Page 18 of Santa's Little Helpers

We all climbed into the golf cart and headed to the house in silence. I replayed all of the mishaps that had occurred since I arrived. All involved getting Erika into trouble, and each of them was accompanied by an adorable and mischievous little blonde.

“What do you think she’s playing at?” I asked Derek as he drove.

“I don’t know, but she’s not working alone. If that elevator was shut off by hand, someone else had to do it. She is at the house finalizing the food for tomorrow night.”

“Maybe it wasn’t her at all, then?”

“The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. My Angel is playing matchmaker.” He pulled the cart to a stop.

“Matchmaker?” Erika screeched. “By getting me into trouble? By making me feel like a failure and look like an idiot? How is that a matchmaker?”

“Take a breath, little lady,” Derek coached with a gentleness I had not seen him use toward her. “She has it in her head that you two are perfect for one another, and she has been talking about it for a while now. By getting you in trouble, she is putting Jared’s attention on you. Which is where it needs to be for the old man to get his head out of his butt and realize what an amazing woman you are.” He winked at me, and I knew his feelings were the same as Sadie’s. Her plan, as flawed and torturous as it was, worked. It pushed me to see what was right under my nose.

“Trust me,” he continued, “she is going to be in a world of hurt for this stunt.”

“Wait just a second. I may have an idea that will give Sadie and whoever was helping her the punishment they need, and Erika a little bit of revenge.”

Derek and Erika looked at each other in question before turning their attention back to me with mischievous grins on their faces. “We’re listening.” Erika giggled.

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