"Unexpected, but perfect," I admit, unable to keep the smile from spreading across my face. "I've wanted to do that for the last seven years. I thought about you every day."
"Really?" she asks, a playful glint in her eyes. "You hid it well under your grumpy exterior."
“I’m a man of mystery.” I wink.
“You sure are.”
Max barks again and then runs off. “I should catch him before he decides to explore the town. I’ll shut up the Candy Cabin if you want to skate a little longer.”
“Thanks!” Melody looks at me for a few seconds, as if she wants to say something, and then whirls away. I skate slowly back to the edge, take off my skates, and put my boots back on, then go off in search of Max.
I glance back over my shoulder as Melody pirouettes in the icy rink and hold my breath. Some idiot is gawking at her, watching her skilful moves. What was once just a fantasy is a painful, amazing reality. I want Melody to be mine. The idea of her with anyone else makes my heart twist and my fists clench. I can’t take this further because of Rhys. His warning rings in my head. But how can I walk away?
* * *
ChapterFive
MELODY
Two days before Christmas
“Wow, you look incredible!” Sienna runs up to take a closer look at my outfit. I’ve made a big effort for tonight’s Christmas Eve Eve party, wearing a bright red dress bought in the city and a pair of unsuitable high-heeled shoes.
“Thank you. It’s a relief not to be wearing an apron. And to have someone else on candy duty.” I wave at Christa, who smiles from the Candy Cabin table.
Sienna smiles. “Your apron wouldn’t cut it as a party outfit. I think the mayor might throw you back out there in the cold.”
She hands me a cup of hot rum punch as my brother comes up and points at the ceiling, mumbling about building regulations. He’s always thinking about work and sure enough, he leads her away. Poor Sienna. She’ll probably end up taking notes while he drones on about building materials. I scan the room, hoping that Keaton might be here. The chances are slim, since he hates holiday parties, but I’m hoping after last night’s kiss, he might show up.
This party has gone seriously upscale since the last time I attended, back in high school. The mayor must be spending half his budget for the year on the sparkling crystal decorations, free buffet, and the big band playing swing versions of holiday tunes. I walk over to the enormous Christmas tree. There’s an unusual decoration at the back, so I walk behind it, half-hidden from the dancefloor so I can take a closer look. As I’m peering up to inspect the ornament, which looks like a Santa holding a cell phone, a conversation starts up right next to me.
“Come over here, my dear.” It’s Magnus Huckle.
“Oh, is this the tree Keaton bought? It’s spectacular.” That’s Magnus’s wife, I think.
“Yes, but keep your voice down. Remember no one knows.”
“It’s a shame. I think people in this town would stop thinking he was just some aimless grump if they really knew how much good he does for Snowflake Falls.”
Magnus sighs. “It’s his choice. If he wants to be a Secret Santa, we need to respect his wishes. The new animal shelter will cost more than two hundred thousand to build, but he insists on funding all of it. It’s going to take some very careful accounting to keep that a secret.”
“Maybe it’s better that this comes out. We could tell Christa, then the whole town would be chattering about it in twenty-four hours.”
Magnus snorts. “Yes. But it’s not going to happen. We’ll respect Keaton’s privacy. Oh look, there’s Lucas. Let’s go say hello.”
I hold my breath as they walk away. Keaton is some kind of secret benefactor? The same grouchy guy who’s making some spare cash dressing up as Santa for the Candy Cabin? Spending hundreds of thousands on the new animal shelter? I down my punch, dazed. Why hasn’t he told anyone? Not even Rhys? He’s living a double life right here in Snowflake Falls, where everyone knows everything about everybody else.
From across the room, I spot a tall, dark-haired figure. Out of his padded red Santa suit, the hard lines of Keaton’s body and his confident walk are unmistakable. Without thinking, I squeeze out from behind the tree and walk over.
As I get closer, his mouth drops open slightly. We’re both staring at each other, and the light and sounds of the dancefloor fade away. I want to ask him about his whole Secret Santa thing, but chicken out when I’m right in front of him.
He glances around and then takes my hand, pulling me in for a hug. “You look absolutely gorgeous. Don’t tell Rhys I said that.”
I laugh. “You don’t look so bad yourself. And Rhys has disappeared to do some work, if you can believe it, so you’re safe to keep the compliments coming. You decided holiday parties aren’t such a bad idea?”
He grins. “Holiday parties ingeneralare still not my thing. But holiday parties with you in attendance are more my style.”
A waiter walks up to us with a tray of champagne and Keaton takes two glasses.
