Page 56 of Never Sleigh Never
“Are you leaving? You just got here.”
“No. But it’s dark out.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I insist.”
“I—I can’t say no to that.” She spins on her stool toward me. Her knees brush against my thigh, and my pulse skitters. The dim lighting causes a twinkle to dance within her brown irises. “Sorry,” she murmurs before sliding off the stool.
We shrug into our coats. I toss a coaster over my beer, calling out to Sydney, “Be right back!” She smirks and nudges the other bartender, and I swear they’re both in on some kind of bet.
As I pass Frank, the stool next to him is still empty. “Hey Frank, I thought the missus was in the bathroom.” I nod to the empty stool next to him.
He shifts guiltily. “Oh. Um. She must have snuck out the bathroom window.”
I can’t fight the smile. “Not the first time, I’m guessing.” Jogging to catch up, I lean down so only Brie hears. “I think the whole bar’s conspiring against us.”
Her brows knit together. “Why do you say that?”
I shake my head. Maybe I’m imagining it. “It’s nothing.” I hold the door open for her, my arm brushing hers as the cold air slaps me awake. “Did you know there’s a reporter in town doing a story about Christmas festivals?”
“Yes!” Her eyes light up. “She’s only the editor of one of the largest Christmas magazines in the nation. I’ve been subscribing to it for years. If I can land an interview, it’ll seal the deal for the Mount Holly coordinator position.” When we reach her SUV, she unlocks it with the key fob.
“You’re applying for the job?”
She nods, back pressed against the door. “It’s what I’ve been working toward for eight years.”
“You’d be amazing at it.” She smiles at the compliment, and for one reckless second, I’m ready to close the distance between us—this time no snowbank, no interruptions. Just my lips on hers.
Instead, she whispers, “Thanks for walking me out.” She slips into her seat, starting the engine. With a look that’s equal parts warning and tease, she adds, “Just because we’re civil tonight doesn’t mean anything. I still hate you.”
A smile flirts on my lips. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Good. Then we’re on the same page.” She pauses, eyes catching mine again. “Oh—and that hug with Simon? Strictly festival business. He’s making me a custom drink.”
I’m such an idiot. “Good night, Brie.”
“Night, Logan.”
Her lavender scent lingers long after I close the door and the taillights disappear down the street. Somehow, one great night erases all the shit-tastic ones. Now with the Simon shit put to rest, perhaps we’re headed in the right direction of at least not hating each other. She says she still does, but I think that’s bullshit. And I’m going to prove it.
Twenty
Santa Stealer
Brie
“Brie! Come to my office.”
I groan, wanting to slam my forehead against my desk. What ridiculous task does she want today? Find a reindeer with an actual glowing red nose? I plaster on my fakest smile and step into her office. “Yes, Mrs. Kingsley?”
She taps her pen against her desk with all the subtlety of a ticking bomb. “I think we need a refresh in the Santa this year.”
My jaw drops. “You want to fire Mr. Bernstein? He’s been Santa for decades. He is the Holly Jolly Festival.”
“Exactly. Which is why we need something new.”
My chest constricts. “Okay, but don’t you think it’s a bit late? We kick off the Holly Jolly Festival in two days. Santa makes his first appearance in four. And you want a replacement now?”
