Chapter 4 The Hot Cocoa Competition
The new year brought fresh snow to Evergreen Hollow, turning the town into a sparkling wonderland that lingered even after the holidays. Lights still hung from houses, and the smell of pine mixed with the crisp winter air. People bundled up for outdoor activities, like sledding on the hills or visiting the local farms. For Holly Winters, the start of January meant wrapping up holiday matches at work and thinking about her own complicated situation with Rowan Kane. Their fake dating had stretched from the gala to the New Year's event, and now the lines were blurring. That cheek kiss at midnight had felt too real, and the snowed-in morning at his house had left her with warm memories of pancakes and laughter.
Holly sat at her kitchen table one morning, eating toast and scrolling through her phone. She had a day off from the office, but her mind was busy. A text from Rowan popped up: "Lily wants to enter the hot cocoa competition this weekend. You in? For fake date cover."
The annual hot cocoa competition was a big deal in town. It happened at the community center, where people brought their best recipes. Judges tasted them, and winners got prizes like gift cards or trophies. Families came to sip samples, listen to music, and enjoy the cozy vibe. Holly loved it—it was full of holiday spirit, even in January.
She texted back: "Sure! Sounds fun. When?"
"Saturday at noon. Pick you up?" he replied.
Holly smiled. This was another fake outing to keep up appearances, but she looked forward to it. Rowan was opening up more, sharing bits of his past. She wanted to help him see joy in things again.
On Saturday, the sun shone bright on the snow as Rowan pulled up in his truck. Lily waved from the back seat, holding a thermos. Rowan wore a gray sweater and jeans, looking less grumpy than usual.
"Hi, Miss Holly!" Lily called as Holly climbed in.
"Hey, Lily! Ready to win?" Holly asked.
Lily nodded. "Our cocoa has marshmallows!"
Rowan glanced at Holly. "Thanks for coming. Team guys might be there. Keeps the rumors going."
Holly nodded. "No problem. Let's make it convincing."
They drove to the community center, a large building with big windows and a hall inside. Outside, booths sold treats, and kids played in the snow. Inside, tables lined the walls with pots of hot cocoa steaming. The air smelled sweet and chocolatey. People chatted and laughed, music playing softly.
They set up their table. Lily poured samples into small cups. Holly helped decorate with sprinkles. Rowan stirred the pot, looking out of place but trying.
A few teammates spotted them. "Rowan! With your girl again?" one called, grinning.
Rowan put his arm around Holly's shoulder. "Yeah. Helping with the competition."
The teammate winked. "Cute family setup."
Holly felt her cheeks heat up. It did feel like a family moment.
As the judging started, people tasted different cocoas. Holly's entry was peppermint-flavored, Rowan's was simple chocolate with a secret spice.
While waiting, they walked around. Lily held both their hands, swinging between them.
"Tell me more about your hockey days," Holly said to Rowan. "Before Anna."
Rowan thought back. "Started young. Jack and I played on frozen lakes. Dreamed of going pro. I made it to the minors, but injuries slowed me."
Holly listened. "Sounds exciting. Any fun stories?"
He smiled faintly. "Once, we snuck into the arena at night. Skated under the stars through a skylight. Felt free."
Holly imagined young Rowan, full of life. "You should feel that again."
He looked at her. "Maybe I am, a little."
Their eyes met, a spark there. Lily pulled them to a booth. "Try this one! It has caramel!"
They sipped samples, laughing when Lily got chocolate on her nose. Rowan wiped it off, then playfully dabbed some on Holly's cheek.
"Hey!" Holly giggled, wiping it.
Rowan chuckled. "Payback for the dough incident."
It was light, fun. But touches like that built tension.
The judges announced winners. Lily's cocoa got third place—a ribbon. She jumped with joy.
"Yay! We did it!" Lily hugged Holly.
Rowan watched, his expression soft. "Thanks to you two."
After, they packed up. Snow started falling lightly. They decided to walk to the nearby park for sledding.
