Finally, he made it to the main square that was situated in front of city hall. The area had been turned into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, tall, decorated trees, and an array of festive booths. While the carnival started in the square, it extended into the park with booths hosted by local businesses—everything from holiday gifts, to baked goods, clothing boutiques, photographs, antiques, glass-blown collectibles, cozy quilts, and jewelry. There were also booths featuring paintings, books, Christmas centerpieces, and home décor. In the park, the carnival became more about the kids starting with Santa's Workshop and moving into game booths offering participants a chance to win stuffed animals and other trinkets.
The park was already packed with young families, probably eager to partake before it was time to get the younger children into bed. As he scanned the faces of the little ones nearby, he found himself looking for Brett and for Hannah.
His brother had told him it was time to either go get her or let her go. He'd thought he had let her go, but once he'd come back to town, he'd wanted to get her back. And the more she didn't want to talk to him, the more he wanted to talk to her.
Did he just want her because he couldn't have her? Was it the challenge that intrigued him? Or was it more?
He believed it was more. Hannah had been the first girl he'd ever loved. He'd first become aware of her in middle school, but there had been a lot going on with her then. Her father had died, and her mother was falling apart. He'd been too scared of all that loss and grief to know how to talk to her, so he'd pretty much stayed away. But once they got to high school, they'd become much better friends.
By their senior year, things had changed a lot for Hannah. Her mom was sober, and Hannah was showing up at parties with her fiery red hair, shimmering brown eyes, and blossoming curves. He'd fallen hard, and so had she. They'd always been able to talk to each other, but now there was a smoking-hot attraction going on, too. And they were both in a place in their young lives where they were looking for a good time.
He'd lived through years of his brother's illness, and she'd lived through her mom's alcohol addiction, but for those six months that they were falling in love, everyone else was okay, or at least okay enough that they didn't have to worry about them. They could just have fun, and that's what they did. They'd gone on hikes and boat trips. They'd spent hours swimming in the lake. He'd taught her how to snowboard and helped her take her skiing to a new level. He'd pushed her out of her comfort zone, and in some ways, she'd done the same for him.
While he excelled in physical activities, Hannah brought a whole new dimension of intelligence and curiosity to his world. She read endless books and talked about science and wanted to learn everything that she could. When she'd passed books onto him, he'd thought he'd pretend to read them, but once he started, he couldn't stop. It was ironic that the books she lent him had actually inspired him to leave Whisper Lake, to see the world, to have his own adventures.
He knew she'd had some adventures, too. She'd left the lake and moved to Denver to go to college and nursing school. She'd built a life for herself outside of this small town, and while he didn't know much about that life, except what he'd heard from their friends, he wanted to know more. But mostly he just wanted to know her again.
Being with her last night—actually talking to her, eating a meal with her, helping her—had reminded him of how good they'd once been. He'd messed it all up, and his actions that night were the biggest regret of his life. But he didn't want to keep going back there. He wanted to move forward.
He'd put the ball in her court, but that didn't mean he wouldn't make a few plays of his own…starting now.
As he walked under a vine-covered archway leading into the North Pole, he saw Hannah and Brett coming in through the opposite arch. His body tightened as his gaze ran down her body, and the very sexy red and green elf costume she had on that consisted of a fur-lined short dress, white tights, and furry boots.
When she saw him, she froze, her hesitation obvious. He did not want to go back to the place where she ran out of the room as soon as he entered, and it looked like that might be happening. But then Brett saw him and sparkled with joy. He let go of Hannah's hand and ran straight to him.
He caught the little boy and lifted him high into his arms, as they exchanged a happy smile.
"I'm going to see Santa tonight," Brett told him.
"That's cool. What are you going to ask him for?"
"I can't tell you. It's a secret."
"Got it."
"But I've been really good, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my present."
Jake looked over at Hannah, seeing a mix of emotions in her eyes. He was actually glad to see more than anger there. It felt like progress.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Hannah said. "You usually avoid the North Pole."
"It's not the North Pole I avoid. It's Santa."
"I know."
"Why don't you want to see Santa?" Brett asked curiously, reminding Jake that this kid picked up on everything.
"It's not important." He turned back to Hannah. "Did you get your car back?"
"Yes. Thanks for calling Juan. He delivered it to me with a new tire. I owe you for that."
"It's not important."
"But I will pay," she said firmly.
"Sure. Whatever you want. What's your job tonight?"
"I'm in the toy booth." She tipped her head toward the booth where Keira Blake was setting up goodie bags. "We're giving out small toys to all the kids who visit with Santa and get their picture taken. No one goes home empty-handed."
"That's nice."
As he finished speaking, Keira came over to join them. She was an attractive brunette with dark hair and eyes, and she was wearing a similar costume to the one Hannah had on.
"Santa has beautiful elves," he said.
Keira gave him a curious smile. "Thanks, Jake. Who's this little guy?"
"This is Brett," he said, turning his gaze to Hannah to fill in the blanks.
"Brett is my nephew," she told Keira.
Keira's eyes widened. "Your nephew?"
