Rosie wondered if he’d ever acted before. Had he done any theatre in high school? How else to explain his complete comfort level in playing Santa? Or—for that matter—the confidence he’d shown when he’d eased into the role of her boyfriend at her parents’ house?
Seconds later, Knox the bartender strolled in, his usual black button-down covered with a bright red vest adorned with sparkling holly berries. Over one shoulder was a Nikon camera, hanging from a strap.
Charlie rushed over to him. “You’re here. Thanks for helping and for wearing the vest I gave you.”
“Yeah, well, my shift doesn’t start until five,” he grumbled. “The vest is a lot, but it’s better than a Santa hat.”
Charlie turned to address Rosie. “Knox volunteered to take pictures of the kids with Santa. I’m sure their parents will be whipping out their phones, but he’s a good photographer.”
Knox shrugged. “It’s a hobby of mine. Nothing special.”
Given that Knox had a tendency to disparage himself, Rosie suspected he was downplaying his talent. “Thanks so much,” she said.
“Knox is going to share the photos with us, and we can email them to the guests. I wish we had a full-on photography studio like they do at the mall, but at least these pictures will be free.” Charlie tugged Knox by the elbow. “Come on. Let’s get you set up.”
Rosie couldn’t help but smile. If anyone else but Charlie had asked Knox to help out, he would have said no. But somehow, she’d managed to convince him.
Sofia sidled over to Rosie. “Is it just me, or is that Santa kinda hot? Like, there’s no way he’s an old guy, right?”
“He’s only twenty-seven,” Rosie whispered. “When he’s not playing Santa, he works as a personal trainer at the gym around the corner. We’re…um…dating.”
The act of admitting it still didn’t come naturally, even though she and Drew had been “together” for almost a full month.
“You ever act out any naughty Santa fantasies with him?” Sofia asked. “I would love that, but I can’t get my husband on board with the idea.”
Why did she have to bring that up? Rosie didnotwant her mind going there, not when kids were lined up to see Santa for entirely innocent reasons.
Selena joined them and placed a hand on Rosie’s shoulder. “You okay there? Or are you staring at Drew and imagining all the titillating possibilities?”
Sofia laughed. “Hot Santas, am I right?”
Rosie wiped her forehead. All of a sudden, the close confines of the room and the thought of wicked sexual acts involving Drew were more than she could handle. “I need a few minutes to cool down. It’s kind of…warm in here.”
“Whatever you say.” Selena grinned. “Go take a breather.”
Rosie dashed out of the crowded breakfast room and headed toward the washrooms off the lobby. She raced inside, moistened a paper towel, and blotted the sweat from her forehead.
Pull it together. The Santa thing is just an act. Even if you’ve been dreaming about Drew constantly, those dreams aren’t going to come true.
After she’d regained her composure, she left the washroom, only to run into Preston on her way back to the breakfast room. He’d swapped out his usual Brooks Brothers attire for a bright red holiday sweater and a pair of khakis.
“Rosie,” he said. “Everything okay?”
“Yep. I just needed a little air. The breakfast room is at full capacity.”
“Is it? That’s good to hear.”
But when they entered the room, she stopped cold. While families were still gathered around the different tables, working on crafts and decorating cookies, most eyes were drawn toward Santa’s corner, where two kids were arguing loudly.
Shit.Why couldn’t Preston have shown up ten minutes ago when all was calm?
This wasnotthe impression she wanted her boss to have.
Eleven
Before Rosie could makeher way toward the squabbling kids, Drew stood and straightened to his full height. When he spoke, he used his low, authoritative “Santa” voice, the one that had dominated her dreams on more than one occasion.
“Now, now,” he said. “There’s no need to fight. I promise I won’t leave until everyone’s gotten a chance to talk to me.”
