Seaside Christmas

by Stacy Claflin

  When Talia pulled up to the church, she was excited to see his motorcycle already out front. She pulled up to it and parked, hardly able to contain her emotions as she scrambled out of the car.

  She turned the knob on his door, and it opened. Apparently, he only locked it when avoiding her. Talia stifled a smile and stepped inside. Cruz was at the other end of the large room, his back to her, painting something on the wall.

  "Cruz," she whispered. He didn't turn around. She repeated his name, a little louder this time. Again, he didn't respond. That's when she noticed his earbuds.

  His sleeves were rolled back, exposing the tattoos that were increasingly growing on her. His muscles flexed and released with each movement he made, working on the painting with such focus. She enjoyed watching him.

  Talia set the disc on a counter and tip-toed over to him. She stood right behind, able to hear the song because he had the volume on so loud. He painted with such intensity, she didn't dare disturb him. Finally, he set the brush into a tin of water and then stepped back.

  The corners of her mouth crept up and she raised her arms and put her hands over his eyes. Cruz gasped and then turned around, his eyes wide and mouth gaped open. He grabbed onto her shoulders and pushed her back, making her stumble.

  "It's me." The look in his eyes was somewhat vacant—as though he didn't recognize her. Her mouth went dry.

  Cruz's hands trembled and he let go of her, blinking several times. He pulled his earbuds out. "Talia," he breathed. "I wasn't expecting you."

  "Sorry. The door was open, and I thought I'd surprise you. Guess it worked."

  He pulled her close, hugging her. His chest moved in and out quickly, his breathing near her ear rapid. He pulled back, staring into her eyes. "I'm sorry I grabbed you. If I knew it was you—I mean, I never want to do that."

  "Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have startled you. I won't do that again."

  Cruz's expression softened. "No, I want you to surprise me. I can't think of anything better than seeing you when I least expect it." He placed his palms on her face and kissed her, closing his eyes. "I'm really glad to see you. I just didn't think you'd be here so early. We were up pretty late last night."

  She shrugged. "I guess I was excited to see how our painting came out. You want to see it?"

  He wiped his forehead, getting a streak of green across it. Talia considered telling him, but she found it endearing. She found herself wanting to take a picture, but wasn't sure he would like that. Maybe one of the two of them together.

  "Did you bring it?" asked Cruz.

  "Yeah, but first can I get a picture of us?" she asked, pulling out her phone.

  "Looks like you got your mind set. I probably don't look great, yo."

  "Nonsense. You're in your element, and I love it." Talia scrolled to the camera and turned it facing them. She pressed her back against him, he wrapped an arm around her and she held her thumb over the button. "Say cheese."

  "Hamburger."

  She laughed. That was so Cruz. She snapped the picture and took a look. "I love it."

  "Why didn't you tell me I had paint on me?"

  "Because I didn't want to."

  "Blackmail?"

  "What? Never. You're adorable, but I didn't think you'd let me get a picture like that."

  He shrugged and stepped closer. "I don't really care." He wrapped an arm around her. "Last night feels… unreal."

  "What part?"

  "The part where I was talking to your dad about our relationship, and then you said you'd marry me. Sure you haven't had second thoughts?"

  Talia shook her head. "Never. I didn't have an interest in dating before I met you. Do you know why that is?"

  He shook his head, his eyes curious.

  "No one really ever captured my interest. I've always been one who knows what I want, and you're it."

  "Always know what you want?" he teased.

  "Sometimes it takes me a while to come around." She poked him. "I'm stubborn, remember?"

  "How could I ever forget?"

  They both laughed and then he pulled her closer and kissed her. "I'm never going to get anything done today, am I?"

  "Well, just let me show you the disc, and then I'll get out of your hair."

  "I kinda like you in it."

  She held his gaze, her skin warming. "Yeah. Me, too. Well, maybe I can stick around and help you with this place. Looks like the counters could use a good scrubbing."

  "You don't have to."

  "I know that, but I want to help. Especially with everything you've done for us."

