Page 24 of The Naughty Elf

“That sounds amazing. Why don’t you two go have a look at the set? Get familiar with it, and we’ll get started at noon. Okay?” I check my phone. “Thirty minutes. Yeah?”

Gracie claps her hands, and Emily escorts my daughter to the setup for story time. I flag down one of the other volunteers to find us an appropriate book. Once they’re on task, I reach up to pull my hair into a bun and am reminded that I lost my hair tie.

I know exactly where it is. Out on the side of the hospital where Ashley pulled it free to kiss me harder. I huff out of frustration and drop my hands to my hips.

Jackson holds out a hairband and tries to hide his smile. He fails, flashing it when I take it and wrap my hair into a knot on top of my head.

“How do you have one of these at the ready?” Not that I’m complaining.

“One, I’m the father of a teenage girl who loses them like they’re homework. And two, I work with women all day. I’ve learned to carry a few in my wallet for emergencies.” His shoulder bumps mine as our gazes meet.

If only I had another moment to drag him into a closet and thank him with a big kiss. My hormones must be revving up, because I’m never this needy. Still, the desire burns low in my gut.

That same heat flares in his gaze before we both come back to where we are and how inappropriate staring at each other is. I look around the space andthen check my phone. Twenty minutes.

“I’d better check on the lunch they’re supposed to have here for story time before it starts. Can you keep an eye on all of this?”

Jackson nods. “Easy peasy.”

“Sure,” I say. “Because nothing is easy or peasy about planning a big event.”

His laugh echoes mine as I speed walk away. Mom is right where I know she’ll be, helping set up the treats. She’s grace personified, her salt and pepper hair styled perfectly to showcase her beauty.

Mom wraps me in her arms and rocks me side to side for a moment like she didn’t see me this morning. “You look frazzled.”

“Not at the moment, but give it a few minutes. I’m looking for the kiddos’ lunch. Gracie and Emily are going to read to them, and I want to be there when it starts.” I detach myself from my mother’s embrace and peer around to my mom’s best friend.

“I’ve got them, Ging. They’re back here in the warmer.” Caroline grabs them as Mom pinches my cheeks.

“So flushed, baby. Try to have some fun. Too much work makes nobody happy.”

“I’m not sure that’s the saying, Mom, but once I’m doing my elf thing, I’ll stop worrying so much. Deal?” I plant a kiss on her cheek and take the box of lunches from Caroline before I’m off again.

Somehow, I make it back without being accosted about something or other. I grab Jackson’s arm as I return, and he turns his full smile on me. “How are they doing?”

He takes the box from me without needing to ask. “Good. I think they’ve got a plan in place.”

I sigh with relief. “Good.”

Jackson walks off with the food and collaborates with a nurse on the distribution. I sense someone hovering behind me before I find Sawyer practically towering over me. “Need anything?”

The low timber of his voice sends a chill down my spine and heat spreads in its wake. “I don’t think…”

“Mom.” Gracie appears at my side, tugging on my sleeve, her voice low and tense. “There’s something wrong with the puppet stage.”

“The what?”

“Where the puppets perform.” Her blue eyes are wide and earnest.

“What’s wrong with it?” I smooth her light auburn hair from her face.

“It won’t stay upright.” Gracie’s mouth turns down.

I stand and see Sawyer still hovering behind me, concern creasing his usually stoic features. “Think you can do your handy thing and fix up the puppet booth?

His gaze locks on mine for a second, and I swear the entire world disappears for that short time before I plummet back to earth. “Yes.”

“Thank you. Hear that, Gracie? Sawyer is going to help you. Okay? He’s extra good with wood and tools.” I swear I hear him laugh but am unable to catch his smile—just the hint ghosting the corner of his mouth. “Go show him, pumpkin.”

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