Page 5 of The Santa Rules
“Thank you,” I groan as I sink into the chair and inhale the aroma. “All that, and it was just a bladder infection. I appreciate you staying with Isaac.”
“It’s no problem, dear. He was asleep for most of it. I can stay a little longer if you want to get some rest,” Cora says as she squeezes my arm. She’s been really sweet since we moved in here after my divorce four years ago, helping watch Isaac from time to time.
“I’m fine. I was able to get a little sleep while waiting on the doctor, and I’m oddly wired from the experience and the meds. I want to put away all these Halloween decorations anyway.”
After flashing Mrs. Johnson, the last thing I need is her stirring up more gossip. If I can put my decorations away in a timely manner, maybe she’ll see that I’m not the disaster everyone thinks I am.
“You don’t have to do it all alone, you know. Want some help?”
“That’s really sweet of you, but I wouldn’t feel right putting you out anymore.”
“Nonsense, you’re giving this old lady something to do. Keeps my mind sharp. And we’re a community. Chestnut Mountain may be small, but we help our own.”
“Think it’s too early to put out all my Christmas decor? I could really use some holiday magic right now.” Christmas was my mom’s favorite holiday, and I always miss her most around this time of year. “Maybe it’ll shut Mrs. Johnson up if she sees that I already have my holiday decor up.”
“Oh, I know it will.” There’s a mischievous glint in her eye as she speaks. “That’s why we should definitely do it. That woman runs her mouth more than a parrot in a pet store.”
“I wish all my neighbors were as cool as you.”
Even though it’s five a.m., we start taking down spiders, cobwebs, and cornstalks, and replace them with projector lights, way too many Santas, and a half dozen inflatables. I try to get a new one each year, but my options are limited in the after-Christmas sales because it’s hard to go all out on a teacher’s budget. I’ve learned to be resourceful by saving everything and shopping clearance sales.
It’s no Griswold light display, but it sends the message to my grinch of a neighbor:Merry fucking Christmas.
CHAPTER 2
HARDY
“It’s not every day you see a boob on a call,” Mike says as he starts restocking supplies in the rig.
“You all good here?” I ask, making a circle with my hand, ignoring his comment. “I’ve already cleaned her out and sent the patient care report in. Hoping to make it home before bedtime so I can relieve the sitter.”
“Are we not going to talk about that little exchange back there?”
“What’s there to talk about?” I drag a hand along my jaw, hoping he’ll just let it go.
“You totally had a moment with the patient. Bella and her boob.”
“Jesus.”
“That’s totally becoming a thing. Bella and her boob. Has a great ring to it.”
“Can you not?” Turning my back to him, I head toward the door as he runs over, clapping a hand to my back, stopping me.
“Look, man, you’ve been here for a little over a year now and we’ve gotten really close, even if I am a little miffed that they gave you the promotion to lieutenant over me.”
I turn to look at him. “Fuck off.” He teases me about this once a week. Mike is as unserious as they come.
He holds his hand up in protest. “You make a good point. Totally well-deserved, boss.”
My brow lifts in response.
“Like I was saying. I’ve known you since you moved here and stole my promotion out from under me, and I’ve never seen you show any interest in a girl before. Never heard you mention a date, or a hookup. You don’t talk about women, let alone flirt with anyone, and I get it, I know you’re still getting over Lydie. But maybe it’s time to get back out there. Do something for yourself for once.”
I think over his words. Maybe he’s right. “Lydie was one of a kind, and there’s not a day that goes by since she passed that I don’t miss her. And it’s been really hard on Avery not having her mom around. But I’m not about to hop into bed with the first person that shows me her boob.”
The thought of hooking up with Bella excites me, but I’m not going to parade women in and out of Avery’s life. My little girl gets attached to things easily, and I don’t want to break her heart again. Especially when I’m the reason her mom is gone.
“Just think about it. That’s all I’m saying.” He holds up his hands in defeat as he backs away, and I head to my truck to get home to my girl.