"He's Kelly's son," Hannah explained. "He's staying with me for a few days."
"Well, that's…interesting," Keira said. "Even more interesting to see you and Jake having a cordial conversation—actually, any kind of conversation at all."
"Tis the season for conversations," he said lightly.
Hannah shrugged at Keira's enquiring gaze. "What he said."
"Okay. I'm going to need more details later," Keira said.
"Is that a reindeer?" Brett asked, pointing to the barn.
"It is," Keira said. "Would you like to meet Rudolph?"
"It's Rudolph?" Brett asked with surprise.
"Well, it might be one of his brothers," Keira amended. "Can I take Brett to meet the reindeer, Hannah?"
"Uh, sure, thanks," Hannah said.
He set Brett down on his feet, and the little boy slipped his hand into Keira's. He was certainly a trusting soul.
"No problem," Keira said. "Actually, there is a problem. Santa has been delayed by a surgery. And the line is getting long. You might want to think of a Plan B. You can do that while I show Brett the reindeer."
"I think I'd rather do the reindeer," Hannah said, but she was too late. Keira was already leading Brett away.
"Damn," Hannah muttered, taking out her phone to read a text. "Your father won't be here for thirty minutes."
"The kids will survive."
"Will their parents?" she asked, tipping her head toward the line where the children were growing increasingly restless and their parents were looking more than a little frustrated.
"What other option do you have?"
She tilted her head, giving him a considering look. "Santa's suit is in the house. I could get a sub for just a short time."
He did not like the way she was looking at him. "No way. I'm not playing Santa. That is my dad's role."
"Does it really matter wh
ose role it is? Think of the kids. They're dying to tell Santa their secret wishes. All you have to do is listen."
"I can't believe you're asking me to be Santa. Haven't I done enough for you this weekend?"
"But this isn't just for me; it's for the kids."
He hated her pleading smile, because he didn't want to play Santa, but he also didn't want to say no to her. If he did help her out, he needed to get more than a thank-you. "On one condition," he said.
"What's that?" she asked warily.
"I want a date."
"A date?" she echoed in astonishment. "With me?"
"Of course with you."
"Why?"
"Because we started down a new path last night, and I think we should keep going."
"I don't want to keep going."
"Well, I don't want to play Santa Claus. So that's where we are. You can make me dinner, or you can take me out, but I want a date that includes a meal and at least one hour of your delightful conversation."
He loved seeing the dilemma in her eyes. She only had one choice and they both knew it.
"Do you really want to have dinner with someone who doesn't want to have dinner with you?" she challenged.
"I want to have dinner with you. What's your decision?"
"I have to take care of Brett," she said, with one last desperate attempt to get out of it.
"I didn't say when it had to happen, just that it happens. If it's tomorrow or a week from now, I'm good."
She let out a breath of resignation. "Fine. I'll have dinner with you sometime. I can't guarantee delightful conversation, but I will talk."
"Then I'll be Santa. Deal." He extended his hand.
She reluctantly slid her fingers into his, and the touch came with a wave of intense heat. She immediately jerked her hand away, her face flushing. "Let's get you into your costume."
He followed her into Santa's house, having to duck his head to enter the fake log wood cabin. He was surprised to find it decorated on the inside with two armchairs and a cooler of drinks. Apparently, this was where Santa took his breaks.
"Here you go," she said, handing him a pair of extremely large red velvet pants and a big pillow. "You're going to look awesome."
"I think I forgot what Santa looks like," he grumbled.
"It gets better," she said, picking up a white wig with a long beard. "And when you're talking to the kids, try not to make any specific promises. That gets Santa in trouble with the parents."
"I should have bargained for more than dinner."
She gave him a happy smile. "You probably should have. I'll see you outside. Don't take too long. The kids are waiting."
He shook his head as he got into his costume. He'd never had to work this hard for a date. But just taking her hand had caused a crazy explosion of heat between them.
It was time to take that fire higher or burn it out completely.
Hannah watched Jake take Santa's throne with a feeling of wonder and amusement. He looked ridiculous, but he didn't seem to care, as he patted his knee and the first child sat down. The five-year-old girl had a head full of golden curls and was completely adorable as she whispered in Jake's ear. Hannah didn’t know what he told the child, but the little girl looked ecstatic. Hopefully, he'd remembered her advice to not make really big promises.
It was ironic that he'd stepped into his father's shoes. He'd been at odds with his dad since high school, and their relationship had only gotten more estranged with time. She had no idea what was really between them, and while she was curious, she knew better than anyone that some family problems were too personal to share.
She forced herself to stop watching Jake. She had a job to do, too. Now that the kids were going through the line, they'd be stopping at the toy booth. She walked around the counter as Keira brought Brett back. Keira had picked up another one of their friends along the way, Gianna Campbell Barrington. Gianna was with Hailey, her eight-year-old stepdaughter, and Hailey and Brett already seemed to be fast friends. But then, Brett seemed able to make friends with anyone within ten seconds. He was very much his mother's son in that regard. Kelly had been one of the most popular kids in school.
"Can I see Santa now?" Brett asked eagerly.