The park had a hill perfect for sleds. Families were there, screams of delight echoing. Rowan pulled a sled from the truck.
"Race you!" Lily said.
They took turns. Holly and Lily went first, sliding down fast. Wind rushed past, snow spraying.
Rowan went next, strong and steady. Then he pulled Holly on the sled with him.
"Hold on," he said.
She wrapped arms around his waist. They sped down, her heart racing from more than the speed.
At the bottom, they tumbled into snow, laughing. Rowan landed close, his face inches from hers.
"You okay?" he asked, breath warm.
"Yeah," Holly whispered.
For a second, she thought he might kiss her. But Lily called, "Again!"
The moment passed, but the heat lingered.
On the way home, Lily fell asleep in the back.
Rowan drove quietly. "Today was good. Lily hasn't been this happy in a while."
Holly nodded. "She's great. You both are."
He glanced at her. "Anna never did stuff like this. She hated cold. Preferred cities."
Holly asked gently, "Do you miss her?"
Rowan shook his head. "Not anymore. Miss the idea of family. But she hurt us bad. Called last week, wanted to visit. I said no."
Holly touched his arm. "Smart. Protect Lily."
He covered her hand with his. "Thanks for understanding."
At Holly's house, he walked her to the door. Snow fell heavier.
"See you soon?" he asked.
"Yeah. Fake or not," Holly said.
He leaned in, kissed her forehead softly. "Goodnight."
Holly went inside, touching her forehead. The slow burn was heating up.
The next day, Holly met Jack for coffee at the local cafe. It was warm inside, with mugs steaming and pastries on display.
Jack stirred his drink. "Heard about the competition. You three looked cozy."
Holly sighed. "It's still fake, mostly."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Mostly? Be honest, sis."
Holly looked down. "Okay, feelings are growing. But slow. His past is heavy."
Jack nodded. "Anna was toxic. Cheated before leaving. Rowan found texts. Broke him."
Holly's heart hurt. "Poor guy."
"Just go slow," Jack advised.
Holly agreed. But she wanted more.
Midweek, Rowan called. "Team practice got canceled. Want to come over? Lily's baking cookies."
Holly went. Rowan's house was welcoming, with toys and photos. Lily greeted her with hugs.
They baked in the kitchen. Flour flew, chocolate chips scattered.
Rowan shared more. "After Anna left, I drank too much one night. Jack pulled me out. Said I had to be strong for Lily."
Holly mixed dough. "You're strong now."
He watched her. "You make me feel that way."
Tension built. After Lily's bedtime, they sat by the fire.
"Fire's nice," Holly said.
Rowan added wood. "Reminds me of camping as kids. You, me, Jack."
Holly smiled. "You carried me when I got tired."
He sat close. "Always protected you."
Their hands touched. Rowan laced fingers with hers.
"This fake thing... feeling real?" he asked.
Holly nodded. "Yeah."
But he pulled back. "Can't rush. For Lily."
"I know," Holly said.
They talked late, sharing dreams. Rowan wanted stability. Holly wanted love.
A storm brewed outside. Snow piled up.
"Looks snowed in again," Rowan said.
Holly stayed. Guest room again. But sleep was hard, thinking of him nearby.
Morning came. They made breakfast. Lily played.
Rowan drove her home later. "Thanks for everything."
At work that week, Holly matched clients but thought of Rowan.
One evening, town had a mistletoe festival—late holiday event with dances and games.
Rowan texted: "Go to the festival? For fun."
Holly agreed.
At the festival, lights twinkled. Booths had games. Music played.
They walked, Lily between them.
Under a mistletoe arch, people kissed.
Lily pointed. "Kiss!"
Rowan hesitated. Holly too.
"For tradition," he said.
He kissed her lips softly. Quick, but sweet.
Fireworks in her chest.
"Wow," Holly breathed.
Rowan smiled. "Yeah."
They danced later, close. Feelings grew.
But slow. No more kisses yet.
Back home, Holly dreamed of him. Longed for him, as a matter of fact.