“I appreciate that, Nick,” Jack said, opening the apartment door, and flipping on the light switch near the door. “Holy crap. This is fantastic.”
“I’ll say,” Nick murmured, glancing at the open concept living room and kitchen. “Refinished wooden floors, stainless appliances, huge windows and a gas fireplace. You even have a large balcony.”
“The furniture looks comfy too,” Jack muttered, laying down his bags. “Let’s go look at yours.”
Walking across the hallway, Nick opened the door on the end, flipping on the lights. “Geez. This is equally nice. Apparently, the only difference is the number of bedrooms. Yours has two and this one has one. I even have a fireplace too.”
“The kitchen is the same size. Huge.”
“Leave it to Rand to go for the most luxurious touches.”
Jack laughed. “The only thing we don’t have is a swimming pool.”
“Knowing Rand, that’ll probably be added in the parking lot next summer,” Nick said dryly.
Jack laughed harder.
* * *
There was generous office space downstairs, and Rand had already divided it up into three equally sized offices, they discovered the next day after glancing at the space quickly the night before. They’d both been tired, so after eating a surprisingly delicious meal at the café next door, they’d both hit the sack.
Jack was looking at a list of information laying on one of the desks near the computer. “He left the name of a decorator here in town, so I presume he wants us to use her?”
“Judging by the amount of money he left us in the startup fund, we have carte blanche to do whatever we want to do.”
“Then, yes, let’s get a hold of the decorator and see what she suggests before we do anything else. Rand even said not to worry about business itself until after the first of the year because he has a plan in place, and ready to implement after the first. It’s all there on the computer when we’re ready to sit down and study it.”
“Okay. I’ll call the decorator and see when she’s available to stop by. And then let’s go investigate the town, and maybe pick up some Christmas decorations for the outside.”
“Sounds good,” Jack answered.
* * *
They went for lunch at a place called the Crystal Rock Tap, located outside of town, since it had been highly recommended by the owners of the café. Apparently, the restaurant owners in the area had the attitude what was good for one, could be good for them all since they had differing specialties.
They had a couple beers before eating, letting the festive atmosphere of the town take over. The burger Nick had there were great, as was the Reuben that Jack decided to try, and after a couple cups of coffee, they were on their way back into town, heading to the grocery store.
Although it was fun eating out, they picked up a bunch of food for during the day. One thing they were planning on doing before the first of the year was checking out the realty currently available in town to get a head start. They would begin researching by computer first, and then start driving around town to view the homes, while becoming more familiar with the area.
Nick had found gobs of lights and plastic ornaments at the grocery store, so they spent the remainder of the afternoon decorating outside the office.
“It looks nice,” Nick murmured, when they were finished.
“Yeah it does,” Jack admitted, grimacing. “I think I need to pick up a winter coat, along with some warmer clothes. Sweats just aren’t going to cut it.”
“I agree. Besides all that, I’ll need some boots, too,” Nick confessed. “We can do that tomorrow and go out for lunch. They have a winter sports shop at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn.”
“They do, do they?” Jack’s look was quizzical. “Isn’t that where Emma Caffrey works?”
“Yes,” Nick answered in a growl.
“Did you try to call or send her an email yet?”
“Yes. I got on my laptop this morning after I couldn’t reach her on the phone.”
“What did she say?”
“Nothing,” Nick answered, feeling unusually irritated. “Come to find out, she didn’t give me her real number or email address.”
Jack looked surprised for a moment, before he barked out a laugh.
And then obviously noticing just how peeved Nick really was, he began laughing loudly.
Chapter Seventeen
The following afternoon, Emma made her way along the path from the cabin, heading toward the Dragonfly Pointe Inn after having lunch.
Noticing two men who seemed awfully familiar strolling into the parking lot several yards away, she paused momentarily. It couldn’t be. She really needed to find a way to forget about Nick Hanover, she decided before walking onto the sidewalk that led into the inn’s lobby.
“Someone was just here asking for you,” Tanya said, when Emma stepped inside the salon, approaching the front desk.
“And jeez, girl, was he hot,” Joleen Montgomery called out from the back, where she was getting ready to leave for lunch now that Emma had returned.
Emma was puzzled. “Who was it?”
“No one I’ve ever met,” Tanya answered. “I think his name was Mick or Rick?”
Emma blinked. “That’s weird. Was it Rick Myers, maybe?”
“Nope,” Joleen answered, walking towards the door while pulling on her coat. “He’s no one I’ve ever met before either. Maybe it was Nick, not Rick?”
“Maybe,” Tanya answered.
“Nick?” Emma’s eyes went wide. “It couldn’t be.”
Joleen rushed back into the salon. “Okay, Em. Who is he?”
“I sense a secret here. Shame on you, Em,” Tanya murmured. “Time to spill. You always tell us everything.”
