Page 31 of Just One Kiss

"That's cool. What are you going to ask him for?"

"I can't tell you. It's a secret."

"Got it."

"But I've been really good, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my present."

Jake looked over at Hannah, seeing a mix of emotions in her eyes. He was actually glad to see more than anger there. It felt like progress.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Hannah said. "You usually avoid the North Pole."

"It's not the North Pole I avoid. It's Santa."

"I know."

"Why don't you want to see Santa?" Brett asked curiously, reminding Jake that this kid picked up on everything.

"It's not important." He turned back to Hannah. "Did you get your car back?"

"Yes. Thanks for calling Juan. He delivered it to me with a new tire. I owe you for that."

"It's not important."

"But I will pay," she said firmly.

"Sure. Whatever you want. What's your job tonight?"

"I'm in the toy booth." She tipped her head toward the booth where Keira Blake was setting up goodie bags. "We're giving out small toys to all the kids who visit with Santa and get their picture taken. No one goes home empty-handed."

"That's nice."

As he finished speaking, Keira came over to join them. She was an attractive brunette with dark hair and eyes, and she was wearing a similar costume to the one Hannah had on.

"Santa has beautiful elves," he said.

Keira gave him a curious smile. "Thanks, Jake. Who's this little guy?"

"This is Brett," he said, turning his gaze to Hannah to fill in the blanks.

"Brett is my nephew," she told Keira.

Keira's eyes widened. "Your nephew?"

"He's Kelly's son," Hannah explained. "He's staying with me for a few days."

"Well, that's…interesting," Keira said. "Even more interesting to see you and Jake having a cordial conversation—actually, any kind of conversation at all."

"Tis the season for conversations," he said lightly.

Hannah shrugged at Keira's enquiring gaze. "What he said."

"Okay. I'm going to need more details later," Keira said.

"Is that a reindeer?" Brett asked, pointing to the barn.

"It is," Keira said. "Would you like to meet Rudolph?"

"It's Rudolph?" Brett asked with surprise.

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