Well, I wasn’t working.Yet.Although I had only made my first Sugarplum party post last night. I padded back to where my phone was charging by the bed, then opened my emails at the table where I could nervous-nibble on my toast.
I recognized the first name as the lady from the mall who suggested I start this whole thing. She wrote, “I’m so happy to see you’ve decided to host parties! Our family will be here through New Year’s. Do you have a few hours to spare for our kids? I’d love to talk about activities and price packaging.”
Another parent had messaged me about January.
“Two hits.” I beamed at Harvey. “People want to hire me.”
“That’s amazing, Shelby.” He kissed my cheek. “You work hard, you deserve it. How do you want to celebrate?”
“Sledding,” I said. It was the first thing that popped into my head.
He hesitated and looked around his kitchen, pressing the heart-shaped cutout to his lips. “Does your family have sleds?”
“Let me check.” I texted Zack: “Hey, do we have sleds? Also, I’m officially hired."
He texted back quickly. “Yes, they’re at April’s. And congrats. If you think you can save enough with expenses, there’s an apartment in Long Grove with a month-to-month lease. No pressure. We might not even get it. But we could make an appointment to look, if you’re interested.”
Was Zack seriously considering moving out with me? “Send me the link,” I texted back. I chewed my lip and showed Harvey the listing Zack sent. “What do you think?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Only you can tell if you’re ready for that step. All I know is, in the next year or so, it’d be good for you to live onyour own. Before, you know.” He cleared his throat. “I reassess my own living situation.”
Within the next year, we could be living together. I grinned. “Okay, I’ll make an appointment. As for sledding, do you want to go before or after your manager training?”
“Why wait? Let’s go tonight," he said.
My heart leapt like we'd already shot off a hill, and I threw my arms around him. “This is going to be the best year ever.”
After breakfast and a thorough sexy time, we showered, then practiced drawing together while watching TV. He worked in his sketchbook and I drew on his arm based on face paint designs I found online.
“Do you think the Snow Queen snowflakes should be bigger on the forehead or the side of the face?” I asked.
He gestured to his brow. “It should kinda boomerang around the eyes. Also, you should practice fireworks for the New Year’s Eve party.”
“Good idea.” My sparkler streaks looked more like drooping flower petals. I dipped my brush in the water cup on his nightstand, catching a fat droplet from it in my palm.
Harvey raised a brow. “Don’t spill anything.”
“I won’t. These are all easy-wash paints.” I’d hate to have to buy him a new comforter or stain anything. Still, I moved Doggie back far enough he wouldn’t accidentally get anything on him, then patted his head. "Good boy."
Harvey chuckled. His pulse thumped steady under my thumb as I drew a snowflake on his arm.
“You have to flick your brush at the tip, like this.” He dipped the brush in the paint. His confident, steady stroke made my chest thrum with admiration.
“You’re so good at this. Are you sure you don’t want to be my co-host or assistant?” I wagged my eyebrows.” I can pay inkisses. Or percentages. You’re the best manager in the world, so I think you can do it.”
“You can’t afford me.” He smirked and held my wrist steady as he worked on the details. “But Iwilltake some kisses for these tutoring sessions.”
“Fair enough.” I gave him the first of many payments, including interest. “What are you working on?”
He swallowed and covered the page with his cloudy forearm. “Oh, nothing.”
“You don’t want me to see?” I sat back and played with the brush. “That’s fine, I know drawing can be a personal thing.” I had a whole back seat dedicated to secret things that made me happy. It was nice to finally be able to share them with somebody, but I understood if he wasn't ready for his own thing.
His cheeks flushed and he plucked his eyebrow ring. “I’ll show you, eventually.”
“Really? What’s the subject?” I leaned forward, placing my hands on my knees.
His gaze darted around the room. “It’s kind of a business logo.”
