Adam tipped his head to the side. “Are you getting a Christmas tree?”
I pursed my lips together. “I was planning on getting one from the Merc once I convinced my roommate Rose.”
Adam’s nose scrunched. “Those pre-cut trees die so fast, and don’t smell near as good.”
“Well, they smell better than the fake one I used last year.” I raised my right shoulder.
“A fake tree…that is blasphemy.” Adam stepped away from me. “It’s settled. You need to come get a tree the real way with us.” Adam smelled like citrus and warm spices, and he was still too close to me.
“Oh, uh, I dunno.”
Danny grinned. “It’s a lot of fun, and Daddy lets me use the saw.”
Adam flinched. “With lots of supervision,” he added, looking at me.
I chuckled. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. It sounded so magical, and I admit the idea of spending some time with Adam and Danny sounded good too. I sighed and decided to be brave. I realized I wasn’t nervous to spend time with Adambecause he was intimidating, I was starting to feel nervous for an entirely different reason.
“Sure, why not?” The words were out of my mouth before I second-guessed everything, and I held my tongue.
“Can I still help Ms. Faith decorate? She needed me to hand her things when she was standing on the chairs.” I watched as his blue eyes searched for his dad’s confirmation.
“Seems like it’s the least we can do.” Adam looked back at me. “Put us to work, Ms. Faith.”
“And can we listen to Frosty the Snowman on your phone?”
At this, Adam grimaced but agreed. I moved my chair and stepped back onto it.
“Here, let me.” Adam held out his hand to help me down.
I stared at his extended hand. “Um, are you sure?”
He rolled his eyes. “Ms. Faith, whatever you are doing, I’ve got to be able to reach it easier.”
I shrugged. “I guess if you put it that way.” I moved strands of hair behind my ear.
He raised his eyebrows and gestured to his hand.
I set mine softly in his, and tingles danced up my arm. His eyes locked with mine as I stepped down. I was so close to his chest, I almost brushed against him. I blushed and took a few steps back.
Adam nodded toward the chair. “Right.” He cleared his throat. “Tell me what to do.”
Before long, I knew why Adam wasn’t excited about Frosty. Danny didn’t want to listen to a bunch of Christmas songs, he wanted to listen to Frosty the Snowman and only Frosty the Snowman, over and over and over.
Adam didn’t show any signs of annoyance after the initial one, although I’m guessing he had listened to the song for far longer than twenty minutes. As he stapled the last snowflake, we gathered up the supplies, put the chairs away, and headed for the door.
Danny led the way, skipping down the hall, and Adam fell into step with me. “Sorry about that,” he said softly. “Frosty is thecurrent song of choice, and I didn’t think of a way I could warn you without potentially hurting Danny’s feelings.” The smell of citrus and spice surrounded me.
My heart warmed. What would it have been like if my parents had supported and shielded me the way Adam did for Danny? Instead of worrying more about their own image or that of their colleagues.
I smirked. “Well, I think it was worth it to watch Danny’s drum solo on the desk every time the chorus came on.”
Adam chuckled. “And, again, I’m so sorry about being late today.”
“Honestly, I didn’t mind it.” I looked toward Danny. “Danny calms me somehow.”
Adam tipped his head toward me, his eyebrows lowered.
I clasped my hands behind me. I said too much. What was he supposed to think about that? “And he is a great helper.” I thought to earlier when he decided he would rather spread paper confetti everywhere than pick up his paper scraps. “Well, when he wants to be.” I smiled.
