The Santa Accident by Gemma Brocato

Author:Gemma Brocato [Brocato, Gemma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-19T16:00:00+00:00

Ivy had avoided being too close to more than three people at a time throughout the rest of the evening, but her smile was quick and bright, and her laughter glittered on the air whenever Cole heard it, which was frequently.

Cole propped his hands on his hips and scanned the industrial space, seeing potential he’d never noticed before. The high ceilings with exposed ventilation and plumbing pipes. Concrete floors made the space echoey and cold for a bunch of kids, but for a business venture, it was the right combination of modern and vintage design. Perfect for a growing construction business. Based on her glowing recommendation, Sylvie’s husband had contacted Cole about a condo complex rehab project and he’d had several other nibbles about potential projects. Business was definitely picking up. But first, he’d have to finish the new club. Fortunately, that job was ticking along nicely.

Cole picked up a stack of empty boxes and carried them to a storage area.

Only he and Ivy remained at the Alpine Club. Everyone else had left thirty minutes ago, and he and Ivy had stayed to tidy up. Parents had picked the children up and they’d all left after hugs from Chris and Lavinia, and promises to be good enough to stay on Santa’s nice list. Even the oldest kids among the group crossed their hearts, declaring their intentions to Chris. They might not believe, but they weren’t taking chances. And they weren’t ruining it for the younger kids.

Chris lived up to his appearance throughout the night. His belly jiggled when he laughed, and roses colored his cheeks. If Cole were honest with himself, he’d say Chris looked like the real deal, even dressed casually. But he’d always looked like that. Cole’s earliest memories of the man all revolved around the Santa myth. God knew Chris had given Cole the best gift of all time when he’d welcomed Cole into his home once his mom was sentenced to twenty years in prison.

Ivy was wiping off the refreshment table when Cole returned from the storeroom. He joined her, taking the cloth from her hands and tossing it on the table. “It’s good enough. The morning staff can finish tomorrow.” He turned her body into his arms and settled his hands on her waist. “I know we already did the whole first kiss thing, but since this is a do-over…”

He lowered his face toward hers.

Ivy pressed her fingers to his lips before they could connect to hers. He arched a brow at her, puzzled by the merriment dancing in her eyes.

“While we were going through the donated ornaments, I found something.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the door leading into the industrial-sized kitchen. She paused on the threshold and pointed up.

His gaze followed and lit upon a plastic ball resembling mistletoe. He grinned.

Her laugh snuck under his solar plexus and tickled him. She stroked his jaw. “Hazel helped me put it up while you weren’t looking. Now it’s official. You can kiss me.

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