Page 35 of Festive Faking
It was a simple embrace, platonic even, but this type of human connection wasn’t something I experienced much.
Typically, women only got close to me for two things: sex and money. Once they made it into my bed, they expected to be showered with fancy gifts or, better yet, that I would be so hypnotized by their pussy I’d put a ring on their finger and they’d have a first-class ticket to Easy Street.
Aspen’s eyes might’ve flared with interest both last night and this morning, but she kept fighting the attraction swirling between us. It wasn’t her end goal for us to wind up tangled in the sheets. Not by a long shot. And if we ever did manage to make it to that point, I knew there would be no ulterior motives.
I wasn’t sure how long we sat there on the cold hardwood, clinging to each other, but eventually, we broke apart.
It felt like Aspen took a piece of me when she withdrew. If I didn’t know any better, I would say it was my heart.
Clearing my throat, I tugged on my T-shirt. “Guess I better get dressed.”
“Right.” She scrambled to her feet. “Think you can be ready in ten?”
The moment was too emotionally charged, and it scared the hell out of me that I couldn’t name the feelings rising within me.
So, it was all too easy to fall back on humor as a deflection technique.
“Shouldn’t be a problem. Got my shower in last night.” I tossed her a wink, and the resulting groan that sounded had me chuckling.
Aspen probably forgot about that hug the minute the cabin door slammed shut, but I wouldn’t forget it for so long as I lived.
“Oh, thank goodness you’re finally here.” Daisy rushed toward us as soon as we arrived at Canyon Comforts, the diner set on Main Street.
Several other volunteers were bustling about the establishment, laying out festive place settings on the tables, stuffing goodie bags, and stapling together seasonal coloring sheets to occupy the children while they awaited their breakfast.
Aspen looked at her mother in confusion. “You said to be here at ten. We’re five minutes early.”
“We have a problem.” She blew out an exasperated breath.
“What kind of problem?” I interjected.
She peeked up at me. “Actually, I was kinda hoping you might be the solution.”
“Me?” My brows rose as I pointed a finger toward my chest.
“Cody came down with the flu,” she explained like I was supposed to have any idea who Cody was or why it was an issue that he was sick.
“Oh no.” Aspen stared at Daisy with wide eyes. “You’re not thinking—”
Daisy didn’t let her finish her sentence. “We need a Santa.”
I didn’t skip a beat. “You got the suit here?”
Aspen’s mouth dropped open as she gawked at me. “Mac, you don’t have to do this.”
I huffed in mock indignation. “You would have me deny the children the joy of enjoying a meal with their favorite fictional Christmas character?”
She was fighting hard to keep from rolling her eyes at me in front of an audience, but there was the tiniest twitch of her lips, so I leaned into my dramatic performance.
“What if . . .” I let out an exaggerated gasp. “What if they think Santa’s put them on the naughty list and that’s why he stood them up?” The show-worthy shudder came next. “Aspen, honey, I simply couldn’t live with myself if I had the power to make all their holiday dreams come true but instead stood idly by, watching on in silence as they were crushed to smithereens.”
“Why do I get a feeling this is going to be an event this town never forgets?” she remarked wryly, face tilted toward the ceiling to hide her smile.
“Because it features me. Duh.” My playful scoff had several of the ladies stifling giggles.
Flashing Daisy my most charming grin, I leaned in conspiratorially. “I sure hope you’ve got that suit because if not, I’m gonna feel just the teensiest bit silly for that display I put on for your daughter.”
Aspen’s mom looped an arm around mine, leading me away, but not before she called out over her shoulder, “You better hold onto this one.”
