Page 14 of Doctor Clause

“No,” Tommy replied. “I’d just flip through it and then toss it. It’s not worth wasting money. If you want to do something for me, do it for everyone. We are all on the same journey, going to the same destination, and taking the same boring route getting there.”

Tommy was beyond his years in wisdom.

He glanced over the boy once more. “It was nice to meet you, Tommy. I hope we can talk again some time.”

“You!” Jordan exclaimed from the doorway, before strutting in like a runway model. “What are you doing here? Where is Leeona?”

“I don’t know,” Stephen said, pointing. “But you are just the person I wanted to see.”

Jordan’s newly pencilled-on eyebrows arched. “I am?”

“You are,” he replied. “Come with me.”

“Ha-ha,” Jordan chuckled. “I thought you’d never ask.” He walked quickly, taking small steps while keeping up to the doctor leading the way. “Where, exactly, are we going?”

“To the parking garage.” Hands folded together after pushing the button for sub-level one. “This way.” One hand motioned for the orderly to exit the elevator first.

“This is all so sudden,” Jordan said. “I wasn’t expecting this sort of invitation. Are you sure I’m the one you need?”

“Quite,” he replied. The back hatch of his Jeep opened, both arms reaching in. “Here. What do you think?”

“Ducks?” Jordan said. “They are adorable, but I’m not sure why you are giving them to me. Roses might be a better touch.”

“What would kids do with roses?” he snapped.

“Oh. Ohh.” Jordan’s mouth remained open. “You want to give these to the kids to play with. I get you.” He nodded, cracking a half-smile. “S. Clause to the rescue.”

“It’s not like that,” he huffed. “I was going to toss these out anyway. I just figured, before going to the landfill, maybe someone else could make use of them.” He glanced away. “Do you think the kids would want them?”

“Heck yeah,” Jordan answered. “They will love them. Believe it or not, their wish lists are pretty tame. Trust me, I’ve seen them. Anything will bring a smile to those little faces.” The box juggled in his arms. “You’re okay, Dr. Clause.” The box lifted. “I’ll go drop these off at the nurses’ station.”

“Thanks,” he mumbled. “I have work to do.”

And a certain mom to find.

Chapter Eleven

Stephen

Not a single word. He never heard hide nor hair from her for the entire day and he’d been waiting so patiently.

Maybe the deal was off, if that was possible at this point. He’d already watched quite the show. But he hadn’t touched her, yet. The part of him twitching in his pants wasn’t content with leaving things like that. He wanted her. There was no doubt about it. What started out as a joke was now the very fantasy he’d been deep down inside hoping for.

Still, there were so many morally grey areas involved in this relationship.

He paused briefly at the hotel’s main entrance before heading in.

Was this a relationship? If not, what was it? How long would it continue? How far would they go? After the photos were taken, was she going to dump him?

One foot tapped on the tiled floor. A prickly sensation ran up his spine. What if she was there? His heart hammered in his chest. What if she wasn’t?

There was only one way to find out.

Ding.

The elevator ride was longer than he remembered it being. Anticipation flip-flopped between a sense of urgency and one of pure dread. Not knowing was slowly eating away at him. The moment the ride was finished, there was a mad dash to the suite, stopping only for a moment to catch his breath before entering.

“You’re here,” he said, cracking a smile.

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