Spying Under the Mistletoe (Love Undercover #2) - Stina Lindenblatt Page 0,20
cheek. “Looks like you owe me a date.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” It’s the least I can do, especially if the vote goes in favor of the Christmas show.
Landon re-buttons his shirt, and we take our seats in the front row.
Tabitha walks up the stage steps and turns on the mike. “Hello, everyone,” she says in her take-charge voice, and everyone sits. “Thank you for coming tonight. We’ve got a busy agenda for this evening since we have to talk about a few fundraisers still planned for the school year. But first, I’d like to welcome Dalhousie Elementary’s newest teacher, Landon Reed.”
She points to where we’re sitting. Excited murmurs spread through the gym.
“Landon is covering for Mrs. Bryant’s kindergarten class while she is on maternity leave. First on our agenda is the Christmas show. Zoe is the one who usually organizes the event, but now that she’s away, we don’t have anyone with a theatrical background to do it. But Miss Reinhart has asked us to allow the kids to entertain the residents at Golden Sunshine Retirement Village during their Christmas party.
“Since we don’t have Zoe’s skills to help us with this, I thought we should put the idea to a vote first. Hands up if you believe we should risk the school’s reputation within the community and organize a Christmas show for the retirement home.”
Landon shoots up out of his seat. “That’s not entirely true about not having anyone with a theatrical background to help Chloe. I happen to know someone who might be willing to help.”
“You do?” I ask him, keeping my voice low so Tabitha doesn’t hear me.
He nods but doesn’t elaborate.
“Might?” That comes from Tabitha.
“I’d have to check with her first. But I’m sure she would be delighted to help. She loves kids.”
Tabitha doesn’t look too sold on his comment, but she gives him a slight nod of acquiescence. “All right. Raise your hand if you think Miss Reinhart should organize the Christmas show.”
I look over my shoulder to see how the vote goes. Tabitha’s groupies exchange a glance as if trying to figure out how she wants them to vote. Over two-thirds of the remaining teachers and parents raise their hands.
“Well, it looks like the show will go on,” Tabitha declares with as much enthusiasm as a kid faced with liver and onions for dinner.
I lean toward Landon and whisper, “Thank you!”
“You’re welcome,” he replies, voice low and rough, the sound igniting mini fireworks between my legs. Damn, the man’s dangerous. “Are you free after this for our second date?”
“First date.”
He laughs under his breath. “All right, first date, if believing that helps you sleep better at night.”
“First date…and only date,” I remind him, hoping I don’t regret agreeing to it. In the world I left behind, when a man performed a favor, it always came at a cost.
A steep cost.
Like in The Little Mermaid, when Ariel gave up her voice to be with the prince. My grandfather was no different from Ursula, who demanded Ariel’s voice in payment. I mean, sure, he didn’t turn anyone into seaweed, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone actually did go swimming with the fishes and never resurfaced after asking for a favor and failing to pay the price.
Granted, all Landon is expecting is a date. But I hope I’m not making a mistake by letting a man help me, something I haven’t done since escaping my family.
“Do you like country music?” Landon asks as he and I walk to our cars in the parking lot. The PTA meeting finished a few minutes ago.
“I can’t say it’s something I listen to regularly, but I don’t mind it.”
He grins at me with that cocky smile of his. “I’m driving. I’ll drop you off at your car afterward.”
“I can drive.” I really don’t mind.
He throws me a caveman look that says, “Sorry, not happening.”
It’s clear he’s a man who’s used to being in control, so I let him have his way. On this. It doesn’t matter who drives—and it’s not like he’s a stranger I’ve just met.
Well, mostly he’s not a stranger I’ve just met.
Thirty minutes later, we’re climbing out of his jeep in front of what looks like a giant red barn in a parking lot. Lively country music pours from inside. A neon sign on top proclaims the building is Brodie’s Barbecue & Bar.
“This isn’t what I was expecting.” But I’m all for an adventure…as long as the adventure gets me to bed at a decent time. It