Page 21 of Chasing Mr. December

I practically throw myself at this dear old man. I had no idea how important this was until I saw it sitting in his driveway. But it’s been a staple in this town for so long, especially around the holidays. Hopefully, we can lure many new faces to our seaside town by adding the trolley to the brochures and website.

The following week, I’m at the station as the next set of photoshoots come to a wrap. Everything has gone so well. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. Jason’s been on duty here with John and Layton as the photographer snapped photos of Baxter, Mary, and Pete. Unlike the first shoot, he’s come outside to watch for the majority of the afternoon.

In my excitement, I walk over to him, feeling a little over-confident. “Come on, that wasn’t so bad. Just say yes, so we can make you Mr. December.” I’m surprised at the electricity I feel as I playfully place my palm on his chest.

I can feel him bristle before he steps back. “Are you deaf? I said no.” He shoves my hand away as if it’s molten lava. “Back the fuck off,” he snaps.

Layton takes a few thunderous steps toward Jason, looking homicidal. “Now listen, that’s entirely uncalled for—”

“No, Layton,” I interrupt. “It’s okay.” Try as I might, my body betrays my hurt, the words coming out broken, my lips quivering. “He’s right. He’s made his stance clear, and I had no right to push him.” As if the broken cadence of my voice isn’t bad enough, my limbs start to tremble. I have to get out of here. “I need to go. Call me if you need anything.”

“Quinn, I—”

Without staying long enough for Jason to finish his sentence, I rapidly gather my things and make it to the car, hoping I’ll makeit home before falling apart. There’s no way I’m allowing him to see me cry.

Once home, I drop my head into my hands and allow the tears to fall. I completely get why he’s bitter. He doesn’t want to be here. And I’m little more than a reminder of all the pain he’s suffered.

However, it’s no excuse. He didn’t have to behave that way. Swiping my tears away, I lift my chin and try to focus on the things I can control. I have a job to do. If only it didn’t have to come down to this.

Constantly chasing one icy Mr. December.

Jason

Lying in my bed, staring at the ceiling, I can’t seem to rid my mind of the hurt look on Quinn’s face. Layton gave me an earful about the work she’s doing to repair the reputation of this fire department, raising funds, supporting the animal shelter, and the whole damn town, for that matter. Regardless of the TED Talk, I knew it was wrong.

I’d never tolerate any of my brothers in Sycamore treating someone that way. So why would I behave that way toward anyone here? None of this is her fault. Is it purely her last name that’s affecting me, or is it that I’m increasingly more annoyed by this insane attraction I feel whenever she’s around? Between her enticing scent and the frisson of lust from her hand on my chest, I felt unhinged.

It’s late, but not late enough I can’t do the right thing. After messaging Layton for Quinn’s address, explaining I need to apologize in person, I head for her apartment. Once I arrive, Itake a breath and walk to her door. I should’ve rehearsed what to say.Just be honest, jackass.I’ve barely knocked once before the door swings wide, and Ian storms out onto the porch. And he’s hot.

“Listen, dickwad, it’s clear you’re holding on to years of rage. Take your fucking anger out on me, not her.” He thrusts his thumb toward his chest. “My sister’s never hurt a soul. If you ever upset her again, I’ll end you. You got it?”

But before I can answer him, he storms off, leaving me to look up at Nigel. Had word traveled that fast that her whole family needed to console her? Because deep down, I don’t believe Quinn would’ve told anyone. Except maybe her friend, Callie.

Nigel comes closer. “She can’t come to the door right now. We came by to bring her dinner for her birthday and could tell she’d been crying. Once Ian spoke with a few of the guys at the station… well, I’m not sure what’s going on, but you’re better than this, Jason.”

Fuck!

“Yes, sir. I’m really sorry. I know she’s just trying to do her job. I need to apologize. Could you please tell her I came by?”

And with a curt nod, he shuts the door.

It was bad enough the way I snapped at her. But on her fucking birthday.Can I be a bigger asshole?

I need to put this anger behind me once and for all. Because lashing out isn’t hurting the ones who caused me pain. Only that beautiful, sweet, innocent girl… Scratch that, a sweet innocent woman. A woman that’s too young and kind for the likes of me.

Chapter 15

Jason

“Hey, man. You got a minute?” Layton asks as I scroll mindlessly through social media on my phone. My mind flashes back to my behavior recently, and I stiffen. How angry he was for the way I treated Quinn. And he had every right to react the way he did.

“Daphne packed some extra brisket tacos if you want to join me.” He points over his shoulder to his office. I feel like a calf being led to slaughter, but I need to face this like a man. And no way can I resist brisket tacos.

Layton lifts his cooler onto the office desk and starts unpacking the containers of tacos, pineapple, and tortilla chips.

“Man, your girl is a keeper!” I rub my palms together in eager anticipation. “This is amazing.”

“She definitely is. I fought hard to get her back. And I’ll never take a single day for granted.”

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