Addison took the empty beer bottle from her. “We’ll miss you being around.” She paused before going back for more beers. “What’s she like?”

Nic shrugged. “Don’t know anything about her. Abby Carpenter. Kinda dirty-blond hair, about to her shoulders, light brown eyes.” She smiled. “Cute. That’s all that matters to me.”

It could be fun, she reasoned. A game. Abby needed a girlfriend. She could play along. Wonder how long it’ll take to really get into her bed? Two days? Maybe three, she conceded. They could have a little fun. No attachments to worry about. Not like real dating where she had to keep her distance and run when she felt they were getting too close. She wouldn’t have to worry how she’d untangle herself from this one. Ten days. Then they’d part company and go their separate ways. It could be perfect.

She smiled at Addison. “Maybe I’ll actually find some holiday spirit there. It’ll be my one and only white Christmas. Who knows? Maybe I’ll come back a changed woman. I may actually like Christmas from now on.”

Chapter Six

Abby was too anxious to eat, and she tapped the table with her fingers nervously. Sharon finally stilled her hand.

“What is wrong with you?”

“What if she says no?”

“Then you still have a few days to look for someone else.”

Abby met her gaze. “What if she says yes?”

Sharon frowned. “Isn’t that what you want?”

“Sharon, I don’t even know this woman. What if she turns out to be a lunatic or something?”

“Says the woman who asked a stranger to be her date.”

“Right. It was crazy. So if she accepts, what does that say about her?” Sharon actually rolled her eyes at her. “What? I’m just sayin’.”

“If you make it through the holidays with your sanity it’ll be a miracle.” She stabbed part of a boiled egg from her salad. “I’m really starting to worry about you.”

Abby blew out her breath. “If she says no, then I’ve just got to suck it up and go alone. It won’t be the end of the world. It’ll be a horrible Christmas, but I’ll get over it. And I’m going to take your advice. If Holly flirts with me, I’m going to tattle to Aaron about it.” She grinned. “Or maybe I’ll sleep with her.”

Sharon laughed. “Well, it’s been a year. Unless there’s been someone you’ve not told me about.”

“Sadly, no. But—oh, there she is! She’s looking for me.” Abby ducked her head down. “What should I do? Should I hide?”

“You should wave at her and get her attention. Geez, you’re losing your mind.”