Page 41 of All I Want For Christmas

“Is that what you call it?” But she did smile at him, even if her arms were still crossed over her chest. “What do you do for a living, by the way?”

“I’m a toy engineer.”

“Are you serious? Now why does that not surprise me?”

“I admit it. I’m a big kid at heart. Or a total nerd. Whatever you want to call it. But I like my job. I work mostly in sports themed toys for the toddler and preschool set.” As he headed east, he glanced at her. “What do you do?”

“I’m a hairstylist.”

“That seems like a natural fit.” It did. She had that funky, edgy vibe that women in the salon always had. They were always on top of the current trends and changed their hair color constantly. Not that he could picture her with anything otherthan black hair. It suited her, as did the way the cut framed her striking face.

“Yeah, I like it. It’s a creative outlet and I like working with people. I didn’t have the patience to go to a four-year college. My mom hates it, though. She has issues with all the chemicals we use.”

“It sounds like your mom has some issues in general.” Then he realized that sounded totally rude. “No offense or anything, I’m sure she’s a great person.”

But Blue just snorted. “She’s unique, that’s for sure. Most likely a hypocrite by anyone’s standards. And totally disappointed in her hedonistic chemically-processed daughter.”

Christian could hear the underlying tone of hurt in her voice. She was trying to mask it with nonchalance and a snarky expression, but it was clear it bothered her. Having a great family himself, he couldn’t even imagine what it must feel like to essentially be alone on Christmas. “Well, we have Doritos and Slim Jims and she’s eating bugs, so it’s all good.”

“True that.” Blue pointed. “Look, there it is. The No-Tell Motel. God, I can’t believe that’s really its name. I thought he was joking.”

Turning into the lonely parking lot of the low-slung motel, Christian eyed it through the raging snow. “There are probably worse. Like The Hell Motel. I wouldn’t want to stay there.”

“Or The Sleep and Peep.”

Christian laughed as he parked the car. “The Hills Have Eyes Inn.”

“Bubba’s Bed.”

“Pappy’s Shack.”

“The Resting Place.”

“Hot Brown Haven.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Hot brown. The sandwich. It’s turkey.” She clearly hadn’t grown up in Kentucky.

“Oh. I’ve never had one.”

“Well, I’d get you one, but I don’t think they’re to be found at the No-Tell Motel.”

“There’s no telling what’s at the No-Tell.”

“We’re getting good at being corny.”

“You’re drawing it out in me.” Blue grinned and shoved her feet back into her shoes. “Corny is part of your charm.”

“So you admit I’m charming.”

She made a face and opened the car door. But then she turned to him, one foot already in the parking lot. “Hey, thanks for hanging with me. This sucks a lot less with you.”

You’d have thought he won the freaking lottery the way he was grinning as he climbed out of the car and headed for the No-Tell.

He wasn’t sure how big a leap it was from her saying her day sucked less with him around, to convincing her they were meant to get naked together but he was damn sure going to try.

Chapter

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