Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

COLE

I shouldn’t be noticing that Ainsley is wearing the cutest sweater known to man.

It’s knitted and has a giant pumpkin on the front. I know she’s the fall queen, and though she’s good at putting on a brave face for Christmas, I’ve always had the impression that she doesn’t really like it. I’m sure if I dug deep enough, there would be a lot of things I’d find about Ainsley Parsons that I didn’t know.

I sit here, pretending to read the meeting notes, but I’m secretly checking her out.

Those cute curls bobbing. Her glasses as they slip down to the end of her nose as she reads. Her skin is pale like it usually is, but she has this glow to her cheeks that — I’m sorry — makeup just doesn’t give you. Not in this case, anyway. Okay, I’ve been crushing on her since last year when we worked together, and it’s been eleven months of hell thinking about if I should ask her out. Then she got back with that dick face.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I’d really like to rearrange his face. Anyone that causes Ainsley to frown deserves two black e yes.

“So, if there are no objections?” She scours the room.

Jessica Lockwood, the mayor, and Margaret, along with Keith from Presley’s vet’s office — who I secretly think she sent to spy — and Mrs. Henderson’s seventeen-year-old grandkid Marley, who’s using his detention time helping us, completes our group. Presley is the Chairperson of the committee, and Travis is usually in charge of the Christmas festivities, but they’ve handed the reins over this year to Ainsley and I, just so they can concentrate on baby April without all the Christmas drama. They’ll still partake in everything, but they just can’t be at every meeting.

“I think I missed the part where the town takes on the biggest snowball fight in Silver Pines history and breaks the Wyoming record,” I muse. Marley chuckles next to me.

I glance up and sure enough, Ainsley’s gaze meets mine. Her lips purse. I admit, I like ruffling her pretty little feathers just a little.

“Or the longest sled ride from the top of Silver Pine Falls to the bottom,” Marley pipes up, equally enthused as I am.

Jessica Lockwood is shaking her head in my periphery. “All we need is a kid to get hit in the eye with a flying snowball, or the break of a leg going down the slalom and we’ll get sued.”

“Still, think of the needy.” I shrug. “We could get more funding for Presley’s rescue, or the kids’ ward at the hospital. There’s always room for giving at Christmas time.”

“It’s true,” Keith chimes in. “There is always time for giving, and everyone loves a snowball fight. It’d put Silver Pines on the map. We’d do it safely, of course.”

Jessica narrows her eyes. Clearly we’re not encouraged to have ideas. The only time Jessica has ever smiled was when Trav is came on the committee and blew all the decorating plans out of the water. I think she’s sulking because neither Travis nor Presley are here. “That may be so, but this is something I need to think about.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” Ainsley adds. “It’s just what Silver Pines needs to stay in the news.”

I hold my smirk. I mean, we need a snowball fight. Travis might have his fancy blow up frosty and an ice skating rink, but new ideas are what keep tourists coming to Silver Pines instead of Alpine Falls or the busy, overpopulated Jackson Hole.

The Mayor isn’t convinced, and I know she’s a no-fun haver, but some of us think outside the box.

“While I have some reservations, something different to add to the treasure hunt might be what we need to spice things up a bit,” Margaret says.

Hmm, kinda looks like Jessica may be outvoted. “I’ll have to double check regulations,” Jessica says. “As well as get Travis and Presley’s vote, since they’re not here. We’d also have to have age limits so the little ones don’t get injured.”

“What about a snowman competition for the little guys?” Marley says. “Build your own frosty, and the winner gets a prize and their name in the Daily Pines.”

I turn and give him a nod of approval and tap my head. “Up there for thinkin’, Marles.” We high-five.

“Great idea,” Ainsley chimes. “As long as the big kids don’t ruin it for the others.” She eyes me and I can’t help but grin. I thumb my chest as if to say; me?

She nods in response, then shakes her head.

“Fine, but I’d like a detailed report on how we negate the risks for the snowball fight,” Jessica says, then adds, “S ince it was Cole’s idea, he can help you, Ainsley.”

Fine by me. I lean back in my chair, trying not to act obvious that I think it’s the best idea she’s come up with so far. “I’m sure Ains and I can put our heads together on this one.” Little does anyone know, there’s a snowball in Hell’s chance I’m going to miss a one-on-one meeting with Ainsley. Heck, I’d watch paint drying if that’s what it took. In any case, Travis put his trust in me to take his place, and this is just the sort of idea that will get him all revved up.

“What did we have planned for the Hunger Games competition this year?” Keith looks down at his notes. “Ainsley mentioned a treasure hunt a little differently this year.”

All our eyes flick to her, and I only just notice she has little pumpkins in her ears to match her sweater. Adorable . It may be the back end of fall, but Ains is making the most of it.

“Well, each year we have teams of two who work with one another, but this year I thought it’d be a hoot if the teams weren’t pre-selected. So it would be more challenging.”

