Heat rolls from my pores as I stand and hand over the paper towels. “No. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise what I was touching.”
Jaw lax, his tongue traces his lips. “Don’t worry yourelf.” He takes the paper towel from me. Electricity courses from his fingers as he touches mine, but I don’t pull away. The tingle travels to my centre, heating me up from the inside out.
Nick’s hypnotising gaze draws me closer. The only thing between us is a crackle in the air and his growing erection, sticking out like the North Pole.
A loud bang on the door makes me jump.
Steve yells, “The kids are getting restless for Santa! It’s like watching the formation of a mini mob. Should I quieten them with candy?”
Nick breaks our trance and clears his throat as he continues to wipe himself down. “I’d better get back out there before a sugar rush hits.”
“I’ll see you out there.” Gingerly, I step out of the toilets, wanting to relive the feel of his hard member twitching against my hand. I chew on the inside of my boiling hot cheek, wondering if it was my hand that made him aroused, or just the rubbing in general.
* * *
I unhookmy coat from the stand. “Are you not picking Teddy up today? He’ll be finishing the after-school club about now.”
“He’s going to his cousin’s for a sleepover tonight. My sister Nora picked him up straight from school.”
“Oh. So you’re free and single tonight?” I don’t know why I said that. I’m sure he has plans.
“Single and ready to jingle,” he says with a sarcastic tone, his focus remaining on the computer as he continues to hit the keys.
“Did you want to get some food?” I bite my lip. I shouldn’t be asking my boss out, but the thought of going home alone on a Friday night two and a half weeks before Christmas fills my stomach with dread.
He glances up from the screen, his eyes flashing briefly with excitement before quickly turning to a knitted brow. “I’m doing a stock take.” His hand curls into a fist and opens again as if squeezing a stress ball. “Thought I’d make the most of the night while Teddy’s not home.”
My heart breaks for him. And I thought my life was sad. “Nick, single parents make the most of their kid-free time by going out for a drink, catching up with friends, or going on a date. They don’t plan to work.”
He shrugs a shoulder. “That all sounds great, but I need to do an inventory. The bank wanted a list of all the assets.”
“What for? Is this for the loan?” I sag against the door. “Why didn’t you say? I’ll help.”
“It’s fine. You go and have fun. It’s the weekend. Enjoy yourelf.”
I can’t tell him I’m as sad and lonely as he is. If by enjoying myself he means to go home and order takeaway while watching a Christmas movie with Mr Turbo, I may as well be here making myself useful. “I’ll stay. We can order food while we work. What areas have you done already?”
“I’ve done the electronics and traditional toys. Need the early learning and princess stuff.”
I hang my coat back on the hook and grab a notepad and pen.
“Joy?”
I turn in the doorway.
“Thank you.” Tentatively, his lips curl into a smile.
I wave my hand as I step out the door. “No problem.”
11
NICK
“Pizza’s here.” The takeaway box warms my hands as I carry it into the shop. “Shall we eat in the grotto? I’ll put the electric stove heater on.”
Joy wraps her cardigan over her body, rushing into Santa’s grotto to get warm.
The smell of the freshly baked dough fills the space, causing my stomach to groan in approval.
