He grins, flashing me a full, breathtaking male smile before he finally admits, "Twenty-eight."
"What got you into working the Santa gig?" I ask, truly curious as to why this man is doing this. Does he just love children like I do? He seemed grouchy about it at the beginning, which wouldn't make sense if he’s doing this just for fun like I am.
He frowns but ends up not having to answer when Dave comes over and claps us both on the back.
"You guys were great!" he's beaming at us. "I don't think we've ever had so much success with a Santa booth before. We weren't even able to fit them all in! We've got a lot of people asking if they'll have a chance to get their turn tomorrow. So, what do you say? You two game for another round in the morning?"
I'm beaming, glad that it was such a success. Of course, I don't mind doing it again, but I glance over at Nick when I feel his eyes on me.
"I'll do it if Jennifer does," he says, stressing my full name, his eyes never leaving me.
My heart begins to thump harder in my chest.
"I'll do it if Nicholas does," I toss right back, stressing his full name. Two can play that game.
I watch as his eyes light up with humor.
Dave is oblivious. All he sees are dollar signs. "Great!" he announces as he claps us both on the back again before he asks me, "You still want to donate toys to each child and work for free? I'll understand if you don't since this was supposed to be a one-day thing, but I need to know."
His eyes are hopeful, and of course, I don't deny him. "Sure, no problem on both counts."
"Marvelous!" Dave is beaming as he walks away, no doubt feeling like he's gotten the best deal ever for the second time in a row, and I just smile.
I feel Nick's heavy stare on me and look over to find him regarding me thoughtfully.
"What?" I ask him with a half laugh to cover my sudden self-consciousness.
"You're doing this for free and donating free toys too? What are you? Some little rich girl?" he asks me with a laugh.
I feel my face burn at the way he says it like the thought is ludicrous that a rich girl would be wasting her time on something like this.
I square my shoulders and level a look at him. "So what if I am? I love kids and want to make a difference."
His eyes widen when he realizes he's actually hit the nail right on the head with what he no doubt thought was a joke. "Damn, you really are a princess then," he comments, again studying me thoughtfully.
I feel my cheeks coloring again at the way he calls me "princess" and flick my hair over my shoulder to give myself something to do. What the hell is wrong with me? I've never been the shy, blushing type, but this man has me all up in knots.
"Well, see you tomorrow then, Saint Nick," I tell him, not knowing what else to say and suddenly ready to put some distance between myself and the effect this man has on me.
"Let me walk you to your car," he tells me as he comes to stand next to me, actually towering over me.
"Oh, that's okay," I tell him. "You don't have to do that."
"Oh, it's happening, princess, so don't even bother arguing," he tells me firmly but still with that twinkle in his eyes. "I can't let you walk out of here in that alone." His eyes trail up and down me, and suddenly my very innocent elf costume makes me feel indecent.
I swallow back a gasp before I collect myself and give him one of my indifferent shrugs as I begin walking away. "Whatever floats your boat, Saint Nick."
I hear him chuckle as he follows behind me and quickly matches my stride.
Dear God in heaven.
This man is going to be the death of me, and he hasn't even touched me.
* * *
Nick
I laugh out loud when I follow the beautiful blonde out to the parking lot and see her unlock a hot pink convertible with a fancy key fob. Oh, she's rich alright, and why does it not surprise me to see that she drives a hot pink convertible like she really is Barbie in the flesh? Not that she looks fake or plastic. It's not that by any means, but she has that perfect look about her with her blonde hair, emerald eyes, and killer figure.