It’s nice, though, how the Sullivans are no nonsense. What you see is what you get, and when it comes to Charlie, he’s brusque. Blunt. Sometimes a little too blunt. That’s why it’s funny to me that Charlie is marrying Candice Gaines. She’s a sweetheart, but she’s also a very prissy woman who is full of sunshine and rainbows and always wants to take care of people. She wears fancy clothes and always looks put together, yet she has no problem helping out someone if they’re in need.

She never stops smiling. Charlie never stops scowling. I suppose they’re a good match.

I exit the store and stride toward the field of trees, where Candice and Charlie’s wedding ceremony will be held. The reception is happening near the front of the tree farm, in a large grassy area where Candice held a very successful fundraiser last year. That’s probably what put the idea in her head. That and the woman just flat out loves Christmas more than any human should.

“Don’t you clean up nice?”

I turn to find Kendra smiling at me, her eyes alight with interest as she blatantly takes me in.

“Thanks,” I say, smiling at her in return. “You about off your shift?”

“Sure am. What about you? You busy later?” she asks. Huh. Is she trying to get me to do something with her?

“I’m off for the day, but I’m staying for the wedding,” I answer.

“Lucky you,” she drawls, glancing around as three people carrying giant floral arrangements go scurrying by. “How’d you luck out with a wedding invite?”

“I’ve worked here a while,” I say with a shrug, playing it off. No need to give her a bunch of details. I’m in good with Charlie and the rest of the Sullivans.

“Sucking up to the boss is a good idea then, huh?” She grins, and I’m immediately put off by her statement. I don’t suck up to Charlie. I’ve worked here for a couple of years and I do a damn good job. I consider Charlie one of my friends, and I hope he feels the same.

“I don’t suck up to Charlie,” I say, my tone flat.

“Ah, oops. I think I offended you. Sorry.” She leans over and punches me lightly in the upper arm. “You got a hot date for the wedding then?”

“No.” I shake my head.

“Want one?” She raises her brows, a suggestive smile on her lips.

“Sorry.” I smile and start walking backwards, suddenly desperate to get away from her. She’s pushing way too hard. “I need to go help set up.”

“That’s why you’re invited to the wedding, you know,” she calls after me as I turn tail and start walking briskly. “They’re just using you for hired help!”

Annoyance flashes through me at what Kendra said, but I try to forget it. I can’t, though. That last insult she tossed at me makes me feel like shit. Here I am, wearing fancy clothes and setting up chairs for the ceremony, and it sucks, you know? Maybe I am being used as hired help. Not like Charlie and I do stuff together outside of work. Though I was invited to his bachelor party, and that was a good time. In fact, it was a great time. At one point, I had a hot stripper grinding on my knee, her tits in my face and I was drunk as hell, laughing my ass off. And I wasn’t even the future groom.