“Hey, Sugar.” He hoisted me into a hug and swung me around, conducting my giggles and the bells. I was flying and grounded at the same time. How did he do that?
I peppered his face in kisses, stretching to keep up the affection even as he set me on my feet.
“Let’s go, Shelby.” He tapped my butt.
“We just started playing.” I pouted. Couldn't we enjoy it for another minute?
He gestured to the mall. “People need their coffee. Plus, this isn’t a playground, it’s–”
“A parking lot, I know.” I rolled my eyes and swayed with him. “It’s still fun, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” He smiled, his gaze warming me even more than our linked, searching fingers.
“Anywhere can be fun when I’m with you,” I said.
Harvey’s breath hitched, and he leaned in so fast I almost didn’t have time to close my eyes. He stamped a long, warm kiss on my forehead–a seal of approval. The icy nerves in my heart started melting. He pulled away before I was ready.
“Hey, wait.” I pointed to my lips.
Cursing softly, he caressed my face. “You’re too cute to handle.”
“That’s not what you said when you had me across your lap.”
“Shelby.” He laughed, but Igotmy kisses.
We walked hand-in-hand. I ran ahead to get the door for him, but he shook his head and reached over me for it. “Ladies, first.”
“Curse those long, beautiful limbs,” I said. “I wanted to increase my good Christmas karma.”
“You can kiss me under some mistletoe, later.”
I giggled and walked inside. “We don’t have any. It’s considered a liability. However, I could find some and…” I paused, noting that security guards were out of the office this morning and staring at us. My cheeks flushed as I went through the metal detectors. “Hello, Officer Holland. Merry Christmas Eve or whatever you’re celebrating.”
He sipped his coffee and gave us a knowing look. The cup had a shiny, holiday sleeve from The Bern, making my heart swell with memories.
“Hello.” Officer Holland nodded, “Short day, today.”
“Yep. Better make the most of it,” I said. The mall was closing at 5PM instead of 7PM so customers could do their last-minute shopping and employees could potentially have dinner with their families. Mine was probably grilling fish or something. But we still had cookies in case I needed to eat my feelings.
At least Mom and the family had been hanging out at Aunt April’s, lately. Although I did catch her peeking at some stuff in my closet. She said she was looking for laundry. As if I had forgotten how to drop stuff in the basket. Nothing was missing yet, but I had to get myself a lock for Christmas. Or an apartment. I was waiting on that Nice bonus…although it sure would beniceto be able to take advantage of holiday pricing.
Harvey got manually checked by security, then accompanied me to the coat hooks and cubbies, lending me his hand forbalance as I switched my shoes. He glanced at the clock. “I’ve got to get going. Stay out of trouble.”
“I’ll try.” I leaned up to meet him for a kiss. His cool lip ring warmed against my lips, and when we eased apart, Harvey smiled with the grace of sunshine hitting the first snowfall.
I squeezed his hand as he slipped away. “I love you, bye.”
Harvey spun back around at me with an incredulous grin. “Love?”
I covered my mouth.Oh, sugarplum.What had I done?
Mario barreled through the hallway, twisting his semi-frozen hair into a bun. He jerked his head at Harvey. “People are already lining up.”
He held up a hand. “Just a sec."
I pushed him back. “Nope, pretend that didn’t happen.”
“Why?” Harvey laughed.
