Page 40 of Sexted By Santa
Round tables draped in white linens and laden with crimson cloth napkins were positioned on the far end of the room while this side was devoted to a massive Christmas tree, a story time corner for the kids—complete with a Santa who was positioned in a rocking chair with holiday storybooks and a series of treats laid out nearby—and a photo booth with all kinds of holiday props.
“The tables look like those little red-and-white mints!” she exclaimed, delighted.
Jaxson chuckled. “They do, don’t they?”
“And there’s another Santa.” She cast me an uncertain look. “Not as good as you, I’m sure.”
I smiled. She was so loyal. She barely knew me, and yet she showed concern for my feelings.
“That’s very kind of you, but I’m not actually the best Santa.”
Tori looked defiant. “You’re an amazing Santa. You live right next door!”
“She’s got you there,” Jaxson said.
Barry strolled up. “What’s this I hear? You want to play Santa tonight too? I’m sure we could get Dean Rutledge to make some accommodations for you.”
Tori drew an excited breath, and I hurriedly said, “No! No, no. I’m enjoying my night off.” I smiled down at her. “Really, Tori. Enjoy the Santa here. I will not be upset.”
She looked to her father for silent approval, and he nodded. “Don’t eat anything without talking to me first.”
She frowned. “I know.”
“Okay, then go have fun.”
Tori wasn’t shy. She took off for the other side of the room and joined a couple of kids near the Christmas tree. I watched her smile and talk to them, bouncing a little with energy, and envied her ease at mingling as they accepted her into their ranks.
Barry held out his hand to Jaxson, recapturing my attention. “So you’re the date, huh?”
“Yes, hi. I’m Jaxson Hicks.”
“Jaxson,huh?” Barry shot me a look. “Well, it’s notZayden, but it’s hardly William or Bill, or whatever boring name you wanted.” His eyes flicked back to Jaxson. “He doesn’t look like an old grump, either.”
“I’m missing something here,” Jaxson said.
“Just that Barry is a pain in the ass,” I grumbled. “He’s the one who set up that app profile.”
Jaxson brightened. “Ah, so I should thank you?”
Barry looked between us. “That’s how you met? I can’t believe someone went for that.”
I wagged a finger at him. “Iknewyou were having fun at my expense!”
Barry laughed. “But you make it so easy.”
“I was a little bored that night,” Jaxson admitted. “It looked like some harmless entertainment. Little did I know what it would lead to…”
He looked at me, his eyes sparkling as much as his daughter’s had when she’d taken in the decorations. I had no idea how to read his expression. Was he just amused? There was a wealth of subtext Barry didn’t understand. Our past, our role as neighbors. He only knew that we’d met on an app. But it was tempting to see more there, perhaps a hint that Jaxson wanted it to lead to more.
But he was a young, attractive man, and I was an old grump, as Barry had so aptly put it. There was no reason for Jaxson to want more with me. And even if he did, it’d be a mistake to take him up on it.
“Uh-oh, incoming,” Barry said.
I looked over Jaxson’s shoulder to see my department head, Ella Banks, headed our way. Beside her was a beautiful, sophisticated-looking man in a tailored suit. He was tall, slim, with sharp cheekbones and artfully styled hair. He appeared to be closer to my age, but he wore his years very well. Too well. He was so polished he shone like a gem, which reminded me far too much of Fynn.
“Who’s that?”
“My boss and her brother. She wanted to set me up with him, and I said no. That’s why you’re here, so get ready to playact.”
