Page 48 of The Snuggle is Real
I pulled a face. “I kind of do know. He’s straight, and he’s got other priorities, like taking care of his little girl.”
“She’s adorable,” Taylor said. “And yeah, from what I know of Ford, he’s never been interested in men.”
“Too bad,” Elias mused. “I haven’t seen you show interest in anyone else since you got here.”
“I’m not interested in him either,” I insisted.
I couldn’t be. Even if that flicker of attraction I’d sensed was real—and that was doubtful—I couldn’t take advantage of Ford’s gratitude. As long as he was accepting charitable contributions from the Holiday Hope Foundation, nothing could happen. Period.
“Let’s talk about Taylor’s new man,” I said to shift the conversation away from me. “It’ll be a lot more interesting.”
“Yeah, howisthat going?” Elias asked. “When Rocco first arrived, I thought he’d never understand Christmas Falls. Now here he is, running all over the festival with you, looking happy as a clam.”
Taylor shifted. “Uh, yeah. Well, I’m the deputy mayor. It’s my job to make people love our town.”
“And you?”
“What?”
“Are you making Rocco fall for you?” Elias teased.
“Whoa, slow your roll. I’m only one beer in.”
With a laugh, I grabbed another and read the label before handing it over. “This one’s called Fistmas. Whoa. There’s an idea of what you can do with Rocco.”
Taylor choked on his first sip. “Jesus, Mason. You look so innocent.”
“Don’t buy into that angelic face,” Elias said with a chuckle. “Those are always the naughtiest boys.”
I smiled, thinking back to my college days. I had gotten around a bit. There was something about my sweet little face that did it for some guys. They thought they were corrupting me. Little did they know…
Elias pointed. “See? Look at that evil smile.”
I shook my head. “Yeah, I’m so evil I’m going home alone tonight. Watch out! Lock up your men!”
“You won’t be alone,” Elias said. “There’s always Peppermint Bark.”
I dropped my head, smacking my forehead on the table.
“Wow, that Twelve Dogs of Christmas must pack a punch,” Taylor joked.
“Aw, Mase, I’m sorry. I hope Peppermint is at least making the place a little less lonely.”
“He’s great,” I muttered to the table. “Charlie loves him.”
“Charlie does, huh? Who is…”
“That’s Ford’s little girl,” Taylor said in far too pointed a voice as he patted my shoulder.
“Oh,” Elias said, seeming to catch on to the situation. “Well, uh, maybe you could bring her and Ford by the shelter?”
I raised my head. “Don’t encourage me. I shouldn’t be thinking this way about a client. It’s not professional.” I glanced sidelong at Taylor. “Right, boss?”
He grimaced. “Not your boss, but…not really, no. Notwhileyou’re assisting him. Once you’ve concluded that business…”
I barked a laugh. “Then I can hopelessly crush all I want? Because we all knowthatisn’t going anywhere.”
“Then it’s harmless,” Elias said. “Cut yourself a break.”
