Page 22 of The Detour

Last night comes back to me and I groan. Fucking perfection in every sense of the word. Except for now when I’d prefer to ask her to stay and . . .

“And what, Saint? Live here? Get to know her better? It was one fucking night. Get over yourself.”

I take a sip of my coffee and shake my head as she turns the corner so I can’t see her anymore.

My sigh is heavy.

Why do I live in this town?

Why am I burdened with being a Nick, born and tasked to keep Saint Nick’s Hollow running?

But I know why.

I love my life. I love this town.

And maybe one day . . . she’ll come back again.

12

Harley

I still did the walk of shame.

I crept past Saint’s door even though every part of me wanted to knock and say goodbye. But that would have been awkward. That would have made things messy.

So instead, I snuck off after leaving some cash for the room in the kitchenette and a business card with my contact info should I owe any more.

But that’s a lie.

I know I don’t owe any more money as I left more than enough for the food and place to stay.

I simply wanted him to have my number in case . . . I don’t know why.

And here I sit in my car as the engine warms and the defroster clears the windshield, telling myself to put the car in reverse and leave this unexpected little venture.

My tires crunch over the white snow as I head down the main drag back out toward the highway. It’s as beautiful as I thought it would be in the daylight—and still as festive.

“Good morning, Christmas crooners. It’s Bob back with you this morning. What is it you want to hear today? What are your plans? We’re one day closer to the best day of the year, so tell me, what can we do for you today?”

I laugh. “Bob? Are you my fairy godfather because I kind of think you are.”

“Yes. You are right. All the above. I wish that for you.”

I shake my head, lost in my thoughts about a torrid night between the sheets and the man I left behind. Then shift over to Sophie and Luke and how I want to finish their story . . . but then they return to Saint.

Dreamy, sexy Saint Nick.

It’s only when I turn onto the highway and my notebook falls open that I see the note he left me.

Harley-

Thank you for a night I’ll not soon forget. Maybe I can return the favor someday.

I told you everyone needs a little magic. Who knew I needed some too?

Thank you for being that magic.

-Saint