Page 26 of Chasing Mr. December

“Of course.”

As we head down the sidewalk further into town, we make small talk about the big festival, watching the rubber ducks float down the May River, and about Quinn’s hopes for a great turnout. She’s so passionate about her work, you can’t help but hang on her every word.

“Who knew short stuff would turn out to be such a badass?”

She giggles before taking another sip.

“No, really. You’ve worked so hard on this, Quinn. It’s impressive what you’ve been able to do in such a short amount of time.”

“Thank you. It’s exhausting. Hopefully, as my business grows, I can bring in some help. This one man show is a lot.” She stops walking and turns to me. “I get so tired. I just want to play hooky, drink hot cocoa, and watch Christmas movies surrounded by lights and decorations. But there’s still so much left to do.”

“Well, the guys at the station are all impressed with your work ethic. And, hell, we have a ton of downtime. If there’s any busywork, let us help. There’s no need to be a one man show with us around.” Unable to stop myself, I drop my hand to her lower back as we walk. “We’ve got you.”

She beams up at me, little flecks of blue creating a ring around those hypnotic gray irises. “Thanks, Mr. December,” she teases. “I might take you up on that.” She takes a sip from her cup. “Can I sign you up for next year?”

“Uh, no.”

Chapter 18

Quinn

Oh. My. God.

I’m so excited, I’m shaking. It’s nothing short of a miracle I made it to the printers and back without receiving a ticket. I knew I’d get emotional finally having this calendar in my hot little hands, so I delayed opening the box until returning home. Shelby, at the print shop, was disappointed. Yet, my gut tells me she’s already seen the completed product and simply wanted to witness my reaction.

Carefully lifting the top with shaky hands, I separate the protective paper. This calendar could make or break the success of these fundraising efforts. Grasping the one on top, I lift it out, biting my lower lip to contain my excitement. My eyes fill with tears at the glossy group photo of the members of station 803. You’d never know this was amateur hour for these guys.

“It looks so professional,” I squeal. Carefully turning from one page to the next, I take in every detail. Each of the shots is so vibrant atop it’s assigned month. Holly has such a gift, capturing such candid moments.

When I reach December, my mouth drops open. I may or may not have to purchase multiple calendars, so I can hang this shot in every room of my apartment. Jason is shirtless, his head thrown back mid laugh. His beautiful blue eyes jump off the page. But it’s not the firm build, the smoking hot tattoos, the chiseled jaw, or the hypnotic eyes that take my breath away. It’s the pure joy emanating from him.

Reaching out, I run my fingertip over his cheek. It reminds me of the boy I knew so long ago, before the world taught him to disconnect, protecting himself from anyone and anything that could harm him. Pushing my melancholy aside, I refocus on Mr. December, and my face nearly splits in two from my smile. Unable to keep this exhilaration to myself, I search for my phone to call Dad.

“Well, hello there.”

“Dad. I just picked up the calendars from the printer. Eeek! They’re even better than I hoped. Can I come over and show you? Pleeeeease?” I’m dancing in place, champing at the bit to show someone.

“Come on over. But I’m at Calvin’s place. If you’re okay sharing with both of us, I’d love to see it.”

“Of course. I’m on the way.”

“Quinn, come in,” Calvin greets with a big smile. “Your excitement is contagious.”

“Oh, I can’t help it. I’m so proud of how it turned out.”

“Bring ’em over here,” my dad yells from the den.

I practically dance over to him, before sitting on the oversized ottoman and handing him and Calvin each a calendar.

“Oh, Quinn. These are amazing.”

“Right? Oh, Dad. I know a calendar won’t change everyone’s opinion of the fire department after everything that happened, but even if we can bring some much-needed positivity, I’ll take it.”

“Would ya look at that?” My gaze shifts over to Calvin. The sight of him makes my heart swell. I can tell by his delighted glow that he’s made it to December. “I haven’t seen my boy smile like that in years.” His voice cracks a little under the strain of his fatherly pride.

I have to forcibly swallow down the lump in my throat.

“What’s going on in here?” My grays connect with his bright azure blues, and I instantly shake with nerves. His approval means more to me than I’d like to admit.

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