"I have to work the booth, honey, but we can go on my break," she told him.
"Actually, if you don't mind," Gianna said, "he can wait in line with Hailey and me. We've already bonded."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. Keira tells me Brett is your nephew. It must be fun to have him here at Christmas."
"It is," she said, seeing the questions in Gianna's eyes, but thankfully her friend didn't ask any of them.
"We'll talk later," Gianna said.
"Of course. Brett, do you want to go with Hailey and Gianna?"
Brett nodded as Hailey took his hand.
"I'll be here in the booth when you're done," she assured him, not that he seemed concerned. "Make sure you stay with Gianna and Hailey."
"I will," Brett promised.
As they walked away, Keira moved next to her. They handed out a couple of goodie bags and then Keira said, "We need to talk, Hannah."
"I can't explain right now about Brett," she said, giving Keira an apologetic look. "It's a long story, and there are too many people around."
"Fair enough. Let's talk about Jake then."
She groaned. "Do we have to?"
"Yes. You've barely been able to tolerate thirty seconds in the man's company and now you're hanging out with him and looking very friendly. What is going on?"
"Jake helped me out yesterday with Brett. I had a flat tire, and he was there. It wasn't planned." She paused to smile at the next child and hand the little boy his goodie bag. "Now Jake seems to think we should be friends again."
"Just friends?"
She felt her cheeks warm at the question, and it didn't help to see Keira giving her a knowing smile. "I really don't want to talk about it," she said.
"Tough, Hannah. I was in high school when Jake cheated on you. I was there to pick up the pieces of that heartbreak, and I have watched you snub the man every chance you've gotten since you both moved back here. But it's happening again, isn't it? You're starting to like him."
"Well, you like him," she said defensively. "You and Gianna and Chloe have always been after me to make peace with him, so that it's not awkward when we're together. You should be happy."
"I am happy—if you're happy."
"I don't know what I am, honestly. And I have bigger problems than Jake at the moment. I don't know where my sister is, Keira. I don't know when she's coming back or if she's coming back."
Keira frowned. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that."
"I haven't heard from Kelly in fifteen years. Now, she leaves her child for me to watch, a boy I didn't know existed."
"He's very sweet."
"I know. I love him already, which makes it even harder. I need Kelly to come back, but she's clearly in some sort of trouble."
"Have you talked to Brodie or Adam?"
"I spoke to Adam. He's looking for her."
"Then you don't have to worry. Adam will find her. He'll help you figure this out. In the meantime, we'll all be here for you. And I'm thinking I might be able to include Jake in that promise since he's already playing Santa Claus for you."
"He's doing it for the kids."
Keira laughed and rolled her eyes. "Not a chance. He's doing it for you." She paused. "What's he going to get in return?"
"A date. That's right, I had to agree to a date to get him to play Santa Claus."
"Well, that should be fun."
"Will it be fun? Or will I be opening a door that should stay locked?"
"It doesn't have to be that dramatic."
"It doesn't have to be," she agreed. "But somehow I think it will be. Because that man…he gets under my skin, Keira. I should hate him. And I do hate him. But I also kind of like him. Oh," she groaned. "Why does he have to be nice now? Why does he have to b
e so damn good-looking? Why couldn't he have gained a hundred pounds or lost his hair or broken his gorgeous face?"
Keira laughed. "Because then it would be too easy. Frankly, I think it's good you have to deal with him. Ever since he came back, you've barely dated anyone. Everyone is so boring to you. Jake is not boring, and maybe you have unfinished business."
"I'm not sure I want to finish it."
"Well, one way or another, I think you're going to have to."
Chapter Nine
Jake had more fun than he would have thought playing Santa Claus, and he had to admit he was happy to see the annoyance on his dad's face when he finally showed up and realized who had taken over his role. He took a break to remove the costume while his dad went to talk to Hannah. When he was back in his street clothes, he left Santa's house and the costume inside and walked over to the toy booth. His father, who had been hovering nearby, gave him a brief nod, which he returned, and then his dad went to change.
Brett was playing in the back of the booth with a sleepy golden retriever, who belonged to one of the other elves, while Hannah and Keira were spreading holiday cheer with their goodie bags.
"Can I help?" he asked.
"You've done enough," Hannah told him quickly. "Thank you for playing Santa."
"It wasn't bad. I made some mental notes on some of the Christmas wishes. I jotted them down on a piece of paper that I left in Santa's house. Some of the kids were vague, but there were a few who were very specific. I'm not sure what you can do with them."
"We'll share the wishes with the parents."
"Nice job," Keira put in, a twinkle in her eyes. "I never thought I'd see you stepping into your dad's shoes."
"I prefer to think of them as Santa's shoes."
"Either way," Keira said with a laugh, as she moved away to talk to some friends and their kids.
"It was nice to have you step in for your dad," Hannah said. "I think Davis was a little stunned that you'd agreed."
He shrugged. "I don't really care what he thinks."
She frowned. "I wish you two could get along."
Just One Kiss: A heartwarming Christmas romance (Whisper Lake Book 4) Page 8
