Page 21 of Sleigh Rides With St. Nick

"Yes.In fact, I was hoping I could..."

"Nick, do you have a minute?"

I closed my eyes and let out a groan at the sound of Pieter's voice."Is it okay if I see what he wants?"I asked Ivy.The sooner he went away, the sooner we could return to talking about whether the kiss was something we could repeat.

She nodded, not moving from her spot.

I turned around and smiled at my oldest friend, wishing he was anywhere but here."What's the matter?"

"There's been a problem with the elf-for-hire," he said, not even looking at Ivy.Probably because he was well aware of the situation he'd been about to catch us in.He'd been making enough comments while at the feast that made it clear what he thought of how we were acting towards one another.

"What kind of problem?"I asked.

"She's cancelled," he responded.

I closed my eyes and let out a frustrated sigh."Can we get someone else?"

"I've been calling around, but it's impossible to find someone this close to Christmas."

"Right.Okay."I had no idea what to even do with that.I supposed I could do the sleigh ride without an elf, it wouldn't be the first time.

"What's it for?"Ivy asked, stepping away from the wall.

I looked in her direction."We need someone to help us with the presents on Saturday, and we normally just hire an elf."

"Ah, for giving the children presents," she said.

Warmth spread through me in response.I liked how much she paid attention, especially when I hadn't talked about it very much."Yes."

She cleared her throat."I could do it."

I blinked a few times, not having expected the answer.

She smiled and pushed her hair behind her ear, revealing a small point at the top."I was an elf-for-hire through university.It was nearly twenty years ago, but I'm sure I could pull it off."

Without meaning to, my gaze drifted down her body and I imagined her in a cute little elf outfit.She'd be more than able to pull it off.

Pieter cleared his throat."We can pay you."

"There's really no need," She said quickly."I imagine Nick's not being paid."

"Nick never pays himself."

She raised an eyebrow and looked at me."Really?"

I let out a cough, somewhat surprised that my friend revealed as much about me."I don't need to be paid, I have money coming in from other places."

"You're quite a man, did you know that?"she asked.

I chuckled."I'm just doing my best, same as everyone else."

"Well, it looks good on you," she said."I can help on Saturday, I just need to know what to do."

Pieter nodded."I'll send you the itinerary.The rest is fairly straightforward."

"Yes, give presents to Nick so he can give them to the children," she checked.

"Pretty much," my friend responded."Do you need anything for it?"

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