Page 25 of The Selkie Santa

“Your wish is my command.” And when Harper held her lips up, Noah dived in for another helping of his beautiful elf.

It was nearly midnight when Noah left Harper’s cottage.

Of course, it would have been lovely if he’d stayed, but she had a 6 am start in the café and she wasn’t sure she was quite ready for the residents, particularly Gran, to find out she’d had a selkie stay the night.

Particularly the selkie they’d just hired as this year’s Santa.

Santa and his elf make out at the Monsters of Mercy retirement village.

Goddess, she could almost see the headline in theMotham Times.

They’d spent the rest of the evening getting his pants to fit properly, amid giggles and kisses, of course. And they’d drunk the wine, accompanied by a bowl of pasta, sitting cuddled on the sofa watching TV.

Her heart was so light now, so happy that they’d managed not only to clear things up but to finally get their act together, too. They hadn’t exactly discussed the whole “are we dating” thing, but that was pretty self-evident, wasn’t it?

Though… There was something about this whole Dina issue that still nagged at her.

They’d been too busy doing other things to mention it earlier, but now, on the doorstep, she needed to just clarify… for her peace of mind.

So after Noah kissed her one more time, she asked, “You know with Dina being pregnant, I’m kinda wondering why she came to you about it?”

She saw Noah stiffen, and prickles went up the back of Harper’s neck. This sense he wasn’t telling her the whole story was horribly familiar. “I mean, I thought you hadn’t seen her in months.”

“Not to speak of, no.”

She cocked her head, trying not to sound like a jealous girlfriend—even though she kind of was now—the girlfriend bit, at least. “Why did she feel the need to tell you?”

He sighed, stared up into the swirling snow. “I’m a bit involved in it all, I guess.”

“Involved!”

“I mean—not directly, but… look Harps, let’s not spoil tonight with this. I will tell you, I promise. Very soon.”

She took a step back; this all felt too reminiscent of that night on the boat. Noah blocking her questions, being evasive. “Noah, do you know whose baby it is?”

Noah was silent.

Finally, Harper said, “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“I will tell you. Just a couple of things to sort out first. We’ll discuss it next time, okay? Promise.”

She so wanted to trust him, but alarm bells were ringing. Harper took a big breath. “Okay then, fine.” She gave a little shrug. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow at rehearsal.”

Noah looked torn. He opened his mouth as if to speak.

“Don’t worry Noah, it’s fine. Really,” Harper said quickly. But it wasn’t fine. It churned her gut and made her feel slightly nauseous.

And when he went to kiss her, she could only manage a peck on the lips before closing the door.

CHAPTER 8

Noah hadn’t slept a wink.

As he went to make himself a bleary-eyed coffee, his wonderful memories of last night with Harper were marred by one big problem.

Dina.

He was not going to let this whole issue with Dina ruin what he had with Harper. Now he knew Harper returned his feelings, he had to sort it out once and for all.

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