Page 76 of Christmas Magic

His lordship rose from his throne.

With Cora pressed against him, Lucian couldn’t bow, as he’d been taught was the proper way to acknowledge a superior. Instead, Lucian dipped his head.

Santa frowned.

Bollocks. Was his lordship upset because Lucian hadn’t greeted him in the correct manner? Cora hadn’t curtsied—hadn’t even attempted it—but she wasn’t wearing a dress. Perhaps, because of her choice of clothing, she was exempt from having to curtsy in Cat’s Paw Cove?

’Twas all damned perplexing. But if Lucian offended Santa, there’d be no chance of an audience with him.

Lucian stepped sideways, breaking contact with Cora.

“Lucian?”

“I have to do what is expected.” Surely, she understood the delicate situation?

His lordship was still watching them; likely waiting to see whether Lucian conformed to custom or not. Santa could be debating whether to summon his guards and make an example of Lucian’s lack of courtesy. In front of such a crowd, word of his misdemeanor would quickly spread—and his honor would be tainted. That would affect not only his future, but Galahad’s.

Lucian dropped down on one knee.

Cora made a choking sound. “What are you doing?”

“Santa,” called the elf nearest to his lordship. She waved to the child at the front of the queue. “Your next guest is ready.”

“Ho, ho, ho. I’ll only be a moment.”

His lordship strode toward them.

“Oh, great,” Cora muttered.

Some of the folk in the crowd were whispering behind their hands. Nearby, a group of mothers giggled. Why did they find the situation amusing?

Hopefully, Cora wasn’t being ridiculed because Lucian hadn’t shown the proper courtesy right away. He’d never forgive himself if she suffered because of his actions.

He bowed his head and studied the sandy ground. Santa would appreciate the respect shown by his bowed head.

“Everyone is staring at us,” Cora hissed.

“They appreciate my chivalry.”

“No, I don’t think—”

“’Tis indeed the reason. We should be honored that Santa has chosen to come and speak to us.”

Cora’s face heated. Why was Lucian causing a scene? When he’d gotten down on one knee in the antique store, she’d found it charming. Here at Coquina Castle? He was making a deliberate statement she hadn’t figured out yet.

Sure, she’d wanted Fred’s attention, but not by becoming the focus of every single person inside Coquina Castle. Thanks to local gossip, the whole town would soon know of Lucian’s dramatics. Cell phone photos might end up on social media.

Inwardly, she cringed and wished she’d worn her tummy-control slacks. Not a thing she could do about the situation now. She’d just have to hope any pictures showed her at a decent angle—and find a way to turn the situation to her advantage somehow.

Fred approached. Not easy to put up an emotional wall when he was so near. While his face had more wrinkles than the last time she’d seen him, he still had the most attractive, soulful brown eyes.

“Hello, Cora.” He stopped a short distance away. Wariness tinged his gaze, just as it had at the historical society party when he’d been dressed as Old Saint Nick. That day, he’d crossed a line and proven they could never have a second chance at love.

“Fred.” How grateful she was for her firm tone. “How are you?”

“Fine, thanks.” He smoothed his fake beard with a gloved hand. “A while back, Grace mailed me some newspaper clippings about the opening of the Shipwreck Museum. One of the articles included a picture. You were in it.”

Cora remembered the photo—her fourth celebrity appearance in the Cat’s Paw Cove Courier. The picture had been taken on a hot, humid morning on the deck of the restored Guinevere. Roberta had been in the photo too, along with several other long-time members of the historical society.