My heart kicks up a notch. “Oh yeah? Because I’m pretty in my holiday kitty sweater?”
He moves his head side to side slowly. “She really loved Christmas. I think it’s why my dad doesn’t like to celebrate it anymore.”
That makes my heart squeeze. I can’t imagine.
“But she’d also think you’re really pretty. And nice. And pretty. Did I mention you are pretty?”
Stella is on her phone next to me. She looks up long enough to laugh at Teddy. “You mentioned that a few times, Theodore.”
“I meant it. I need water.” He gets to his feet. The sweater is so small. The bottom hem barely covers his stomach. But, somehow, he still looks sexy.
“Water is good,” I tell him. “Maybe a few cookies too. I hear they help for this sort of thing.”
He grins. “Hope this night ends like that one.”
I know it won’t, but the thought of it makes my stomach flip anyway.
“Beau is definitely coming to visit over the break,” Stella says, when it’s just the two of us left in the living room.
“Really? That’s great.”
Her body deflates with a breath. “It is great, but I’m nervous. I want it to go well.”
“I’m sure we’ll all like him, if you do.”
“Yeah.” She nods, but she doesn’t look convinced. “He’s so excited to meet you.”
“I’m excited too.”
“You should invite Teddy. We can go out one night together, the four of us.” She gives me a hopeful smile.
“Yeah.” I find him in the kitchen guzzling a glass of water. Teddy meets my gaze. His eyes are hazy, but he smiles and those dimples appear, and then he winks at me.
I can’t believe this is happening. Me and Teddy, making eyes across the room and planning double dates. It didn’t start out how I expected, but I don’t want this vacation to end.
The next day, Stella and I spend hours getting ready for the dance. It feels like prom all over again. We try on every dress we brought until she settles on a red one with tiny straps that show off her toned arms and shoulders. She lets me do her makeup but opts for a simple braid for her hair.
I go all out. Big curls, heavier makeup, sexy green dress, and my secret weapon—sexy shoes.
“When did you get those?” Stella stares at the strappy gold shoes with admiration.
“The other day when you guys were snowboarding. Are they too much?”
“No. They are stunning. You are a goddess.” She turns to stare at herself in the mirror. “I wish Beau were here. Although, I’d be worried he’d take one look at you and regret meeting me first.”
I laugh. “Oh, please.”
Her face is marred with insecurity that is so rare to see on my twin’s face that it throws me for a loop.
“No way. You are gorgeous and everything is going to go great when he comes to visit.”
“Hol, there’s something I haven’t told you about Beau.” She sits on the edge of the bed.
“What?”
“Let’s go!” Felix calls from the living room.
I crack open the door and tell him we’ll be right there, and then look to my sister.