Just One Kiss (Whisper Lake #4) - Barbara Freethy Page 0,30
worry about them. They could just have fun, and that's what they did. They'd gone on hikes and boat trips. They'd spent hours swimming in the lake. He'd taught her how to snowboard and helped her take her skiing to a new level. He'd pushed her out of her comfort zone, and in some ways, she'd done the same for him.
While he excelled in physical activities, Hannah brought a whole new dimension of intelligence and curiosity to his world. She read endless books and talked about science and wanted to learn everything that she could. When she'd passed books onto him, he'd thought he'd pretend to read them, but once he started, he couldn't stop. It was ironic that the books she lent him had actually inspired him to leave Whisper Lake, to see the world, to have his own adventures.
He knew she'd had some adventures, too. She'd left the lake and moved to Denver to go to college and nursing school. She'd built a life for herself outside of this small town, and while he didn't know much about that life, except what he'd heard from their friends, he wanted to know more. But mostly he just wanted to know her again.
Being with her last night—actually talking to her, eating a meal with her, helping her—had reminded him of how good they'd once been. He'd messed it all up, and his actions that night were the biggest regret of his life. But he didn't want to keep going back there. He wanted to move forward.
He'd put the ball in her court, but that didn't mean he wouldn't make a few plays of his own…starting now.
As he walked under a vine-covered archway leading into the North Pole, he saw Hannah and Brett coming in through the opposite arch. His body tightened as his gaze ran down her body, and the very sexy red and green elf costume she had on that consisted of a fur-lined short dress, white tights, and furry boots.
When she saw him, she froze, her hesitation obvious. He did not want to go back to the place where she ran out of the room as soon as he entered, and it looked like that might be happening. But then Brett saw him and sparkled with joy. He let go of Hannah's hand and ran straight to him.
He caught the little boy and lifted him high into his arms, as they exchanged a happy smile.
"I'm going to see Santa tonight," Brett told him.
"That's cool. What are you going to ask him for?"
"I can't tell you. It's a secret."
"Got it."
"But I've been really good, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my present."
Jake looked over at Hannah, seeing a mix of emotions in her eyes. He was actually glad to see more than anger there. It felt like progress.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Hannah said. "You usually avoid the North Pole."
"It's not the North Pole I avoid. It's Santa."
"I know."
"Why don't you want to see Santa?" Brett asked curiously, reminding Jake that this kid picked up on everything.
"It's not important." He turned back to Hannah. "Did you get your car back?"
"Yes. Thanks for calling Juan. He delivered it to me with a new tire. I owe you for that."
"It's not important."
"But I will pay," she said firmly.
"Sure. Whatever you want. What's your job tonight?"
"I'm in the toy booth." She tipped her head toward the booth where Keira Blake was setting up goodie bags. "We're giving out small toys to all the kids who visit with Santa and get their picture taken. No one goes home empty-handed."
"That's nice."
As he finished speaking, Keira came over to join them. She was an attractive brunette with dark hair and eyes, and she was wearing a similar costume to the one Hannah had on.
"Santa has beautiful elves," he said.
Keira gave him a curious smile. "Thanks, Jake. Who's this little guy?"
"This is Brett," he said, turning his gaze to Hannah to fill in the blanks.
"Brett is my nephew," she told Keira.
Keira's eyes widened. "Your nephew?"
"He's Kelly's son," Hannah explained. "He's staying with me for a few days."
"Well, that's…interesting," Keira said. "Even more interesting to see you and Jake having a cordial conversation—actually, any kind of conversation at all."
"Tis the season for conversations," he said lightly.
Hannah shrugged at Keira's enquiring gaze. "What he said."
"Okay. I'm going to need more details later," Keira said.
"Is that a reindeer?" Brett asked, pointing to the barn.
"It is," Keira said. "Would you like to meet Rudolph?"