Page 31 of Chasing Mr. December

I spin to find Jason staring down at me. I could drown in those ocean blue eyes. They’re so magnetic, I’m almost too distracted to notice his beautifully tattooed chest and arms.

Almost.

“I know how busy you are. There’s so much happening, and you’re probably putting out your own fires left and right. I just wanted to make sure I told you how amazing you are. You should be really proud of yourself.” He looks left and right and shakes his head in awe. “This is phenomenal. You’re phenomenal.”

“Oh, stop.” A blush warms my cheeks.

“Can I meet you here for the tree lighting later? I’d really like to see you and talk before I head back home.”

Back home.My heart physically aches at the statement. My inside voice screaming, I don’t want you to go. Schooling my features, I try not to let my feelings show. “Of course. I’d love that.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting with hot cocoa by the tree to celebrate your accomplishments.”

“Extra marshmallows?”

“Is there any other way?” He chuckles before heading back to his post, “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls playing in the distance.

Even with the use of the golf cart, all of this walking has done a number on me. I can barely put one foot in front of the other.Just a few more hours, and I’m taking a hot soak and a three-day nap.

I head over to the front table to ensure the volunteers have all the information they need to announce the winners of the duck race.

“Yes. We’re all set. This event was incredible, Quinn. I hope you’ll keep this going next year.”

“I’m hoping next year we can open the Winter Village and do the tree lighting as Magnolia Point’s official start to the holiday season, and then have the Bathtub Party Day events close the festival on the fifth. It will extend the time tourists can visit Magnolia Point.”

“That’s a great idea. Oh, I have to run. I’m supposed to grab my grandkids after the tree lighting to watch them tonight.”

Tree lighting.

Looking at my watch, I gasp. I need to get a move on, or I’ll miss it. Turning to climb into the golf cart, I find nothing but a gravel path. Looking around, I don’t see it anywhere. Am I losing it? Then it hits me. Had those rowdy boys from earlier absconded with it?

I angrily get on the radio, asking security to investigate its whereabouts, giving them as much detail of the two boys I’d spotted earlier as I can remember. Once I’m done, I look up to find I’m all alone. The surrounding area is quiet and still.Everyone must be at the tree lighting.Looking at my watch, I realize it started over twenty minutes ago.

Now what am I going to do? I’ll never make it down there before it’s over. My feet are so sore I can barely stand, much less run. Allof a sudden, my eyes land on that trolley. But Charlie’s nowhere in sight.

This is stupid, Quinn. Like, the dumbest idea you’ve ever had.But I can’t miss him. I attempt to make a dash for the trolley parked only a few feet away, but each step feels like I’m walking on broken bones. Once I finally step inside and take a seat, I take inventory of the switches and levers. What am I doing? If I can even figure out how to start the thing, I could get someone killed.

Placing my foot on the brake, I turn the key and slowly lift my foot off of the pedal. The trolley starts to move in a jerky fashion. The path is all downhill. I just need to keep it straight and let my foot hover over the brake. If need be, I’ll blow the horn if anyone is near the path.Is there a horn?That’s right, there’s a bell. Who knows where that is?

Suddenly, the old trolley is picking up speed. My heart’s in my throat as it dashes down the dirt road along the river, “Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis Group playing on the radio.

I just need to get there before it’s over. And not take out the tree.

And half the town.

Chapter 21

Quinn

Jumping from the trolley, I thank heaven I managed to get it down the hill in one piece as I run as fast as my battered feet will carry me to the site of the tree lighting.

But it’s too late.

The large tree is brightly lit, and while some couples and families remain, there’s no sign of Jason. My heart is beating so fast I have to bend forward, rubbing concentric circles over my chest in an attempt to take a full breath. Once my breathing slows, I meander about the Winter Village, hoping against hope he’s still here. I’m so upset by how this day ended that I push through the pain. I barely notice my feet, my heart hurts so much more.

Most of the stalls are closed up for the night. Waving goodbye to a few merchants carrying boxes and overstuffed crates of unsold items in their arms, I notice Layton and John walking in my direction. “Hey, guys. Have you seen Jason?” I can’t help butwonder if he took his dad back home before packing up the rest of his things. My heart is heavy just thinking about it. Could he really be leaving tomorrow?

“No, Quinn.” Layton looks concerned. “I think he might already be gone. He got a phone call just before making a point to say goodbye to each of us. Hell, I’m really going to miss that guy.”

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