His Curvy Candy Cane (F*** Under The Mistletoe)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Elise

“Does this town always go this all out for Christmas?” I asked Camille, my boss at my new job in the small mountain town of Appleridge. I only moved here a few days ago, and Camille was nice enough to hire me as a server at her diner. She also helped me find a cheap cottage to rent.

“Girl, wait until you see what they do downtown. This place turns into the North Pole,” Camille informed me as I slipped my winter jacket on and grabbed my purse.

My eyes widened. “I can only imagine. I was never big on Christmas, but it’s kind of hard not to be around here.”

Camille laughed. “You’ll get used to it. But you’re right; it’s easy to get swept up by it all. You might even find yourself enjoying it.”

“As long as I don’t have to eat any candy canes, I’ll survive.” I grinned. “Peppermint is not for me.”

“Noted.” Camille smiled. “Have a good night. And drive safe. We’re due for some snow tonight.”

I groaned. “My old car better behave. She likes to test me a little too much.”

One downside to the cottage was it was a little farther from the diner than I expected, but there wasn’t always a quick way somewhere in a small town, something I was learning.

It was only a downside because my car had seen better days, but I was fairly handy when it came to vehicles. Well…sort of. A tire, a battery, fluids topped off…sure, easy peasy. A blown gasket, though? Probably not.

“Don’t forget who your neighbor is,” Camille said. “I’m sure Ethan would give you a good deal.”

“I know.” Camille told me about the town mechanic, the very single town mechanic, a few times now since I started working. I had no interest. “But even with a deal, mechanics are expensive, and usually, I’m able to fix the problem myself. Anyway, have a good night, Camille. See you tomorrow.”

Outside, the snow had begun falling, and the road was already covered in a light dusting. My tires were the least of my concerns, and I prayed that the engine would start without hesitation.

Thankfully, it only took a couple of tries for the engine to roar to life. While it was warming, I cleaned the snow off, then slowly took my time exiting the parking lot.

The roads weren’t too bad, but my car seemed to struggle as I navigated through the barely lit areas and falling snow.

“Only a couple more miles, girl. You can do it,” I whispered to myself over the soft Christmas music playing on the radio. No matter what station I surfed to, it was all Christmas tunes. It was like a Christmas wonderland around here.

After what felt like hours, I finally steered into my driveway, and as I sputtered to a stop, my engine gave up, and my car went dead.

“Fuck!” I blew out a breath. At least I made it home, but what would I do tomorrow when it was time to go to work? The damn thing couldn’t be less reliable if it tried.

I got out of my car, slammed the door, and stomped my feet. “Shit, shit, shit!” I yelled as I stomped some more. My tantrum wouldn’t solve my problem, but it made me feel better.

“Are you okay?” a gruff, deep voice asked, and I looked up to find a handsome man with a smirk on his face, a lifted eyebrow, and even more annoying—a red-and-white candy cane hanging out of the side of his mouth.

My cheeks flushed red. I brushed my hair out of my face and hastily tucked it into my hat. “I’m fine. Bit of a bad day is all.” I started the trek to my front door. Of course, the sexy-as-fuck man saw me have a huge toddler-like tantrum. Just great.

“Sounded like a bit of car trouble. Need some help?”

My stomach flip flopped as it dawned on me.

The sexy, burly man who watched me have a tantrum was Ethan, the town mechanic and also my next-door neighbor.

“Ethan, right?” I asked as I turned to face him, mere inches from my door.

“Yep, the one and only.” He winked, and I held back my eye roll. Did men always have to be so damn flirty?

But if he’s sexy…what does it matter?

“Camille told me you might give me a good deal on fixing my car.” I baited him, taking a step closer.

He nibbled on the candy cane, and I shivered at the thought of the taste. Ew, so minty. “Did she now? Giving away all my good tricks.” He chuckled low and deep, and I couldn’t help but think how much it sounded like a growl. “I can take a look and see.”

Not only was he sexy but he was a cocky one. I could tell by the way he set his shoulders back and never broke eye contact. He wasn’t used to being told no, I imagined, at least not when it came to cars. And while offering his help was a friendly gesture, I wasn’t interested.

“No, thanks. I have it handled.”

“If you say so.” Ethan shrugged, and I wanted to wipe the cocky grin off his face. The one that screamed you know you’ll need me. “The winter season can be pretty brutal around here. Hopefully, your car can handle it. But, remember, I’m right next door.” He finished off his candy cane and licked his lips.

I did my best to ignore the way my pussy clenched at the sight of his tongue. Instead, I held my head high and smiled big.

“How could I forget? It is a small town, after all.” I spun on my heel and disappeared inside my cottage.

Flicking on the living room lamp, I leaned back against the door and took a deep breath.

I could do this. I could figure it out on my own. I’d done it before. I’d do it again.

My shitty ex might’ve told me I’d amount to nothing, I’d never make it on my own, and I’d never be able to fix my own car. But I knew I’d overcome whatever he or anyone else doubted me on.

I was a fighter. I’d been one my whole life.

I didn’t need anyone’s help.

Especially not the cocky town mechanic who liked disgusting candy canes.