Page 20 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

"Oh, I don't want a photo with him," she said, still chuckling. She pulled out her phone and pulled it up. "Smile because this is totally going to make your sister's day."

I could hear the phone beep, and Thomassnorted next to me.

I rolled my eyes. "It's part of our Christmas agreement with the town this year. It won't be happening again. So, get the laughs out now because you'll never see this again."

"See, that is where you are wrong." She waved her phone. "I get to look at this whenever I want." She looked over towards where Ayden and Wendy stood happily, welcoming the children. Parents were helping kids onto Ayden's lap and snapping photos. Laughter filled the space. " And I wouldn't say that you won't be doing this again. Your boss looks pretty happy over there."

Thomas and I both looked because it was a fear of ours. He could see Wendy making it happen every year if they liked it too much. Wendy had made sure that they were all more involved with the pack over the years. She explained it was important that all of them were as trustworthy and hard-working as Ayden.

"So, how long are you guys stuck here?"

"We have shifts," I said. "Thomas and I are here, Miles and Lucas are on the other side, and Owen is at the exit."

I watched as her eyes sparkled, taking the names in.

"We are going to have lunch in about a half hour. I can meet you.."

Before I could finish, someone threw their arm around my neck. "Who do we have here?"

Riley's eyes flickered around, and I realized Thomas, Owen, Miles, and Lucas had all moved closer.

"This is Riley," I explained. "Riley, this is Thomas, Owen, Miles, and Lucas. Weslie is out on vacation. They all work at the fire station with me."

Riley gave them a soft smile. "Nice to meet you all."

"So, you grew up with Cayden? Does that mean you know all his deep, dark secrets?" Miles asked, stepping closer to her. "You can tell me."

I rolled my eyes. "And this is why I didn't introduce you to anyone."

Riley laughed. "I have nothing to share."

"Are you sure? Nothing at all?"

Riley looked at me, and I quickly decided to change the subject. "How about I meet you in the food court in twenty minutes? We should be taking a lunch break."

Riley nodded, still smiling as she looked at the others. "It was nice meeting you all. Have fun."

Riley turned and started to walk towards the food area. She peeked back a few times, still laughing as she moved.

Thomas elbowed me. "So, what gives? She’s your sister’s friend? That’s it?"

I felt my heart skip a beat. "Yeah, that's it."

About half an hour later, we took a break for lunch. I left the makeshift village and made my way to the food area. I spotted her standing near a bush, flipping through her phone. I walked towards Riley, who smirked as she spotted me walking towards her. I stopped in front of her. "Are you going to laugh every time you see me?"

She nodded. "I am because it's just too perfect." She reached up, her fingers pulling at the hat that I had on. She didn't press against me, but I could feel the heat radiating off her, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Your hat was coming off."

I stared into her eyes, aching to have her. Her eyes stared back at me, and I swallowed. "Thanks."

I shook my head and pointed. "Let's hit the food. I'm starving." Riley nodded, walking with me.

We stopped and grabbed some hot chocolate and burgers. After we finished eating, we walked around, enjoying the sights. It wasn't too cold outside today, so the festival went extremely well.

Kids watched as I walked by, and I knew the others likely had the same problem. A little girl squealed with her mother, and Riley chuckled. "You guys are a big hit."

I glanced at Riley. "Oh, are we?"

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