hit her teens and had grown brave enough to actually consider doing it, she’d also learned enough to know that if she brought Declan Cole into her bedroom, she’d be the one who wasn’t safe.

“So what about the bet?” she asked, doing them both a favor and changing the subject.

“The bet?” He met her gaze, the look in his green eyes so wicked she took an involuntary step back and wondered where she could find a chastity belt. “I’ll take the bet.”

“And your stakes?”

“You win, I give that speech you’re so desperate for.” After she nodded, he gave her a grin that almost melted her underwear. Then he continued, “And if I win, you make that rumor a reality.”