  "As long as you don't be too much of a distraction." He kissed her nose.

  "I'll try." She pulled away from him and picked up the disc. "Look at this. It's gorgeous."

  He came over and studied it, nodding. "It came out how I pictured."

  Talia shook her head.

  "What?" he asked.

  "Dad and I are completely impressed with this, and you're just like, Oh, that's what I thought."

  "That's not what I meant."

  "I know. I just thought you'd be more excited." She glanced over at the start of the mural on the wall. "But then again, it would appear that art is your strong suit."

  He shrugged. "I guess."

  "You could sell these." She lifted the disc up higher.

  "I just like tats, really."

  Talia wanted to ask about the fundraiser, but didn't want to sound like they were just using him. "Well, you could make a lot of money with your art."

  Cruz looked away. "That's what Rafael said. He had people that wanted to buy posters I drew for his grand opening. Jake's tried to get me to sell other things, too."

  "Well, it's your talent," she said. "Don't sell out by doing something you don't want to."

  "You really are something else."

  "What do you mean?" she asked.

  "There's no putting you in a box. You're not what you first appear."

  "Nope, but then again, neither are you."

  She felt her desire for him growing stronger, and being alone in his little shop didn't help. "So, are you okay with me going over those counters?"

  "If you want to, be my guest."

  "Where do you keep the cleaning supplies?"

  "There's a closet in the back. Let me show you."

  Talia's heart thundered like a runaway train. Going to a smaller area with him… she wasn't sure she could control herself. He was intoxicating. "I'll find it. I don't want to keep you from your art any longer."

  "You sure?"

  "Of course, silly. I can find a closet and some supplies."

  "I don't doubt it." He stepped back, his eyes shining, and then he turned back to his painting. She admired him for a moment, and then he turned around. "Sure you don't need my help?"

  Her face heated. "Nope. I'm fine."

  "Or you can just watch me. I don't mind."

  Talia's face burned. She couldn't deny enjoying the sight. "Well, we'd get your place ready faster if I helped with the cleaning. It's only fair with as much time you've spent—"

  He pulled her close, gazing into her eyes. "If you want to spend time with me, don't cover it with excuses." His voice was gruff. "We already know how we feel about each other. There's no hiding anymore."

  She swallowed and then shook her head. "No, there isn't. You're right. I want to be here to help you out, mostly just so I can be near you."

  "That's more like it. And I want you here, not for what you can do, but because I like having you close."

  Talia's breath caught, and suddenly, she trusted herself even less than before. She hurried away, headed for the back room.

  Twenty Eight

  Cruz locked the shop and took Talia's hand. "Are you sure you want lunch somewhere local? There are lots of nicer places to eat not far away." And part of the fun would be having her on the bike with him. His solitary rides these days were less enjoyable than they'd always been.

  "I don't mind staying around here." She
squeezed his hand.

  "A ride would be fun, don't you think?"

  "Sure, but going somewhere else would take time away from getting your shop set up. Why don't we just ride somewhere close for lunch, and save one of those places for a nice date? Well, as nice as it can be when I have helmet head." She laughed.

  "You always look hot. I mean, beautiful." Why did he always say the wrong thing around her? Even now, when they both felt the same way about each other. He frowned, hoping his lack of a verbal filter wouldn't push her away.

  "You think I'm…?"

  "The perfect woman in every way?" Cruz asked. "Yes. I can't think straight around you sometimes." It was kind of hard to admit that, but with her, he didn't mind opening himself up.

  She stared at him, her face filled with a mixture of embarrassment and adoration. He wanted to place his palms on her face and press his lips on her soft, sweet mouth again, but he'd been kissing her a lot, and didn't trust himself not to take it further. He wanted to, but she was also a treasure worth waiting for, and the last thing he wanted to do was to risk pushing her away.

  And after grabbing her when she'd surprised him, he had probably already used up an entire week's worth of grace. His stomach tightened, remembering the look in her eyes when he'd done that. He should have recognized the feminine touch right away, but after having been in enough fights in his lifetime, he had just reacted when someone surprised him in his shop.

