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“Just remember me when you’re out Christmas shopping,” he said, winking. “That cardboard cutout was no joke.”
“You know I will.” I clasped and unclasped my hands, rearranged the paper napkins.
“Go.”
“What?”
“You heard me. Go. You know you want to find him.”
“But I should stay here...” I bit my lip.
Mars put his hand on my back, pushing me away from the display. “Scram.”
“Fine. Thanks, Mars. I’ll be back before the tree lighting.” Blowing him an air kiss, I took off in search of Quinn.
I knew he’d be manning Station 54’s Toy Drive, I just wasn’t exactly sure where that would be. I passed by the cheese shop table, huge white and yellow wheels of cheese piled high next to tiny paper plates of free samples, and the bath shop, with their neat rows of glass apothecary jars filled with different colored bath salts. There were a few game booths, one with Christmas cornhole, another with Pin-the-Red-Nose-on Rudolph. Towards the back of the square was the big red mailbox, with a long line of kids waiting to drop off their letters to Santa. Finally, just beyond the mailbox, I saw the bright red fire truck, blinking with a thousand Christmas lights. Bingo.
“Hey stranger,” I said, sneaking up behind Quinn, giving his perfect ass a light tap.
He glanced up at my touch. “Hey! I was going to come find you when we were all set up here.”
“Well, here I am. And this is for the toy drive.” I handed him a wooden miniature truck and a baby doll.
“Thanks, Delaney. You didn’t have to do that.” Quinn took the toys, our fingers brushing, and an electric jolt shot through me. I shivered, a hot blush warming my face.
“I know. But I wanted to. For the kids.”
“Quinn, why don’t you take a break? We’ll need you later on,” the chief yelled from inside the truck, adjusting his white Santa beard.
“Thanks. I’ll be back soon.” Quinn waved to the chief, who responded with a sly wink in our direction.
Quinn wasted no time, grabbing my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. I smiled over at him, suddenly shy. He squeezed my hand and my breath caught in my throat.
Get a grip, Lanie,I chided myself.Stop acting like a high school girl on a date with the cutest boy in school. Just be normal.
“It’s cute that the chief and his wife dress up like Santa and Mrs. Claus for the kids,” I said.
“It’s become a Station 54 tradition, that’s for sure.”
“I’m sure my nephews are going to go bonkers when they see him tonight.”
“Same here. Ryder’s bringing Charlie and he’s the perfect age for Christmas.”
“Is there such a thing as a perfect age for Christmas?” I asked, wrinkling my nose. “I think this is the best time of the year, no matter how old you are.”
“I’m beginning to feel that way myself,” Quinn said, a slow grin spreading over his face.
I blushed again, warmth moving from my face all the way down to my toes as we made our way across the cobblestone square.
“Have you decorated your ornament yet?” I nodded at the arts and crafts tent to our right.
“No. Have you?”
“Nope. C’mon.” I dragged him over to the white tent, already jam-packed with kids amped on hot cocoa and candy canes.
“Lanie, Quinn, hey!” Sue Ann waved us over to a table in the corner, giving us both a quick squeeze. “You guys ready to make an ornament for the town tree? No, Skip, don’t shake the glitter on the ground, do it here, over the paper.” She expertly redirected Skip’s art project while juggling the baby in her other arm.
“The kits are over there. Go grab one for them, will you, honey?” Sue Ann sent Skip in search of supplies, clearing a space for us at the table.
