Page 25 of OMG Christmas Tree
He shook his head. “Nothing. You’re funny.”
“I wasn’t trying to... Anyway. Hey, let’s see if the gift shop has your stuff. Then you can tell me all about your awesome job and living in Small Town, Corner of Illinois, USA.”
Outside, Main Street wasn’t any less busy, but the gift shop no longer had a line. Nick handled his business, and the store staff led us into the back room. Two large boxes held tasteful silver and red decor. Ornaments, boughs of greens, ribbons and little decorative wreaths. Simple, standard decorations.
Nick slid the two boxes close to the back door. “It’s a good thing you’re here or this would have taken two trips.”
“You think I’m carrying one of those?”
For a moment, Nick’s expression flickered. Gone was the joker teasing about cows, replaced by a heavier mood.
“I’m kidding.” I lifted the box. “I’ll carry one.”
“If it’s too much, I can come back. You don’t really have to help me.”
“I’m already holding the box. I’m here to help.”
He opened the door, held it open with his foot, and grabbed the second box. “Your mom sort of orchestrated this. Don’t feel obligated.”
I had stolen the charity tree. Stolen by paying for it, but still. “Just so you know, I do Pilates. I’m lean underneath these layers.”
Nick’s cheeks tinged rosy again and I grinned. So, flirty comments got to him. Check and check.
CHAPTER NINE
Nick
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WE TRUDGED UPHILL TOWARDthe mayor’s mansion, Megan and I each carrying a box of decorations. Megan had to be regretting her offer to help me by now. I should have enlisted Austin and my buddies for the grunt work.
She seemed to barely break a sweat. “So, what do you like about your job? It’s your family’s printing company, right?”
“Yeah.” I let her walk ahead. “How about you tell me more about living in Chicago.”
“Um, sure. Never cross the street in front of a bus because they will run you down. It’s annoying running errands downtown because of tourists. They stand in the middle of the street and gawk at everything.” She slowed, shifted the box in her arms, and kept going. “Pro-tip: if you want to take in a city view or look up at some cool buildings, step to the side of the sidewalk first.”