  He took a deep breath. "So, what are you in the mood for?"

  "You." The look in her eyes intensified as she stared into his eyes.

  Did she even know what she was saying? He was going to need an icy shower soon. He cleared his throat. "I just want to spend time with you, too." Think, Cruz. Focus. "There's a barbecue place not far from here. Ever tried it?" It was the least romantic place in all of Kittle Falls. In other words, the perfect place right then.

  "Never been there," she said. "Let's go."

  Cruz let out a breath and then handed her a helmet. Once on the road, he could barely focus. It was nothing short of a miracle that he'd gotten them to the restaurant in one piece. He couldn't think of anyone ever having such an effect on him before. Cruz had gone from girlfriend to girlfriend for a while, and that was what had finally convinced him to stay away from women.

  In fact, one of the things that had made it difficult for him to return to his hometown had been the fact that his mom had never kept quiet about her desire for Cruz and his brothers to marry. He'd watched as, one by one, each of his brothers had followed the same path—finding the girl meant for him and getting engaged. Now the engagements were turning into marriages and soon-to-be kids.

  Cruz had sworn he would be the one strong enough to hold out. But it certainly wasn't because of his mom's proddings that he'd changed his mind. No, it was Talia, the beautiful woman who had her arms wrapped around him at that very moment. The last person he ever would have guessed he'd give up his bachelorhood for.

  Remembering their earliest interactions, he chuckled. What did his family think of him and his religious girlfriend? They probably thought it was hilarious, or at the very least ironic. The brother who'd been caught egging the other church in town was the one who had ended up falling for a pastor's daughter.

  Cruz pulled up to the barbecue place. It looked different from what he remembered. Maybe it was under new ownership, or maybe they'd just done some updating. It had a big new sign and sparkling new tinted windows, for the summer tourist season, no doubt.

  "This place is cute." Talia pulled off the helmet, her hair sticking in different directions.

  He took off his and then ran his fingers through her hair, trying to fix it. "That's better. Not that you could look bad."

  "That's how I felt about the paint. You didn't need to wash it off."

  Cruz shook his head. "I didn't need it smearing into my helmet."

  "That's a good point."

  They went inside and discussed their two businesses. They talked about different ways to advertise and bring in new members. Talia seemed to like the idea of a fundraiser.

  "Do you know what would bring in a lot of money for a fundraiser?" she asked, eyes wide.

  "What?"

  "Your art. You made such a beautiful Christmas disc. Those would be a hit."

  "I… uh…"

  She frowned. "You don't like the idea?"

  "You really think people will like them?"

  "They'll love them. I know it."

  He shrugged. "I guess we could try."

  She grinned. "Oh, good. When are you planning on opening your shop?"

  "As soon as it's ready," he said. "Though if you keep working as fast as you have this morning, that might not be so long."

  "And then we'll need a business plan for you."

  He shrugged. "One thing at a time."

  They continued their discussion until they finished eating. Then as they were getting ready to get back on his bike, his phone rang. It was Brayden.

  "Let me get this," Cruz said. "Yo, Brayden. What's up?"

  "Are you busy?" his brother asked, sounding out of breath.

  "Just finished lunch. Why? What's wrong?"

  "I've had this big event planned for months."

  Cruz searched his mind, unable to think of what Brayden was talking about.

  "Santa and his wife are supposed to be here. I've got a line of kids waiting, and no Santa or Mrs. Claus."

  "And you want me…?"

  "Yes. We don't need Mrs. Claus, but we do need Santa. Think you could run over and slide into the costume? Please?"

  Cruz frowned. Dressing up as Santa wasn't something he'd ever had any interest in—or having a bunch of smelly kids climbing all over him.

  "I'll owe you big time," Brayden said. "I've called everyone else, but nobody can help."

  "Hold on." Cruz pressed mute and turned to Talia. "Do you feel like dressing up like Mrs. Claus?"

