Page 39 of Flirting with the Scrooge

My eye shift left and then right. When nothing happens, I exhale. “I was waiting for a Christmas portal to open up and swallow us whole like some sort of Christmas voodoo. Transport us to a three hundred and sixty-five day Christmas extravaganza. Christmas all day, every day.”

She barks out a laugh while the brightest smile covers her face. I live for her smiles. They make me forget about everything else.

“I won’t lie, that would be my jam. But we should get going or I will have to conjure up some of that Christmas voodoo.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

I grab her coat and hold it up for her as she slides her arms inside. After she collects her purse, we step outside as a gust of cold wind flutters past us reddening my cheeks. Luckily, the beard keeps the rest of my face warm.

At my truck, I open the door for her and with one foot on the rail, I grip her waist and help her all the way in. Mostly, it’s just an excuse to touch her. Once she’s in, I round the hood and climb in.

Before shifting into drive, I glance her way. Even in the darkness, she sparkles. “You look stunning.”

“You told me that already.”

“Shit. I did, didn’t I? I can’t give you too many compliments. They might go to your head.”

She laughs and it’s the sweetest sound. I flash her a wink before pulling out of her driveway. The entire way to the hall, we make small talk. She asks me about the progress on the house and I ask her about the Christmas decorating and neighborhood contest. I was a little shocked when she told me she tried to get real reindeer, but they require a lot of different permits, and she didn’t want to deal with that this year. Actually, I shouldn’t be shocked. That would be exactly something she would do.

I pull up to the curb of the ballroom and pass the keys to the valet. Before Tatum steps out, I’m opening her door. Her warm fingers clasp around mine as she climbs out. Snowflakes flutter down from the sky like glitter that matches the sparkle in her bright blue eyes. My mission for tonight is to make sure she has a good time and forgets all about the ex. By the end of the night, I want her to forget all about Adam. Forget his name. Forget he even exists.

When both her feet are on the sidewalk, I hold out my elbow and she loops her arm with mine. She glances up at me, a warm smile covering her lips. And fuck me, it’s a smile that can melt my icy heart. And it’s everything I don’t need right now. I shake the thought away and focus on the task at hand.

Before we walk through the door, I stop us. “Can I make one stipulation on the evening?”

“What’s that?”

“Can I just be your date? Nothing else? Like if anyone asks about me, I’m only your date.”

Her eyebrows pull together as she peers up at me. “Why’s that?”

“Tonight’s your night. I want the focus to be on you. No one needs to know who I am.”

“Oh. Um. Sure. But also, that’s your last IOU.” She flashes me a bright smile, pleased with herself that she came out unscathed from the IOUs.

“Again, you drive a hard bargain, Tinsel, but deal.” Her eyes light up at her nickname and she holds out her hand for me to shake. When I clasp my fingers around hers, I lift her hand and place a soft kiss on the back of it. Even in the dark evening sky, I can see the slight tinge of pink in her cheeks. And I know it’s not from the cold.

We drop our coats off at the coat check and stroll side by side down a long hallway that opens to an elegant ballroom. Shimmering silver and tranquil blue drapes fill the room, simulating the perfect winter wonderland. Delicate silver ornaments dangle from the ceiling in staggered lengths, while intricate snowflake ornaments cover the walls. Icy blue linens with silver runners cover the tables, creating a frosty opulence. The ambiance is complete with faux snow accents that lend a romantic touch to the entire space.

“You did all this?” I ask Tatum.

“I didn’t do it all by myself. I had some help.”

“This is amazing. You’re amazing.” A light pink blush covers her cheeks. I grip her chin and force her to meet my gaze. “I’m serious. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

She nods, but I’m not sure she truly believes me.

“Tatum! Look how amazing everything turned out.” A girl who shares an uncanny resemblance to Tatum wraps her in a tight hug. “And this must be your date?” Her gaze shifts to me and then back to Tatum.

“Yes. Olivia, this is Connor.” Tatum waves her hand toward me. “Connor, this is my sister, Olivia.”

I hold out my hand to Olivia. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. It’s great to finally put a face to the name.” Tatum elbows her in the ribs. Olivia tilts her head at Tatum and mouths “ouch” while rubbing her side.

A tall, muscular guy with tattoos that peek from the cuffs of his button-down shirt and up his neck strolls up to us and throws an arm over Olivia’s shoulders. His tattooed hand rubs over her bicep. Olivia whirls around in his arms, rises to her tippy toes, and kisses him. When they’re done with their mini make-out session, Olivia turns to me. “Connor, this is my boyfriend, Ledger. Ledger, this is Tatum’s date, Connor.”

We shake hands and exchange pleasantries. When Olivia and Ledger continue to make their rounds around the room, I bend down and whisper in Tatum’s ear, “So, you’ve been talking about me, huh?”

“Don’t think too much about it. I told her how annoying you are.” She smirks.

---