Page 90 of Playful Kris

“Listen, Kris,” she pauses. “I’m kind of in the middle of something with Damon. Can I call you back?”

I immediately feel the fire rush through my veins. Hot jealousy. And I fucking hate getting jealous. It’s only ever happened with Kameron.

But since I don’t have any claim to her, I can’t really do much over the phone.

“Yeah, sure.” I hang up.

If she’s already moving on, that means I’ll just have to step my game up and put Damon in his fucking place.

Fucking firefighters.

They don’t have shit on first loves.

At least I hope they don’t.

36

KAMERON

I should have known that my trip to the fire department wouldn’t be short and sweet like I had hoped. The chief had questions, which is understandable and he wanted to iron out details of times to make sure his guys were there.

Even though he’s our Santa and his wife is our Mrs. Claus, the entire mini event revolves right around them.

I’ve sent an email to the photographer I had in mind, I think she’d be a good fit and she’s an up and coming photographer, so the publicity from the event would do her wonders. I’m hoping she agrees to donate. I’m trying to throw as much money as I can at the charities in town. The bank is going to set up an ATM for the Stripping Santas show, to make it easier for everyone to get their cash. Or more cash if needed.

And all of that money is being donated to the Children’s Home.

I also hate how every single time I think of the Stripping Santas show I think of Kris. It annoys me, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

Which is why I walk right into something. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a wall, but it’s firm and strong from what I’m feeling beneath my palms, and all thoughts of the Stripping Santa I can’t get out of my head slowly drifts away as I come to realize that my hands are roaming all over Damon’s chest.

“Umm, hi.” He grins, staring down at me.

“Oh, sorry.” I flush. “Hi.”

He looks down to where my hands are still pressed against him, and my eyes follow before I quickly yank them away.

“I haven’t seen you in a while.” His grin grows.

“I’ve been throwing myself into work, I was out of town for about a week around Thanksgiving.”

“Ah, that explains it.” He nods.

“Explains what?” I frown, curious.

“Why I haven’t been able to track you down.” He chuckles. “I missed you at the community Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Yeah, I was in Gatlinburg for a wedding and then I went back home for Thanksgiving with my family,” I explain, thinking back to how my mother constantly asked me what was wrong the entire time I was there.

Normally, Thanksgiving is my favorite. The food is untouchable at that time of year, but this year just sucked. The food was still good, and thank God for that, because the company was brutal and I was more than ready to come back to Birchwood. At one point, I even considered leaving and attending the community dinner instead.

“Where you off to now?” he asks.

“Oh, crap.” I look down at my watch. “I’m supposed to be heading to that new Christmas Tree farm that just opened and they close soon.” I look up at Damon. “I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to go.”

“I can drive you,” he offers and I freeze.

“What?”

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