Page 19 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
“Are you going to tell me why you don’t like Christmas?” he asks, nudging my shoulder.
I tense before shrugging. “I just don’t.”
Parker gives me an appraising look, like he knows I’m not telling him the truth but respects me for it anyway.
We walk the rest of the way to the park in silence. It’s not far away, probably only about thirty yards ahead, when a bundle of colorfulness comes bounding up to us.
“Dad!” the bundle shouts.
He smiles widely, embracing the heap of winter clothing as they throw themselves into his arms. “Hey, squirt.”
I watch, fascinated by the interaction, but I’m taken aback when the bundle looks at me.
“Amelia?”
“Hi, Maddie.” She grins. “I’m glad you could make it.”
I glance at Parker, confused. “You know Amelia?”
“Amelia’s my daughter,” Parker declares, a look of adoration on his face as he gazes down at her still wrapped in his arms.
My eyebrows shoot to my forehead. “Daughter?” My eyes dart between the two of them. “Amelia’s your daughter?”
“Yup, he’s my dad.” Amelia giggles. “Come on, Grandma’s waiting for us.”
It all makes so much sense now.
“Wait, Samantha’s here, too?” I ask, still in shock. “Are there any more of your family members I’m yet to meet?”
Parker gives a deep, throaty laugh. “Just my dad.”
“Uh huh.”
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that Amelia is Parker’s daughter. However, I’m not hating the idea as I kind of like her. If anything, I’m glad it’s her. She’s someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with, especially because she shares my love for books. And anyone who gets that kind of joy from reading is someone I want to be around.
I follow them through the throngs of people. For a small town, there’s a large crowd here. The wooden cabins fill nearly the entire park, each one full of Christmassy trinkets—ornaments, stocking fillers, and even Christmas trees for sale.
The hustle and bustle of the town causes anxiety to pool deep in my chest. My breathing becomes quicker, and spots dance around in my vision.
Oh shit, no.
I stop in the middle of the makeshift walkway, trying to catch my breath, and my hands feel clammy as sweat beads on my forehead.
I can’t do this. What was I thinking?
There’s so many people here I can’t think straight. Coupled with the Christmassy mood, I hate every moment of it. This is so much worse than when the Christmas lights were turned on. I was out of the way there, but here? It’s too much.
Parker turns to look at Amelia, and when his back is turned to me, I make a decision. I give him one last glance, then run toward the way we came in, moving as fast as I can through the crowds of people. Pushing and shoving my way through, disgruntled shouts fill my ears as I run past, but I can’t stop. I won’t stop.
Not until I get away.
Chapter Twelve
PARKER
“Where did Maddie go?” Amelia asks, glancing over my shoulder. “I thought she was right behind us?”
“I thought so too, squirt.” I look around, wondering where she might’ve gone. “I’ll be back in a minute. Go find Grandma.”