I can see a whole world of problems with that idea, but I keep it to myself. It’s just like Ainsley to try and mix things up for the better and force people to get along for the good of giving. I’ve only just realized it’s another thing about her, aside from her adorable sweater/matching earrings combo, that I adore.

“Sounds like a game plan.” I sit up in my chair. “After all, they call Silver Pines the friendly ski town of Wyoming. If we can’t get along with our peers in a Christmas environment, then when can we?”

Ainsley claps her hands together. “Exactly! And the resort said they’d up their donation by double if we can get the locals on board. We put all the names of every competitor into a hat and shake it up, pairing them together.”

I roll my lips to save from laughing.

“What if I get stuck with someone really old?” Marley complains.

Margaret tsks and Jessica looks like she smells something bad.

“Watch your mouth,” Margaret warns. “I know your grandmother wouldn’t approve. Why not see it as an experience to learn and expand your horizons?”

“Stacy Lockheart may be competing,” I mutter under my breath.

Marley perks up suddenly. “I think I like the idea of expanding my horizons. Make Grandma proud.” He side eyes me.

Margaret smiles warmly and I try not to lose it laughing.

Ainsley narrows her eyes at me as I give her my best nonchalant shrug. So she can lip read. The girl is smart.

“Way to go, Marles. I think you’re gonna get a lot out of this detention.” I pat him on the back.

“So, if we’re done here, I’d like your ideas about the snowball fight on my desk by Friday,” Jessica says.

If you ask me, she is being harsher on this whole idea than she needs to be. I know this town is completely insane when it comes to Christmas and their damn near precious decorating, but let’s get real here. IT’S DECORATING. The snowball fight is just some added fun.

I mutter to Ainsley, once the meeting is dispersed, “Presley’s pioneering efforts have placed us all on the chopping block.”

She elbows me in the ribs. “Don ’t let Pres hear you say that. She wants a copy of the meeting minutes.”

I chuckle. “I bet she does. She and Travis need to let go. I mean, they allow kids here, if they’re so worked up about it, they could’ve come along. She might not have officially handed the baton over, but I’d say it’s your baby now.”

She looks down at her shoes and I know I’ve said the wrong thing. “Ains? Did I say something wrong?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

I get we’re not close friends, but she can trust me. She knows that. We worked well together last year at the speed dating night. There’s no reason why she can’t tell me stuff, unless she doesn’t want to. Which I get.

“I mean, I can be Switzerland, right?”

She eyes me. “Switzerland?”

“Bella Swan. You’re a twilight fan, surely?” It’s not really a question, I already know. I’ve seen her Team Charlie t-shirts. Yep, Team Charlie.

“You — how’d you know about twilight?”

I give her a lopsided duh look. “Please.”

“Emma bought me that shirt,” she whispers, like someone will hear us.

I glance around at the empty hall as I whisper back. “Uh, huh. I mean, I don’t blame you. Charlie’s cool. I liked him the best in the movies. Personally, I’d trade Edward and Jacob in for one of Chief Swan.”

Finally she laughs. “Stop making fun.” She shoves me.

“I’m not!” I laugh. Sobering when I see the smile doesn’t reach her eyes. Something’s bugging her. “But in all seriousness, you can tell me if you want. Don’t feel you have to, but you just looked sad when we were talking about taking over from Pres.”

A deep breath pulls from her chest. “I’m gonna say it really fast, and it’s only because I had a little nip of butters cotch schnapps before I arrived and it’s given me some liquid courage.”

My eyes go wide. “Drinking on the job? Ainsley Parsons, I never?—”

Her hand connects with my shoulder as she gives me a playful shove.“I don’t really like Christmas all that much,” she sighs. “My dad and I don’t get along. He hasn’t made the holidays the most memorable over the years.”

“Shit, I’m sorry to hear that.”

She shrugs one shoulder. “We’ve tried over the years. But it wasn’t good growing up, he was a liar and didn’t treat my mom very respectfully.”

I stare at her. I was not expecting that. “Ains—” I don’t know what to say.

“So that’s my sad little story.” Her eyes find her feet again. “I prefer fall, truth be told, and I love Halloween.”

“You hate Christmas and yet you do all of this even though it brings you pain?” I feel a similar sensation knowing this information. It’s hitting my chest like a loaded freight train. Firing up the juices in my veins, it makes me wanna find her father and punch his lights out.

“I don’t hate it. It’s just always been a hard time for me.”

“But you never act like you hate it.”

She sighs. “I’m good at pretending, Cole. I’ve become really, really good at it. Maybe I should add it to my boring resume.”

The words hang and I don’t like them. I don’t like them one little bit. I lift her chin with my fingers so she’s forced to look at me. “You don’t have to pretend with me. Never. Do you hear me?”

