But he won’t. He never will. All he’ll do is just look.
Darren looked like he was going to say something, but then he jumped away suddenly, his cheeks flushing as he cleared his throat.
“I take it you’re done now, Stephen.”
What? Marigold turned and saw Stephen Millican approaching them. His face was sweaty and his hair looked wet. Marigold frowned. Hadn’t he been in the Santa costume a few minutes ago? She was sure she had seen him go around the room.
“It’s in the disable bathroom.” Stephen gestured towards a hallway behind him. “As long as you don’t mind it being sweaty, it’s all yours.”
“Cool.”
Darren glanced at Marigold, and then he hurried away. What was going on. Marigold turned to Stephen.
“What have you done, Stephen?”
“Nothing.” Stephen shrugged. “Darren just said he would take over from me when I was ready to divest myself of the suit.”
Marigold blinked.
“Why?”
“I have no idea. He just said he would do it. You’re going to have to ask him about that.” Stephen gave her a smile as he looked her up and down. “You’re looking beautiful tonight. Nice to know you scrub up well also.”
Marigold groaned and slapped his arm.
“You’re such a flatterer, do you know that?”
“I know. I’m always being told.”
Marigold liked Stephen. He was a bit more of a silent guy compared to everyone on the team, but he was probably the kindest, sweetest one of the lot. Not that he would openly admit to it. That really would ruin his persona of being the broody guy of the Vikings. It was a stark contrast to his best friend Leon, who was like sunshine and always having fun and joking around. But it seemed to work for them.
Then Marigold realized that Stephen wasn’t looking at her anymore. He was staring at a point over her shoulder. Marigold turned, and saw her friend Allison talking to CJ. The coach looked like he wanted to drool all over her, and Marigold couldn’t blame him; Allison looked absolutely gorgeous in that red dress. Leon stood beside her, his arm around Allison’s waist.
Marigold smiled. She knew about the crush Stephen had on Allison, and she was also aware that Leon adored her, too. The two of them seemed to be in some sort of competition for her attention, and Allison seemed to silently enjoy it.
She was an idiot for leaving and taking another job elsewhere. Especially when she had two guys who clearly wanted her to stay.
Marigold glanced at Stephen, who was still staring at Allison.
“I’m not the only one who scrubs up well.” She said slyly. “Allison knows how to draw the eye in, doesn’t she?”
Stephen blinked.
“What?”
“Come on, you’re not the only one who’s standing with his tongue hanging out looking at Allison.”
Stephen cleared his throat and adjusted his jacket.
“I think it’s safe to say she’s looking amazing tonight. She does know how to make a statement.”
“Maybe she’s trying to get someone’s attention.” Marigold winked. “I’m not sure who, but maybe she wants more than one person to pay her attention.”
Stephen frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“You’re not stupid, Stephen. You and Leon are doing a dance with her, one that she’s not aware of. What are you two up to?”