Page 20 of Playful Kris

“I do, and I’ve been burnt too many times by men to even consider being serious at this point in my life.” She shakes her head, moving for one of the tables that have already been broken down and folded so it’s easier to load. “Relationships are just drama, and constantly having to wonder what your significant other is doing is more energy than I’m willing to give right now.”

“That makes sense, too.” It’s kind of how I feel, but I also have deeper rooted issues than just a few bad relationships.

We work in silence for the next few minutes, loading the tables into the trailer then I help her shut the door and slide the latch in place.

“Well,” she turns to face me, wiping her hands on her jeans, “it was nice to meet you…” she trails off and I realize we never exchanged names.

“Kris.”

“Kris,” she repeats my name, holding her hand between us. I slide mine in hers and shake it. “I’m Becky.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smirk.

“Well, next time you’re in Birchwood, swing by the Chamber and maybe we can grab lunch or dinner.” She eyes me, and I know exactly what she’s wanting by suggestinglunchanddinner.

“Sure thing.” I drop her hand, and head in the direction of my car with a small wave.

It would have been easy for me to suggest we get that dinner right now, and I’m sure she would have taken me up on it.

Unfortunately for me though, I can’t quit thinking about the auburn beauty that’s been occupying my thoughts since she called me.

8

KAMERON

It took forever for the haunted house to get cleared out.

And even longer to get all the chairs and tables on our end of the event broken down.

Thankfully, most of the fire department has offered to help us load everything to get us out of here quicker. Based on the way Cora is tossing chairs into the trailer, she’s ready to be out of here too.

“Hi.”

I freeze for only a moment before spinning to face Damon. “Hi,” I repeat. “About earlier.”

“No need to explain.” He holds a hand up between us. “You’re taken, and I’d honestly expect nothing less of someone as beautiful as you.”

“That’s the thing.” I look into his eyes. “I’m not taken.”

His face changes, confusion clouding his eyes.

“The wedding he was referring to is his brother’s. Kris is…” I pause, wondering how I should word this. We were in a relationship, yes. But, could you really even call it that back then? And we haven’t talked in years. “We were friends in college.”

Realization dawns on Damon, and the smile that slips from his lips is breathtaking. He’s gorgeous, in a manly way. Even with all the blood covering him from the haunted house tonight.

“He’s actually doing me a favor by helping with the Christmas Bazaar, so I’m going to his brother’s wedding as his date, but non-date.” I laugh, brushing the hair out of my face that has fallen throughout the day. “If that makes any sense at all.”

“It does.” He takes the few chairs from my hands and carries them to the trailer while I grab another few and do the same.

He helps me inside, taking the ones in my arms and stacking them neatly before following me back out.

Cora meets me just outside the trailer with a smile as she glances behind me and sees Damon.

“Why don’t you head on out? You’ve done a lot today,” she tells me.

“You’re my ride home,” I remind her.

“Oh.” She places her palm against her forehead. “Duh. Sorry, um, I guess you could take my car?”

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