the way back to the library office. The event ran longer than I planned, both because Teddy was a chattier Santa than I expected and because we had a huge line of kids. Seems there were a lot of parents in Reindeer Falls hoping their kid would tell Santa what they were hoping to find in their stockings come Christmas morning.
“Uh, I’ll keep that in mind.” Teddy looks like he’s fighting a grin. “I was thinking I’d take a bit of time off this month, but it’s good to know I’ve got options.”
He’s removed the Santa hat and beard as we approached the office, ripping the mustache off with a quick rip, like removing a Band-Aid.
“It’s good money,” I add, a little annoyed with his attitude. He’s being a little selective for someone without a job. “The A-list Santas are paid more than I am.”
“A-list Santas? Did you really just say that?” His eyes twinkle in amusement and I wonder yet again how it’s possible for someone to look attractive in a Santa suit, complete with a fake Santa pot belly.
“We’re in Reindeer Falls. Of course I just said that. There are more full-time Santas employed in Reindeer Falls than anywhere else in the world.”
“Is that so?” He smiles at me and it feels like seduction. I’m not sure how he’s not confusing every woman he comes in contact with, with those smiles. Come hither, they say. Ugh, shameless flirt, I remind myself. It’s second nature for him. Hell, I just watched him charm a bunch of kids—in a non-creepy way—like it was nothing. This is just who he is.
“It is,” I confirm. “Reindeer Falls fun fact.”
He nods. “I’ve been away too long. I’ve forgotten all the fun facts.”
“What is it that you do, normally? When you’re not taking time off,” I add. Which is rather polite of me, I think. Or passive-aggressive. Take your pick.
He gives me a sideways glance before answering. “Investment banking.”
“Investment banking,” I repeat, unsure of what to make of that. When Jillian said he was unemployed I imagined… actually I’m not sure what I imagined. A drummer probably. How cliché of me. “Is it hard to find a job in investment banking?”
“Not really, no. But I’ve been self-employed for some time now.”
Hmph, that’s a nice spin for unemployment.
“Okay, well, this is prime season in Reindeer Falls and the A-list Santas are very well paid. I can put in a good word for you with a few people if you like. One Santa goes down with the flu and everyone in town is scrambling for a decent replacement.”
“You’d do that for me, Noel?”
“Sure,” I answer, unsure if he’s amused or touched by my offer. But then he’s reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and I nearly forget how to breathe. His fingertip brushes my earlobe and it’s all I can do not to visibly shudder. I’m not imagining this either. He’s standing all of six inches from me, way, way past an appropriately friendly distance. He’s in kissing range, for sure. And his body language is more than friendly. Definite vibes happening.
He leans in a fraction farther and I think he’s going to kiss me, but he doesn’t.
A beat, and I’m sure we’re both thinking about it, but I’m waiting on him to pull the kiss trigger.
“Noel, would you have dinner with me?” he asks instead.
You know, the thing is, maybe Jillian is wrong about her brother? I mean, I don’t have a brother myself but I’m sure if I did I’d think he was undateable too.
Gah, no!
What is wrong with me? Why am I attracted to the one guy I was warned away from? Do I have a bad-boy complex I was previously unaware of? Then again, would it be so terrible to have a little fling with a bad boy? It’s not like I have anything else on my Christmas list. And it’s not like he’s that bad. He’s not even in a band.
It’s just dinner, Noel. Way to jump the gun. But still, bad idea.
“Err”—I force myself to look away before I’m seduced by his come-hither sexy eyes and make bad choices—“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not hungry.” That was a solid excuse. Awkward, but solid.
“Hot chocolate then.” He hasn’t moved. He’s still standing close enough that if I moved my head back and he just bent his a little bit our lips would damn near be touching. “Come on, Noel. I’ve been a good