Page 42 of The Santa Rules
“What’s wrong, sweetie?”
“I need a hug, but you always say that’s not allowed. But you hugged me at my house, and my body feels like it needs a hug.” Her voice is small as she fidgets with her hands.
“We’re not supposed to, but I think one hug will be okay,” I say, pulling her against me. I try to make it a quick one, but she refuses to let go.
“I miss my mommy.”
Something cracks in my chest at her words. This is the first time I’ve seen the broken little girl grieving her mom, and I’m reminded more than ever how important my Santa lessons are.
——————
School is almost out for the day, and I head down the hallway to pick up my class from their elective when I spot a tall, dark, and handsome firefighter.
“Hey, you’re early. I thought we were meeting after school?” I say as I try my best not to check him out. You’re at work. His daughter’s school.Behave.
“I’m working some earlier shifts this week, so I thought I’d come up here and knock out some of the construction. Think Isaac would want to help?” he asks. There’s something off about his tone and demeanor, but I chalk it up to us being at the school. It’s not like we could just start groping each other here. That would be inappropriate, even if it’s taking everything in me not to do just that.
“Power tools aren’t really his thing. But he could design you anything on a computer.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for future projects,” he says with a mischievous smile. I wonder what that’s about?
“I wanted to tell you about something that happened in class today. We were coming up with elf names, and Avery got upset about a nickname her mom used to call her and mentioned missing her mom.”
He drags a hand through his stubble. “Shit, is she okay?”
“I think so, but I wanted to let you know.”
“What was the nickname?”
“I found out her name means ‘ruler of the elves’ and she told me her mom used to call her Elf Princess. It might explain why she got so upset about her elf not showing up.”
He mouths “Fuck” as he tugs on his neck and drops his eyes, a war of emotions on his face. “I messed up more than I realized.”
“It’s okay, we can fix this. You have me.”
His eyes flick up to mine, and he raises his eyebrows. “I’m really glad I went to that PTO meeting,” he says.
“Well, I’m glad Lefty decided to introduce herself to you, but I could’ve done without the bladder infection.”
He chuckles, his gaze roaming down to my chest.
“I also learned that your name means ‘bold’ or ‘brave,’ by the way, and I thought it was very fitting for you, considering what you do,” I say.
“You looked up my name?” he asks, as the corner of his mouth lifts.
“I looked up a lot of names,” I say, suddenly full of nervous energy. Why do I want to impress him so much?
The office door opens behind him and a student walks out, breaking the moment.
Hardy hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to get started before school lets out. Are we still meeting in your room after?”
“Actually, I thought I might take Avery shopping to cheer her up and pick up something for your next Santa lesson. Can Isaac hang out with you for a little bit?”
“He can. Let me give you some money so you can get what you need.” He reaches for his wallet and hands me a wad of cash.
Fanning out the bills, I decide to have a little fun with him. I can tell something is up. It feels like he’s pulling back fromour connection, and I’m determined to loosen him up. “Hmm, the pet food might cost a little more.”
He quirks a brow. “I don’t like the sound of that. I want it on record that I’m opting out of pets on our Santa tier.”
