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I think Ryan’s kinda like that

Plus he’s got that whole chiseled jaw thing going on And really kissable lips And tuggable hair

Or e Who knows

“Come on,” I say “I won’t bite”

Not unless you want me to

Ryan grabs what he can froht duffel, and tosses it into the back seat of oodie, my trusty car, and it can weather the snow better than any fancy sedan

Ryan, however, raises a single cynical eyebrow athim

I realize, however, the source of Ryan’s ire isn’t his rescue It’s the Santa hat sitting on the passenger seat There’s also my elf hat next to it I snatch them before he can touch them

“Are you offended by literally anything joyful?” I de the hats in the back

“Just your excessive Christmas obsession”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, this is Reindeer Falls I would’ve thought you noticed that growing up”

“I did,” he says “It’s why I left”

I huff and turn the radio up as he shuts the door We’ve moved onto Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Who could be mad at that?

Ryan Sheppard, apparently

“Christmas music? Is that really necessary?”

“My car, o back and freeze in the snowbank, though It’s a short five-mile walk back to town”

He gruht prefer that,” but I turn up the music to drown him out

I can’t believe anyone would be so hellbent on hating a town this ical Even if you hate Christht gives me an idea A brilliant idea, actually An idea that definitely isn’t ce of my stomach

“Wait, this isn’t the way to my house,” Ryan says

“I know,” I say “You’re buying me dinner for my troubles”

“Deal,” he agrees, rin “But Maggie,” he adds, drawingIt makes me shiver “If you take me to some candy cane factory—”

“No, I’ that,” I say “You’ll like this place I proetarian?”