Page 33 of Holiday Hook Up

“Then let’s do it! On your mark.” He jumped off the stage. “Get set. Go!”

And with that, the kids began to make their cards. Several parents came over, sharing how much they appreciated Adam and Bethany getting fully into character, and joined in on the fun.

Bethany stopped by each and every table, snapping several pictures, including many with Adam and the kids. She promised the parents she’d load them up to her website tonight so they could easily be downloaded.

In no time, the kids had created colorful masterpieces.

“That was a brilliant idea to make Christmas cards for the residents at the senior center.” Adam came up to her and patted her back.

She reached up and straightened his hat. “You sure look like you’re having fun.”

He gazed over to a table filled with kids and then turned to Bethany. “It’s funny. One minute I tell people like Caitlin that I’m ready to settle down and have children, and then the next, I flip-flop and freak out when I’m around my buddies, admitting I’m not ready.” He paused, adding, “It doesn’t feel so scary. I think I might be able to handle parenthood.”

Bethany smiled, knowing exactly what he meant. She’d often wondered if she was ready to be a mom. “So I guess we should wrap up. I’ll collect the cards.” She started to move toward the tables, but Adam pulled her back.

“Not so fast, Bethany the Elf. We’re not done.” He looped his arm into hers and brought her back on stage. “Okay, recruits, it’s time to bring up your cards. Once you do, I’ll show you the secret elf hand shake and you will be an official Santa’s elf.”

That announcement got all the kids on their feet, and they raced up to the front, eager to give Bethany their cards and shake Adam’s hand. She beamed down at the colorful artwork.

“There’s one last thing,” Adam said, once all the kids had returned to their seats. He reached for her hand and got down on his knee again. “Bethany, will younowmarry me?”

Bethany glanced down at Adam, trying her best to keep her hand from shaking. He’d forgotten to add “the Elf” to her name.

“Yes, I will marry you, Adam the Elf.” And that statement set off fireworks inside her.

“She said, ‘yes!’” Adam stood and pulled her into an embrace as the kids and parents cheered and clapped.

Bethany took in his spicy scent, hugging him back.Christmas spirit back on!

At that moment, one kid shouted for Adam to kiss her, which led to giggles all around.

Bethany smiled at the kids but shook her head. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

“Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.” The kids chanted with obvious help from their parents who quickly joined in.

Adam put both hands on her shoulders and lowered his head. “How about a quick one?”

Bethany locked eyes with him. What was happening? Kissing Adam the Elf would certainly top off her perfect evening. She lowered her lids while reality simultaneously set in.

Adam can’t kiss me!

There was no way she could let him do it and risk that he might realize she was the mystery blonde he’d made out with at the Holiday Hook Up.

Snap out of it now!Bethany turned her head, and Adam’s lips hit her cheek. She stepped back and looked away, not sure what to do. The man of her dreams had attempted to kiss her—not some pretty blonde stranger—but her, Bethany Wilson. “I . . . um . . . yeah,” she stammered.

If Adam was even half as rattled as she was, he didn’t show it. “Thanks for being a good sport, LB,” he said, and tugged her ponytail before jumping off the stage.

“Anytime,” Bethany called out, completely dumbfounded as she watched him play with the kids. Did Adam Reed just attempt to kiss her?

Adam tightenedhis white robe and followed the two massage therapists down the softly illuminated hall, adding a little saunter to his step. What a fun night. He’d really enjoyed getting into character and hamming it up with the kids.

Although what insanity had taken ahold of him at the very end? To lean down and attempt to kiss Bethany like he did. What a dumb ass move.

And she obviously thought so, too. Her tilting her head at the last minute was a huge signal that she hadn’t been down with it.

He’d gotten way too carried away with their role-play. That was all.

He stopped short of the closed door. Would everything be cool between them? The last thing he wanted to do was wreck their friendship, but attempting to kiss her may have done that. He turned to the two massage therapists who had introduced themselves as Jillian and Brooke. “Hey, ladies. Do you mind giving Bethany and me a few minutes alone?”

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