Page 36 of The Santa Rules
“I think tonight’s lessons were productive,” I rasp as he lies down next to me, wrapping his arms around me.
“We got a lot accomplished,” he agrees.
It’s nearly impossible to catch my breath, but I do my bestas I press my cheek against his chest. His heart is beating rapidly, and I smile, knowing I have that effect on him.
“Wanna watchDie Hard?” I ask, looking up at him.
“I’d love to,” he says, then we pull on our clothes and he reaches for the remote before snuggling against me. “Oh, I forgot to tell you earlier, the donation boxes are all set up at the station, and we’ve already had a bunch of drop-offs.”
“That’s great! Raven works at the local paper, and she’s going to run an ad for us free of charge for a few days.” I look over my shoulder at him.
“That should help. I should finish constructing the workshop by the end of next week, and then I can paint it a couple days after that.”
“You really didn’t have to do all that. It was just a bunch of tables in the library last year.” I arch back to hold his cheek, willing him to see the sincerity in my face.
He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I couldn’t say no to Avery. I know how important this is to you… and the kids. And I wanted to make it special… for everyone.” He keeps trailing off like he’s changing his mind about admitting more, and I smile like an idiot about it for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 12
HARDY
Bella
I’ve got a whole week of festivities planned for you, so I hope you’re ready!
Ismile as I read Bella’s text. She’s used at least a dozen emojis, and not all of them are Christmas or winter related. Some of them look suspect, and I get nervous as I try to decipher them.
Wait. Are the emojis the activities we’re doing?
Ding ding ding
I’m having trouble figuring out what they all mean
Guess
Do I have to?
Such a grinch. It’s more fun that way!
I shake my head, but I can’t stop grinning. In just a month, this woman has become a huge part of my life, and I need to spend more time with her once the holidays are over. Would she keep seeing me? Do I want that? Would Avery be okay with it? Guilt picks at my brain, and I shove it away as I try to figure out her plans for the week.
So, ice-skating? Building a snowman?
Yup. Yup.
I skip over the ones in the middle, focusing on the obvious ones.
Shopping and wrapping gifts?
[gif of Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation saying “Bingo.”]
What is that third one? I know the next two
It’s ginger
Gingerbread house!
See, this is fun, isn’t it?
