Page 54 of Naughty-ish

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The square set up with booths is only slightly less crowded mid-day compared to my memory, but I navigate the kids through the bustle of people to a hot dog vendor and then thankfully find a seat inside the beer and wine tent.

While enjoying a mulled hot wine, I watch Nash and Eloise animatedly tell me stories about kids in school. I’m laughing loudly when someone speaks beside me.

“That’s a beautiful sound.”

My head turns at the deep masculine voice. “Nick?”

“Hi, Nick,” Nash excitedly speaks around a bite of hot dog.

“Hey, buddy,” Nick addresses Nash.

“What are you doing here?” My voice is too high, too curious, and almost as excited as Nash’s to finally see my neighbor.

Nick slips his hands into his jean pockets and sheepishly glances at me. “Just enjoying the festivities.”

He no sooner says that when a gorgeous redhead slips her arm through his. “There you are.”

I almost choke at how beautiful she is, all lean and tall with vibrant hair and a smattering of freckles on her face. Instantly, my stomach curdles my spiced wine.

“Holliday,” Nick immediately says, watching my face morph to what I’m certain is envy on my cheeks. “This is my younger sister, Kaye.” Nick slips his arm free of his sister, wraps it around her shoulders and then rubs his knuckles against her hair.

“Oh my God. You’re such a child,” she squeals pushing at his side before glancing at me. “Did he say Holliday? As in the hot neighbor?”

My eyes briefly close and I lower my head, shaking it side to side.

“What a liar you are, Nick,” she admonishes. “You’re freaking stunning.”

Startled, I glance up, finding her eyes on me.

“I said she was hot.”

Kaye snorts, shaking her head like men are stupid. “Hot implied a different sort of look. This . . .” She waves up and down at me. “Is gorgeous.”

My face heats ten times before I finally find words. “Thank you. You’re sweet.”

Kaye turns to the kids. “And who are these two beauties?”

Nash and Eloise introduce themselves and Kaye engages them in conversation about Santa and what they asked for this Christmas.

Turning my attention to Nick, I ask, “Would you like to sit down?” I slide over on the bench seat, allowing space for him.

“I don’t want to interrupt. Just saw you across the way and wanted to say hi. Then I heard you laugh. I haven’t heard it often enough.” His eyes dance while watching me, that ever-present gleam apparent, but dimmed the teeniest bit.

“Nick tells me you’re writing a children’s book,” Kaye interjects on our locked eyes moment.

“Kaye,” Nick groans, sheepishly looking at me once again, aware he’s shared something private and personal with his sister.

“Oh. Well, it’s just an idea.” I brush off the dream and side-eye my children who are listening as little ears do.

“That’s how anything starts,” Kaye cheerfully responds. “But when you’re ready to publish, reach out to me.” She elbows her brother. “I have connections.”

I’m reminded that Nick’s family owns North Pole Toys. Kaye must work in the family business.

“Yeah, thank you. I’ll think about it.”

“Don’t think. Do,” Kaye says, then gives me a wink that must run in the family. She turns to her brother. “Now, I want a wiener schnitzel like Nash. Feed me.”