Page 43 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

“I’m an excellent judge of character.”

“I know you’re making fun of me and I don’t even care,” I say, nuzzling more tightly into his chest.

“Hey, I’m hungry. You want to grab breakfast at Izzy’s?” He pauses, then adds. “When you’re done hugging me, of course.”

I laugh and release him. “I’m done and I’m starving.”

“I have to take care of something before we eat,” he says, grabbing his coat off the chair. “Meet me at the bar after you get all your stuff together.”

“Okay, I’m buying breakfast.” I point at him for emphasis. “I’m buying.”

“You’re not buying,” he says, rolling his eyes.

“Nash—”

“We can arm wrestle for it.”

“Perfect.” I flex my bicep. “I’m much stronger than I look.”

“Good, then breakfast will be on you.” He squeezes my arm. “Yep, I’ve obviously already lost.

I get dressed in some of my new clothes and gather up everything else I want. I plop all my clothes on the counter and take a card out of my wallet. Jim holds up his hand.

“Put it away. This has already been paid for.” He starts cutting off tags and putting everything in bags.

“What? No! Did Nash pay for it?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” he says, laughing. “The person asked to remain anonymous. It’s all going on his—or her—account.”

I shake my head. “I’m seriously going to hurt him.”

“Naw, let him spoil you. I haven’t seen Nash look this happy since he moved here. I think you’re good for him. Where’d you meet?” He hands me the bags.

“At a wedding,” I say slowly.

“Oh yeah, that’s a great place to meet someone. Unless you’re the bride or groom, of course.” He laughs as I turn toward the door. “See you later, Elle. Stay warm!”

* * *

---