“There’s not really anything to tell,” Emma murmured sheepishly. “I met a guy named Nick when we were in Bali. He was on his way home, while we were just arriving. Ciara, Janelle and I went out to dinner with Nick and his two friends the last night they were there. But he lives in Virginia, so it has to be a coincidence. It’s probably someone from here in town that you two have never met.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’d better get moving,” Joleen said, heading toward the door.
Tanya still appeared to be studying Emma closely, and then nodded firmly, apparently reading her mind. “Something happened. I can tell.”
“How do you do that?” Emma murmured, shedding her coat and getting ready for the client she was expecting shortly.
“Quit avoiding the question.”
Emma stomped her foot. “He kissed me. Alright?”
Tanya began laughing. “It must have been some kiss.”
Emma wrinkled her nose. “It was.”
“Well, this guy had dark hair, a hunky build, and beautiful eyes. He was probably six foot tall.”
“That sure sounds like him.” Emma bit her lip. “And then there was the guy walking away from me in the parking lot a few minutes ago, who reminded me of him. How many minutes ago did he stop by?”
Tanya answered, “About ten minutes before you came back.”
“It must have been him,” Emma murmured in wonder. “What do I do now?”
Tanya became thoughtful. “Seems to me that kiss must have meant something to him too. Don’t worry. He’ll be back.”
* * *
Despite Tanya’s words, the next week went quickly for Emma, with no sign of Nick. It was the Friday before Christmas and the festivities would be starting up today at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, and Emma would be off work this afternoon as well as the rest of the weekend since she was one of the regular organizers for kids’ activities.
There was a school for children with disabilities called Crystal Visions in Crystal Rock, as well as a new vocational and residence for the more severely disabled kids.
Every Christmas, the Dragonfly Pointe Inn hosted a banquet especially for the kids. Santa would arrive and bring everyone a present after the kids spent the afternoon making ornam
ents and decorating the fresh tree, ceremoniously hauled inside from the local tree farm, whose owners donated their tallest, most beautiful tree.
Today was the day of the banquet, and Emma was scrambling through all her phone numbers, since their regular Santa had come down with a terrible case of the flu.
She wasn’t having any luck finding anyone home, let alone someone who was willing to play Santa, and she was becoming worried. Emma hated to disappoint the kids.
At that moment, Danielle walked into the office where Emma was making her calls. “You can put down that phone, Em. Jake found someone who’d be willing to be Santa. He’s even had some experience with disability kids since he has a special needs niece. The guy sounds perfect, as a matter of fact. Jake’s bringing him over now. Although I wish he would have told me the guy’s name.”
Emma laughed before responding, “What a relief. All I’ve been thinking about is how disappointed the kids would be.”
“Me too,” Danielle admitted. “Don’t you have somewhere to be? I’ll handle the Santa situation and give him his suit, while you start getting ready for the kids.”
Emma stood, glancing at her watch. “You’re right. They’ll be arriving in less than two hours. I’d better go check the progress in the kitchen so we can start putting together the buffet.”
“We added some of those new dishes you suggested for the kids. There’s a lot more finger foods.”
“I’m so glad,” Emma said, grinning. “Don’t forget to let me know before Santa arrives.”
“It will probably be close to five, after the tree is decorated and snacks are served, and we’ve been able to do some cleanup.”
“Perfect,” Emma said, as she left Danielle’s office.
Danielle was already on her way into the large closet to retrieve the Santa suit when Emma closed the door behind her.
* * *
It was a magical afternoon. Emma had been volunteering as a part time aid ever since she’d been in high school, and she’d come to love so many of the kids and teenagers who’d grown up in the program. It took some special people to be teachers at Crystal Visions and Emma was in awe of their patience and understanding when it came to handling the students and residents along with their specific issues.
Finally, Santa arrived, and Emma was impressed by the Santa Jake had found. He really got into the role, asking questions while laughing loudly. Everyone, even the teachers and assistants, were enjoying the experience immensely, and when it came time to hand over a present to each kid, Santa took his time, taking an interest in every kid he spoke with.
He was the best Santa they’d ever used for the event. At the end of the day, when the students, parents and teachers began filing out of the ballroom, Emma made an attempt to speak with him and thank him, but everyone else seemed to be doing that too.
It had been a long day, and the cleanup was already beginning. There was really no need to stick around any longer, so she decided to go outside and get some fresh air.
At that moment, an old boyfriend appeared from the bar as she was walking by.
“Matt?”
“Emma? How are you? You’re looking good. What have you been doing with yourself?”
“Not much. Just working at the yearly Christmas banquet for the kids.”
“It’s pretty amazing that you volunteer for that every year.”
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it,” Emma answered, walking with Matt through the lobby and outside through the breezeway.
“Are you on your way home?”
“I’m staying here at a cabin while my parents are away on a cruise. I’m just taking a walk. I’ll probably go back inside and eat dinner here at the inn.”
“Are you seeing anyone right now?” Matt asked.
“No, I’m not,” she answered, suddenly turning sheepish. “You know what? I can’t remember. Was it you who broke up with me, or me that broke up with you?”
Matt laughed. “You broke up with me when I started to get serious.”
