Sleeping With Santa by Debra Druzy Read Free Book Online

think about ’em?”
    “I think they’re great.”
    “Well, these kids were a handful.”
    “Then start with one. See how it goes. And move on from there.”
    “Who—me?”
    “You? Me? We?” He released a sneaky smile she couldn’t decipher.
    No doubt, he was messing with her head, but she went along with it anyway, reacting with a playful backhanded slap to his gut. “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a mother.”
    “I think you’re wrong,” he added before quickening his pace.
    Lily stopped dead in her tracks. Staring at his back, caught between confused and captivated, the thought of making a baby with this beguiling man was tempting. But it wasn’t an offer—just conversation, like he said.
    “Hey,” he called back, waiting for her to catch up. “Wanna check out the corn maze?”
    “No. Not really.”
    “Why not? You scared or something?”
    Lily shrugged. “Maybe.”
    “Of me? Or being in the spooky maze at night?”
    “Both.”
    “There’s no reason to be afraid of me, Lily.”
    “I’m kidding. I just don’t like corn mazes. I’m not afraid of anything.” She raised her head and thrust her chin forward, neglecting to mention her fear of debt collectors, being broke, and potentially homeless at the velocity of her financial plight.
    “Then why won’t you let me take you out?” He unleashed a killer smile that left her weak and tingly all over. “I’m not asking to set a wedding date. Just one date. As friends.”
    The idea of going out with him was so enticing she almost agreed without considering the consequences. She didn’t want to say no, but she was afraid to say yes. So, she bit her tongue and said nothing at all.
    “Never mind.” He waved the words away.
    Her heart shriveled. “Nick…”
    “Pretend I never asked. Let’s just enjoy the moment. I don’t like corn mazes either. I was just hoping for a chance to use my manliness to protect you. Change your opinion about going out with a firefighter.”
    “I have nothing against firemen.” Spilling her soul crossed her mind, but beyond rejecting his invitation after the loss of his candy apple, she didn’t want to ruin the night any further.
    “But you just won’t date one.” He smiled with his lips, but it didn’t reach his sad eyes. “Or you just won’t date me. It’s all right. I’ll get over it. Eventually.”
    She didn’t have the heart to admit he was right. This conversation was the hard and fast reminder she needed to instill the golden rule she almost broke. Firemen were off limits. They can only break your heart one way or another.
    If she couldn’t date a firefighter, maybe she could be friends with one.
    They wandered along the perimeter of the party, where the crickets were louder than the music, chitchatting about everything and nothing at all.
    The chief reappeared, startling her. “They’re closing up shop soon. I’m ready to go whenever you are.”
    Now that she was getting to know Nick better, she didn’t want this night to end, yet it wasn’t fair to lead him on. “Me too,” Lily lied.
    “Let’s hit the road.” Nick whipped out a big key ring and twirled it on his finger.
    The ride in the backseat was uneventful, with the static of the sports-talk radio station and the chief’s directions on how to get to her house on Sunflower Summit.
    “Did Nick tell ya? He’s our new Santa Claus this year,” Chief Maresca said.
    Her heart fluttered at the idea of him sticking around for the next two months. “Good luck.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Nick glanced in the rearview mirror.
    “Oh, nothing. Everyone loves Santa. I’m sure you won’t have any trouble.” Lily grinned at the mental picture of him dressed as the man in red.
    “What do you mean— trouble ?”
    “You know, some kids carry grudges for not getting what they wanted last year.”
    “Don’t listen to her. She’s messing with you. We have nothing but respectful kids around here. They’ll love you. Just