Jack smiled down at her. “You’re a woman who inspires poetry.”
And there he was: the cowboy Casanova she’d been warned about. How did he manage to look so sincere? “Whatever, smooth talker. Go get your reindeer; she’s due on set in fifteen minutes.”
Jack touched the brim of his hat, all gallant and handsome, before sauntering off. Why did all the off-limits guys saunter?
Natasha presented herself to the director, who looked her up and down before pointing to the corner of the tree lot where she was stationed. Unfortunately for her, the assignment was on the opposite side of the set from the heaters. She was beginning to think Bruno was right, and they were trying to scare her from taking the full-time job.
As she stood there, pretending the thin branches of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree were the most exciting part of her world, she thought about what Jack had said about Christmas Magic singing in children’s souls. That’s what they were trying to portray on screen for their viewers. The Magic of Christmas and all the child-like wonder and joy a person could take in 90 minutes minus commercial breaks.
However, at this moment, when her toes were cold enough to fall off, it all felt so very fake. She wasn’t an elf. She wasn’t even sure she believed in Santa. Jack said he was a believer for life—like that was an official title or something.
Behind her, all conversations and preparations stopped. She spun around to see what had silenced the crew.
Sparkle walked on set, her antlers held high, her steps full of grace. Her black nose was just the right amount of shiny, and her hooves were like obsidian.
She was beautiful.
After a moment, she glanced around as if wondering where to go. Natasha could almost hear her ask:Where do you want me to stand?
In a blink, she realized she was the person who should show the reindeer and her wrangler the ropes.
Rolling her cartoon-large eyes, she approached quietly so as not to spook the animal. As she got closer, she heard Jack whisper out of the side of his mouth, “Remember, one hoof out of line, and you’re done.”
Sparkle batted her eyes at him—all innocence.I wouldn’t dream of causing trouble.
Natasha shook her head. First, she talked to herself, and now she’s making up reindeer conversations.
Jack folded his arms and stared at her. “I’m not buying the act, Sparkle. You know what I mean. Don’t test me.”
Natasha stopped and stared. Weird! He spoke as if he’d heard what was in her head.
Sparkle rolled her eyes:Fine!
“Jack!” A young boy threw himself at Jack, who easily caught him, giving the impression that they’d done this several times. Jack tossed him in the air. The boy held tight to a lead rope. At the other end of that rope was a beautiful reindeer. She had a perfect snowflake in the middle of her forehead.
“Billy! How’s my ranch hand doing?” Jack set him down.
Billy grinned as his reindeer and Sparkle eyed one another like two teenage girls in the same dress at prom. “Great! Mom said we could watch the movie today.” He motioned to a beautiful woman standing off to the side. She wore a cream-colored coat and black pants and boots. She had a depth to her, the kind that came from life experience, but the joy in her eyes couldn’t be ignored.
Was that joy because of Jack? One more lady waiting in the wings?
Natasha tried not to stare.
Mom approached as if she wasn’t sure she was allowed on set. “Billy wanted to see how they make movies. I told him we had to be quiet—and keep Snowflake on a lead rope.” She patted the reindeer’s back.
The reindeer looked up at her:I would be fine without the leash.
“If Sparkle needs one, you need one,” she admonished.
Natasha gave up trying to figure out how they all had conversations with the reindeer. Apparently, it was a thing on the ranch, and she was falling down the rabbit hole.
Jack turned to Natasha. The way he found her so quickly told her that he’d known she was there all along. So much for sneaky observations. “Is it okay if they stay? They won’t be a problem. I will take responsibility for them.”
Stuttering over her instant jealousy of this woman who so brought out Jack’s protective side, Natasha nodded. “Of course. Let me show you where you can stand. You’ll have to keep your voices down, but whispers are okay.” She ushered the two off to the side, where they’d be out of the shot.
“Thank you so much. I’m Mitzi, by the way, and this is my son, Billy.”
“Natasha Newberry.” They shook hands. Natasha was a little bit brave and a lot nosey and asked, “How do you know Jack?”