  She raised an eyebrow.

  "Brayden needs help with something at his clinic. I think all you'll have to do smile and talk to kids."

  "Uh… I guess?"

  "I'll be Santa, but only if you'll be his wife."

  Talia laughed. "I'll definitely dress up to see that."

  Cruz shook his head. "The things I do for family," he muttered. He unmuted his brother. "All right. We'll be there in ten minutes."

  "We?" Brayden asked, sounding excited.

  "Talia's with me, and she agreed."

  "Thanks a million, Cruz. You ever need anything—ever—I'm your man."

  "You sure are, dude." Cruz ended the call and handed Talia her helmet.

  "Is life always an adventure when you're around?" she asked.

  "It's starting to look that way." He climbed on the bike.

  She got on behind him and wrapped her arms around him. "Then I'd better hold on."

  A grin escaped and he started the engine. Me, too. He drove to the clinic and parked in an employee spot—if he was going to dress up as a jolly old elf with a belly that was supposed to shake like a bowlful of jelly, then he was parking there.

  "Are you ready?" Talia asked. Her mouth curved up and her eyes shone. She seemed to be holding in a laugh.

  "Yeah, but I think you're going to have more fun than me."

  "I just keep picturing you as Santa. It's perfect."

  "I'm probably going to scare the kids."

  Talia laughed. "They'll love you."

  Brayden ran out. "Oh, good. You're here." He glanced at the bike. "I'll tell security not to ticket you. Let's go."

  Cruz grabbed Talia's hand and they followed Brayden inside. A line of nicely dressed children with their parents looped around the waiting area, all inside red ropes held up by golden stands.

  "Look how excited they are to see you," Talia whispered in his ear.

  "You mean Santa."

  "Same thing." She winked.

  Brayden led them away from the crowd of people to an employees' lounge. "We've got the costumes in there.
You don't need help, do you? I need to go check on the line, and let everyone know Santa's sleigh just landed."

  Cruz's stomach twisted in knots. Could he really pull this off? Santa? Him? What had he been thinking agreeing to something so crazy? The kids would probably take one look at him and know he was fake. Either that, or they'd be afraid of him and run away, screaming.

  "We'll be fine," Talia said.

  Brayden nodded. "There are bathrooms in there, so you two can change with privacy. No one will walk in on you. Thanks again." He hurried away. A few moments later, children cheered.

  Cruz wanted to throw up. At least he hadn't smoked that day, so he would smell okay for the kids. Maybe some paint, but he could tell the kids he was busy making presents all morning.

  "Ready?" Talia asked. "This is going to be fun."

  "Right. Yeah, let's make this happen."

  They headed into the lounge. The costumes were piled on top of a couch. Talia picked up the one that was obviously hers and held it up. "The dress is a bit shorter than I would expect for Mrs. Claus."

  Cruz arched a brow. It sure was, but he couldn't wait to see her in it. "A young wife. She hasn't always been old, has she?"

  "I guess not." She went into one of the bathrooms. Cruz grabbed the Santa suit—pillows included—and squished himself into the other restroom. It took a while for him to get everything on. The cushions made it especially tricky, and then there was the matter of fitting the itchy, white beard.

  He put on the big red Santa hat and glanced in the mirror, barely recognizing himself. Good. Some of the parents in line were likely to be some of his old classmates, and he didn't want any of them figuring out who the man behind the mask was. He would never live that down. They would take pictures, and those would probably end up on the slide show for his upcoming ten-year reunion.

  Cruz pulled and tugged on the costume, trying to get it comfortable, but nothing helped. He was probably going to be miserable for the next couple hours. Finally, he opened the door and went into the lounge. He stopped mid-step when he saw Talia. Though she wore a goofy green-and-white striped dress, she looked gorgeous.

  He let out a low whistle. "Do you always look amazing?"

  She shook her head, rolling her eyes. "No, and I definitely don't now." She looked him over. "You, on the other hand…"