Christmas Eve is arguably the slowest day of the season, so having her wander in, especially on such a snowy evening, is bewildering. I’d be lying if I said she didn’t capture my attention from the moment I saw her, though.
First of all, she’s stunning.
Second of all—what an entrance.
I want to know more about her, but I shrug the thought away as quickly as it came.
Going behind the snack bar, I turn to Reed, the high school kid I hired for seasonal work. “Hey, could you make me a hot chocolate real quick, please?”
Heading over to the ice chest, I dig in the cold to see if I can find a random ice pack. Coming up short, I end up grabbinga plastic bag and shovel a handful of cubes into it instead—it’ll have to suffice.
Waiting a couple of minutes for Reed to finish making the hot chocolate, I watch as he combines the chocolate mix with the milk he just steamed, stirring the steaming beverage together. When he’s finished, he puts the lid on and hands it to me with a curt nod.
“Thanks. Why don’t you go ahead and get out of here? There’s only one family left, anyway, and then I’m closing up.”
“Are you sure, boss?” he asks hesitantly, glancing at his watch to confirm the time.
“Absolutely, kid. Have a good holiday. And get home safe.”
“Will do! Have a good Christmas.”
We both walk out of the snack bar area at the same time, heading in opposite directions. Coming around a row of Christmas trees, the strange sensation in my stomach flutters around again the second Zee is back in view.
Damn butterflies.
I’ve never had an immediate reaction to a woman before and it’s slightly unnerving. But if I could have drawn a picture of my ideal lady, I never would have imagined she’d come to life and be sitting at my picnic table right this minute.
The closer I get, the more nervous I become.
Wanting to make a good impression, I hurry over to her, holding the ice in the air as I do. “Couldn’t find an ice pack, but this is practically the same.”
She smiles, and it radiates through my entire body.
What the hell is going on?
“Thank you.” Her voice is soft and feminine, and her eyes light up as she watches me press the ice to her sock, not wanting to put it directly on her skin.
Our gaze meets, and it feels like time stands still as I get lost in her eyes.
From my peripheral, I see someone shift, and remember that we’re not alone. Looking over at Tamar, I nod toward the exit. “We’re all good here if you want to go home, Tamar. I’ll close up in a few minutes. Already sent Reed home.”
“I don’t mind waiting so you don’t close alone,” she says, and while I appreciate the gesture, I’m hoping to have the opportunity to get to know Elizabeth during whatever time we have together, without an audience.
“It’s all good. Really. Get home safe and have a good holiday.” I grin at her, then look down at Zee’s ankle, shifting the ice.
With no room to argue further, Tamar stands and comes over to give me a hug before she heads out. “Merry Christmas.”
After I return the sentiment, she turns to leave.
“Girlfriend?” the cute blonde next to me whispers, her eyes shimmering with mischief as we watch Tamar exit the tent.
“Nah, just an old friend.”
“You sure about that?” She laughs. “Because friends don’t glare at random women in pain, being helped by a stranger, unless they have some sort of attachment to said stranger.”
“What did she do?”
“Nothing,” she shrugs, “she just glared at me while I sat here. I tried to engage in some small talk, but she didn’t seem interested, and I know when to take a hint. She doesn’t seem like the type of woman you want to piss off.”
