Page 26 of The Twelve Knots of Christmas
“No. I haven’t been in a few years.” She shook her head and wrapped herself up in her coat, dangling her heels from one hand.
Eloise exited the house and closed the door, locking it behind her. She breathed in the cold air and smiled. “Our Mari is a bit of a grinch. She always works through Christmas, but this year, we’ll have her with us to enjoy everything the county has to offer during the holidays.”
Mariska didn’t scowl or roll her eyes, but I could see the urge straining in her expression. So this beauty was a grinch? I didn’t know why I found that more than a little alluring. I even enjoyed the holidays and the warmth of being with family. Balthazar and Lucian threw themselves into the festivities, but I certainly was no grinch.
“No one should have to work at Christmas. It’s nice that you’ll get a chance to spend time with your friends before you head out west this year. Tell me about this dream job of yours.”
I helped the ladies into my car and kept the conversation flowing as we drove downtown. Once parked, we headed to the festival. It was prettier at night, but it was a cloudy day and still a wonderful sight to see.
Offering my arm to Mariska, she hesitantly slipped hers through mine. Even with layers of clothes between us, I could feel the heat of her body. Her scent intensified and had me easing closer to her, glaring at any man who dared look her way.
I’d steeled myself for the date, ready to make it feel like a business meeting. Get to know who you’re doing business with and then everything would go smoother. Yet Mariska was smart, witty, and so easy to talk to. The tension in her body tapered off the more we walked. Sometimes Eloise was by our side, and other times, she popped into a shop or stopped to talk to someone she knew.
I bought us gingerbread coffee and stood with Mariska in a circle of trees decorated by the local school children. Eloise spoke with an older couple nearby. “So how is it you’ve earnedthe reputation as a grinch? Stealing presents from the innocent people of Whoville?”
Mariska gave a cute little snort and crinkled her nose as she sipped her coffee. “No. Though if I had to listen to a whole town constantly singing that one ridiculous song over and over, I might go bonkers too.”
I chuckled, sympathizing with that aspect. “So?”
She exhaled a puff of warm misty air. “So what?”
“So why are you a grinch?”
“I’m not much of a Christmas person.” Mariska looked away and seemed to stare past the many lights even though we were surrounded. “It’s too commercialized. One big promotion.”
Not for a second did I believe it. There was something else lurking behind her faraway gaze. With Eloise otherwise occupied, I poked. Time to see what Mariska was really made of. “We all know that. I’m not going to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, but I look forward to the holidays and spending it with friends and family. Did Santa not get you what you wanted one year? Have you never forgiven him?”
Her brows furrowed. “No.” She sipped her coffee as if she might not say anything else, but then quickly added, “You don’t think I still believe in Santa? Unless you do… And, oh, I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you.”
Deflecting with humor. Good tactic, but I wasn’t going to let this go. “I know Santa is Balthazar. He often plays Santa in the Christmas parade and at the children’s wing at the hospital. So if you’re going to be spending time with us, you should know that everything will be about the holidays.” Noticing her tense up, I kept going. “Yup. The symphony is playing their Christmas concert this week and Lucian wants to take you. Balthazar wants to bring you to Christmas movie night in the park, and I wanted you to come with me to a Christmas party for one of our big clients. Be prepared to make merry and sing all the songs.”
Mariska’s eyes darted about as if looking for the best direction to run. She gnawed her lower lip as her breaths came a little quicker.
I pushed it even further. “We’ll likely spend time all together baking cookies and decorating our stockings, which is a tradition every year. Balthazar cranks up the music and sings with his mom and sister like they’re some festive family band.”
Her eyes grew wide, and her grip tightened on her cup so that the sides dented inward. She turned her head slowly to me and asked in a choked voice, “Can we not?”
“Can we not what?” I cocked my head as if I didn’t understand.
“Can we not do those things?” Her quiet voice didn’t gain any volume, but it no longer trembled. “Please.”
“Then tell me why you really don’t like Christmas.”
“I’d rather not.” She lifted her chin.
She might value her privacy, but I loved my pack. I needed to know who we were dealing with, and I wasn’t lying about how much everyone loved the holidays. “I guess we’re having a very Christmasy string of dates. I’ll tell the guys that you think it’s too commercial so they can make it a more homey festive time.”
“I won’t go.” Mariska wasn’t budging, and that lit another fire in me. She might be stubborn, but I was a bastard.
“If you decide not to go out on our dates, then we won’t help you with your heat.”
Her amber eyes blazed. “You promised.”
“And you agreed to go on the dates.” I shot back, pressing my lips together and smirking.
“Mariska,” Eloise called and hurried over, her cell in her hand. “Honey, I need to go. Hazel’s daughter broke her leg skiing, and Hazel needs to get to the hospital. She asked me towatch her granddaughters while she was there.” She paused and glanced at me. “Hazel is one of our neighbors.”
“Oh no! I guess we need to be going then.” Mariska tossed her half-finished coffee into a nearby garbage bin and wrapped an arm around Eloise, rubbing her arm soothingly.