She swallows hard, and I see it, the trepidation in her eyes. It makes me want to hurt anyone that ever put that look ther e, and I vow right here, right now, I never will.

“I’m sorry,” I go on. “About your dad. He sounds like a real jerk.”

“He is. And it’s not Christmas’s fault. We never had much growing up, and my mom made it as fun as she could. I mean, I didn’t know any different. But sometimes when she didn’t think I could hear, I caught her crying a lot around the holidays.”

“Your mom’s a good woman. She deserved better.”

She nods. “Funny, that’s what she keeps telling me. Earlier today you asked me what was wrong?” She glances up at me and I nod before she goes on. “I got a text from Drake. Asking when I’m coming back. Then I found out a few hours ago that he’s already been seen with another girl from out of town.”

My lips part, but no sound comes out. She really knows how to pick ‘em. Not that she picked her own jerk of a father, but Drake? What a fucking loser.

“Drake’s a dick,” I say. “He’s rebounding. He knows he’ll never get anyone as good as you. We both know it, so he’s retaliating. It can’t be good for his inflated ego that you left him the way you did.”

“Thanks Cole. One day he might get it into his head that I left because I deserve better.”

It’s like she’s telling herself and if she says it enough times, she might really believe it. “Yes, you do.”

“Now we have this stupid thing that I can’t get out of.”

“What stupid thing?”

She sighs. “Well, it’s not stupid. I signed up as a chaperone for the kids’ dance next weekend and so did Drake. We’re on the drinks station together.”

Over my dead body is that happening. He had his shot; he blew it. If he’s parading some floozy around to make her feel bad, then he’s gonna meet my knuckles pretty swiftly. He’s not that big a dude, I can take him.

“I’ll come,” I offer. “He can take a hike if he thinks he’s gonna try and rub it in your face.”

She places a hand on my arm and I feel it all the way to my balls. “Cole, you don’t have to rescue me every time I get in a mess.”

“I know that, but we could pretend we’re a thing. You know, make him back off for good if I’m the new guy.” What in the fuck?

Sometimes my mouth has a way of running away with itself before my brain catches up.

Now it’s her turn to hang her mouth open. “Are you serious?”

I shrug. I’m too far in now, I have to keep going. “Why not? You said he’s doing shit to make you jealous. Well, we fight fire with fire, Ainsley Parsons. That’s the only way assholes like him learn. Play him at his own game.”

“We do?”

“Yes. You know that old saying about cutting down the dead wood?” I smile as she nods. “Well, that’s what we’re doing.”

“By fake dating?”

“Trust me, I’m a guy. If he thinks you’ve moved on, it’ll make him move on even faster. At the very least, I don’t think working the drinks station with him is a good idea. He knows what he lost and he’s gonna try his best to get you back.”

She shakes her head. “Never. He can swing like Tarzan across the jungle for all I care. I have some self worth.”

I cock a brow. “Tarzan?”

She shrugs. “Schnapps.”

Maybe this isn’t a good idea bec ause my crush is even more apparent the more time I spend with her. But I’m not doing this to get into her pants or woo her. That ain’t me, despite popular opinion, I respect Ainsley, and I don’t want to see her hurt. If it means being her fake boyfriend for a night, then I’ll do it. I won’t touch her, or try to kiss her, or do anything stupid like that. But if he thinks I’m sniffing around, he’ll back off.

“You could always block his number,” I suggest. “Then you don’t have to see his name comin’ up on your screen all the time.”

Her brow furrows. “You know what? I have two degrees, a first responder certificate and I’m the head of three committees in this town, plus I have an IQ of one sixty-five and I didn’t even think of that.”

“I’m full of good ideas, Shorty.”

She takes out her phone and I watch as she pulls up his name and does just that; blocks the douchebag. Then continues on Facebook, Instagram and Messenger. “Asshole.”

I’ve never in my life heard Ainsley swear or say anything other than ‘jerk’ or ‘idiot’.

That makes me smile. “I’ll give you a ride home. Didn’t see your car out in the lot.”

“I rode my bicycle.”

I balk. “It’s gonna snow soon, and you’re riding around on your bike?”

“I didn’t want to drink and drive.”

I snicker, slapping my knees. “How much butterscotch did you have?” Knowing her, it was a sniff.

“A mouthful,” she whines. “I’m a lightweight, sue me.”

“Well, I’m all for you being safe, but how about from now on we ride together to the meetings?” I place my hand out. “Deal?”

She takes it tentatively at first, her delicate fingers wrap around mine, then she shakes with a little more vigor. “Deal. Plus, it’s freezing out there tonight.”

“I’ll put your bicycle in the back of my truck,” I say before she makes an excuse. “It’s not like you live far from me.”

The corners of her mouth turn up in a half-smile. “Wise ass.”

Oh, Ainsley Parsons. What am I gonna do with you?

I smile. “Let’s go home.”