Emma grimaced.
“Come on. I’m on my way to my parents for dinner soon, believe it or not. How about if I walk along with you for a few minutes?”
“That would be nice,” Emma answered.
Stepping down the staircase, Matt took her elbow and guided her along the path leading around the inn.
Chapter Eighteen
“St. Nick. That’s what I’m going to be calling you from now on,” Jack murmured, grinning as Nick dressed into the Santa suit. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”
Because the costume was thick and heavy, Nick had taken off everything but his t-shirt and boxers.
“Blame it on Jake Loughlin. As soon as he heard about who my family was, which I still haven’t figured out how, he labeled me as a sucker.”
“And he’d be right,” Jack answered, laughing this time. “I will admit, you do make a good Santa.”
“Ho, ho, ho,” Nick answered, huffing and puffing and sticking out his belly, which was adequately padded with lots and lots of stuffing.
Jack kept on laughing.
Sitting down, Nick put his tennis shoes back on, before pulling the big black boots over his shoes. Surprisingly, when he stood, they even seemed comfortable.
Nick had had an amazingly satisfying week here in Crystal Rock. He’d taken a tour of the Crystal Rock Wounded Warrior Home as well as Crystal Visions with Jake Loughlin, and because of it, he’d added two new charities to his donation list.
Plus he was thinking about doing a heck of a lot more after spending some quality time volunteering at the vocational center for a day. He’d had fun helping the students and residents build birdhouses and make ornaments that would be sold during their upcoming fundraisers.
A couple of the younger kids had become attached to him, and he couldn’t help thinking about how well Angel would do in a school with such a loving and caring atmosphere.
“So what about contacting Emma Caffrey? I thought you were going to stop by there again?”
“I’ve walked by her salon a couple of times, and I’ve come to the conclusion that she must eat lunch at the same time we do.”
Standing in front of a mirror, Nick slipped on the big fluffy beard, strapping the Velcro behind his head, and then put on the wig and Santa hat.
“Maybe we’ll run into her this afternoon.”
“It’s probably better if we don’t,” Nick muttered, walking toward the door of the apartment he and Jack had been directed to earlier. “Wipe that dopey smile off your face, will you?”
Hearing loud laughter sounding out from behind the door after he closed it, Nick rolled his eyes upward as he made his way down the staircase toward the ballroom.
* * *
Nick had to admit, he was really enjoying himself. The smiles on the kids’ faces melted his heart as he handed out presents. Some of the kids were able to tell him what they wanted from Santa, while a few of them could not, but it didn’t make them any less excited to be sitting with Santa.
Finally, the evening was done, and he stood with a smile on his face, watching as everyone began getting ready to leave.
“Hey, Nick?”
Turning, Jack was approaching Nick through the crowd. He’d been standing and taking pictures throughout the afternoon, more than likely ready to blackmail Nick.
“What’s up?”
Jack waved at the doorway. “I just saw her walking into the lobby.”
“Emma?”
“Of course I meant Emma,” Jack growled. “Now’s your chance.”
Nick looked down at his costume. “Shoot.”
“Go. She was here for a while, so I think she’s one of the organizers. But I couldn’t exactly tell you she was here, since you were talking with all the kids. But who knows when you’ll run into her again?”
“You’re right. I’m done for the day. I can change after I talk with her,” Nick said, making his way along the edge of the room and strolling into the lobby with Ja
ck.
As they came through the doorway, Nick saw Emma walking beside some guy through the breezeway, heading outside.
“She’s here with a date?” Nick growled.
“I doubt it. She wasn’t with anyone in the ballroom,” Jack murmured. “Come on. We’ve both got on boots. Let’s see where they’re going.”
Nick just frowned, letting Jack take the lead.
They hung around a few feet behind her, while Emma and the guy she was with appeared to be having a deep conversation. Nick was beginning to become extremely irritated at the thought that she was going out with another guy, when all he’d been doing for weeks was dreaming about that kiss they’d shared.
“It looks like the guy’s starting to come on to her,” Jack murmured.
Just then, Nick noticed that Jack had been filming their journey behind Emma on his phone. “Stop that,” he growled, looking at Jack suspiciously. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
Nick didn’t notice when Jack just smiled, because he was too busy stomping towards Emma and the guy Nick was sure was ready to kiss her.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” Nick yelled, approaching Emma.
* * *
When Emma turned and saw she was being stalked by Santa, her mouth gaped open.
Appearing to be a little in shock himself, Matt recovered quickly, holding up a staying hand. “Whoa, Santa. It’s not what you think. There’s no hanky panky going on here tonight. Emma and I are just old friends.” Matt turned back to Emma. “Is there some kind of new special Santa patrol Jake Loughlin’s added to his security team?”
Emma blinked, and suddenly started laughing. “One thing I’ve always loved about you, Matt, is your sense of humor.”
Santa growled, while the guy who was standing beside him appeared to be filming the scene.
St. Nick's Christmas Wish (Holiday Hunks Book 7) Page 9