Page 19 of Fake Dating the SEAL
“Blue?” Kenny frowned.
Sara nodded. “Every tree in the hotel, and there are a lot of them, all of them have different themes. Sometimes it’s scenic, like Santa and his workshop, or everything beachy, but there’s always colors too.” Her cheeks tugged at the corners of her mouth. “And as it just so happens, I know where the blue tree is.” Hurrying back across the lobby again, she stopped at the entrance to the ladies room. “Hand me your phone.”
Nodding, he extended his hand, a sparkling smile taking over his face.
In another minute she’d photographed the tree and handing him back his phone, leaned against him to read the list.Shoulders pressing, she momentarily forgot why she was standing so close. The man had arms like steel.
“They’ve definitely shifted into the holiday mood. Santa’s favorite helper.” His brows pleated and deep lines formed between his brows. “I don’t remember seeing anything with elves. Or anything that looks like elves.”
He had her there. She didn’t know of anything with elves at all. Except for when the season was in full swing, then the Santa’s Village had human elves, but they weren’t set up yet.
“I’m stumped.” Kenny shook his head.
“What if it’s not an elf?”
His brows shot up. “Then who?” His eyes darted left and right, then up and down as if doing an eye exam. Lifting his hand, he snapped his fingers. “Mrs. Claus?”
It came out more like a question, but it was the hint she needed. “Of course.”
Scurrying behind her, despite his height, he actually had to scramble to catch up. “Of course what?”
“Santa’s Village.” She pointed ahead to an area behind the pool. “They take half the tennis courts and set up a Santa’s village every year. It’s almost ready.”
“I haven’t been to this part of the resort.”
“Of course you haven’t. Otherwise, you’d remember this.” Pleased with herself, she pointed to the sign announcing the impending arrival of the village. A life size Mrs. Claus happily smiling at the guests.
“You, Miss Alani, are a genius.”
“I don’t know about that, but there’s a lot to be said for this teamwork thing.”
They practically jogged back to the activities table. The young attendant’s eyes widened as she reviewed their photos and checklist. “Congratulations! Not only are you our winners, but you’ve set a new record for completion time.” She promptlyhanded over an embossed envelope. “This will be valid any time in the next thirty days.”
“Thank you.” Their two voices tumbled over each other.
Kenny tucked the prize into his pocket, then gestured toward the front doorway. “So, when do you want to do this lovely dinner?”
Right now rushed to mind. Not too pushy. “Any night off will be great.”
His head bobbed once and reaching his car, he opened the door for her. “Would tonight be too soon?”
“Tonight?” Had he read her mind?
“We can wait if you’d prefer?”
“No,” she shook her head, “tonight would be great. I don’t always know when I’m going to get a night off, or pick up extra shifts.”
“Great.” He closed the door and circled the hood, taking his seat on the driver’s side. “I’ll drop you off, come back to shower and change, and call for reservations.”
“Perfect. Just let me know what time you’ll be picking me up.”
On the drive home, the sun still shone in the sky. Bright, warm, and a happy yellow. In an odd way, at this moment, she felt as happy as the sun. “Thank you. That was way more fun than I expected.”
“It was, wasn’t it?” His lips curled in the slightest of smiles.
When he pulled up to her parents’ house, she spotted the curtains twitch. “And here we go.”
Kenny’s gaze followed hers, and with that keen eye for observation, he no doubt saw what she’d seen. “Showtime.”
