Page 55 of Here Comes Santa Paws

I picked Nutcracker because he was the best behaved on walks and bundled us both.

“I promise to take you on a special W-A-L-K when I get back,” I told Tinsel.

Minutes later, we joined Roman and Carol outside.

When Carol saw Nutcracker, she took several steps backward until the length of her lead prevented further movement. I kept Nutcracker close to me so Carol could warm up to the idea of our impromptu double date.

“Thanks for the invitation.”

Roman nodded in acknowledgment. “Good thing Nutcracker can’t crack my nuts while we’re walking.”

He used his free hand to adjust my scarf higher on my neck to cover more skin in the biting cold. Apparently satisfied, he turned and guided us along the sidewalk away from his side of the duplex.

Carol kept turning her head to keep an eye on us. At least she seemed more perturbed than scared. Nutcracker would weasel his way into Carol’s affections like I hoped to with Roman.

“Has construction started?” he asked.

I let out a relieved sigh. “Yes. Finally. They got started a few days ago. So far, no big surprises.”

“That’s great. Fundraising going well?”

I barked out a laugh. “Do you have x-ray vision?”

Roman’s brow furrowed. “No?”

“I was drowning in budget work when you rescued me. You must’ve sensed my distress.”

“Rescued you, huh?”

I nodded solemnly. “Heroic-level rescue. Definitely worthy of a reward.”

Roman’s eyebrow rose. “What kind of reward are we talking about?”

I pointedly gave him a once-over and leaned in close as we stopped to wait for a car to pass before we crossed the street. “Your choice.” I winked.

Roman licked his lips. “You might be the death of me.”

The dirty thoughts pinging through my brain reminded me of a conversation topic I’d been wanting to bring up. Given everything going on with my life and Roman’s job hunting, I wanted to make sure our expectations were aligned. No time like the present.

“Speaking of that,” I hedged.

“Death?”

I pinched my lips to one side and smiled. “Rewards. Well, sex. I figured we should make sure we’re on the same page.”

Roman’s eyes widened like a reindeer in headlights.

I held up my free hand. “I’m not trying to lock you down. I know you’re not planning to stay. But hey, we can have fun and warm each other up on cold nights, right?” If I said it casually enough, maybe we’d both believe it.

I’d never been one for casual, but if that was how I got to spend time with Roman, I’d do whatever to keep my emotions in check. Even as I processed that thought, there was the nasty little voice in my head suggesting that maybe I’d be the exception. Maybe if I showed him how much fun he could have in Christmas Falls—with me—he might stay.

Roman nodded slowly as he seemed to process my words. “Casual?”

“Exactly! We get along great and are having a good time. Why not keep enjoying it?”

I was relieved by Roman’s genuine smile.

“Can’t argue with your logic. Works for me.” He cleared his throat. “For the record, I’m having fun too.”

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