“Let her say goodbye to our guest,” Santa said. And he was the ultimate authority, so Hoynes just got the next family up to meet Santa while I led my barista away by the hand.
Harvey bit his lip. “Sorry, I didn’t want to get you in trouble. I just didn’t know how else to reach you. I figured you respected authority, er, you know, based on my research.”
“You’ve been reading up on things?” I smiled, swinging our joined hands.
“Yeah.” His cheeks flushed a pretty shade of red. How much did he know about Littles now?
My gaze fell to the floor. “And you still want to hang out with me?”
“Yeah. I missed you, Shelby. Sugarplum. Whatever you want to be.” He gently guided my chin until I met his playful gaze. “I miss our weird conversations. I miss your energy.”
“What do you mean?” I giggled.
He rocked his head side-to-side. “The happy gasps at free cookies and pretty drawings. Your determination to set things right for everybody. The playfulness, even when dealing with meanies like me.”
“You’re not mean,” I whispered.
“I was something. And I’m sorry. I want to keep an open mind and get to know you. I could try...things.” His throat bobbed. “If that’s okay with you, obviously.”
“I’d like to try things.” I eased up on my toes, my eyelashes fluttering closed as we tilted our faces.
Chestnut barreled into the hollow, so we sprung apart. “Sugarplum, did he….” He blinked at us. “Oh, hello.”
Harvey pointed a finger-gun at him, his other hand loose around my waist. “You’re the coworker with the caffeine addiction?”
Chestnut jerked his chin. “You’re the barista she’s been melting over?”
I covered my face. “Yes, he is. Now, let me give Harvey my number before I’m marked as naughty.”
“Youarenaughty, bringing a boy to the cove,” Chestnut taunted.
I pushed him out. “I got approval from Santa.”
Chestnut faked struggling to stay. “Kicking me out? That’s not very nice.”
“Chestnut,” I hissed.
“Set me up with one of his friends,” he begged.
“I don’t even know them,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “Can’t Harvey and I go on a date before you start asking for favors?”
“Fine, but remember me when you’re all in love and looking for a groomsman. Or someone to cover your shift," he said.
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks.” I walked into the cove.
Harvey held out his phone and smirked. “Causing trouble again, Sugarplum?”
“Just enough to get what I want.” I winked and entered my number, then texted myself with his phone. “Send me our pictures with Santa, too, okay?”
“I’ll see you later?” He tucked his phone into his pocket, his voice tinged with hopefulness.
I clasped my hands in front of me so I wouldn’t be tempted to hug him. “Yes, sir.”
His eyes crinkled around the sides. “Good. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Wait, Harvey.” I handed him a candy cane and twisted my foot for a little jingle of bells. “Have some sugar before you go.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek, sending a tingle down to my toes. “Thanks for everything," he said.
