Page 51 of Christmas Criminal

"You're annoyed with Hank but you begrudgingly like Hank."

She shoots me a glare. "No, I hate Hank."

"Okay."

I drop my hand from her neck, and she turns, grabbing at it to put it back where it was."No, keep your hand there. I can live off that for the next hour."

A surprised laugh escapes me. "Wow, if a hand gets you through an hour, imagine what the rest of me could do."

Her eyes widen as her jaw drops, a grin spreading across her face. "Saint Nick."

"Yeah, that one slipped out a bit," I confess, running a hand through my hair.

"What I wouldn't give to see the thoughts running through your head right now."

I shake my head, knowing we're entering dangerous territory again. "I can guarantee you they'd have you blushing."

Her eyes flash. "Tell me! Please. And if you could make it last ten hours."

"Don't know whether I can last ten hours but for you, I'll give it my best."

A surprised laugh tumbles from her mouth.

Keep it the fuck together, Nick.

Hank is in front of us, and I head toward him like he's the lifeboat I need to survive. I can stop paddling for my life now that he's here to save me, and even though I'm taking small gulps of water, I know I won't drown.

"Hank!" I bark, nudging her forward with my hand on the small of her back. "I brought you a criminal to serve as an example to the troubled youths of this town."

"There she is!" Hank says with a grin as he stands from his chair behind the table. He runs a hand over his short, graying hair that contrasts his dark skin. On the table in front of him, he has a number of pamphlets lined up, ranging from general info, to community events, to summer programs for kids. "Nice to see you, Noelle.”

She gives him about the fakest grin I've ever seen, and he takes it in stride.

"Nice to see you, too, Hank," she says through clenched teeth.

He rounds the table, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Nick says you've been doing well with the community service. Really putting your all into it. I really appreciate it, Noelle. As does the town. I think everyone enjoys seeing one of our own come back successful and investing into the community. Though I have to tell you, I'm surprised you haven't found a way to bring your business into it."

"My business ismine, Hank," she bites. "You know that."

He holds his hands up. "I know, kid. But god, you're so smart. The kids around here could use that, especially the ones who have less-than-stellar high school experiences. And I mean, I think your mom certainly wouldn't hate having you around a little more."

I narrow my eyes.Okay, so Hank and Noelle know each other better than I thought.

"I get to choose what I bring back to this town and what I take from it," she says. "My business ismine, and it stays at home with me. Just like my dad and every other asshole in this town is the town's, and I get to leave them here when I'm done."

He rolls his eyes, waving her off. "Alright, alright. Whatever suits you, Noelle." He turns to me. "We've really got our hands full with this one, huh?" He nudges her arm lightly and she gives him a tight-lipped smile.

"That's an understatement," I agree, earning me another glare.

"So," Hank says, turning back to the table and gesturing to the array of pamphlets. "I'm so delighted that you wanted to help out with the sheriff's booth this year. It's an easy job. All you have to do is man the booth and answer the occasional questionwhen someone comes around. It might help to do a quick read-through of the pamphlets–most questions are answered in there, and I'll be here if you need help."

She rolls her eyes. "Great. Wonderful. I can't wait to help troubled youths by shouting at their parents that they're troubled."

Hank gives her a look before turning to me. "Make sure she behaves, will you?"

The grin she gives me over his shoulder is nothing short of devilish.

I struggle to keep my laughter at bay as I nod. "I’ll do my best."

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