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“Elves have to be quick. Santa has a lot for us to do, after all,” she joked.
“I’ve heard that about elves. It’s almost like they’re magical,” I teased back.
I didn’t want to walk away. Her eyes were mesmerizing, as was her wit.
“I’m Asher.” I put out my hand. “I already told you that the first time, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did, and I’d remember that dimple anywhere.” I covered my mouth in shock that I said it out loud. “I didn’t mean that.”
“Then you’re saying you don’t like my dimples?” I feigned hurt feelings. “I thought they were my best feature.”
“It’s a close tie to the long hair.” I smacked my forehead. “It seems I hurt my brain more than my eye.”
We both laughed. “Okay, so we agree that we’re now even?”
“Agreed,” she put her hand out, “although, most things happen in threes.”
“Don’t go putting that kind of jinx on us.” I shook her hand. “I’ll have to stay away from you.”
Neither of us let go of the other’s hand until… “Are you two finished?”
“I’m Gunner and that’s Charlie.” Gunner crossed his arms. “What’s your name?”
“I already told your friend, Charlie, that we don’t give out our real names.” She creased her eyebrows and dropped my hand.
“I thought that was you. The wigs are a nice touch.” Gunner continued to have his arms crossed.
“How many different colors are there?” Charlie asked. “I counted four.”
She seemed uncomfortable with Charlie’s questions. I couldn’t blame her. All of the guys are imposing-looking characters. I was startled by them the first time we met. I’d liked to tell her they were big teddy bears, but that wasn’t completely true. To save her from his stare, I cut in.
“Sorry, I have to go. You have a nice day. If your eye doesn’t feel better soon, let me know.” I gestured for Gunner to follow me.
“Hey, how will I let you know?” she called out to me. “Do you work in the mall?”
I didn’t want to tell her I owned the mall. For once, I didn’t want the Hawthorne name and money to make a difference in how someone felt about me. I needed to answer her, though.
“I’ll come back by later. I gotta take this call.” I held my cell up to my ear and pretended to talk.
As soon as we were far enough away, I looked to Gunner with a frown. “What’s your deal?”
“What do you mean?” Gunner played coy.
“You were giving that girl the Gunner stare-down and interrogating her for answers.” I pushed through the office door. “I see you smirking, Charlie. You aren’t much better.”
“Didn’t you hire me to come and figure out your magical elf problem?” Gunner sat on the edge of the desk. “There’s something off about that girl. She is purposely vague. I’m gonna get to the bottom of it.”
“Or, she’s afraid of a couple of big goons.” I sat at the desk and started looking at film. “Leave her alone. She’s just a girl who works in a mall.”
“But Asher, she’s an elf!” Charlie interjected. “Don’t you think that’s the right spot to start?”
My buzzing cell interrupted the bickering. I pulled it halfway out of my pocket. It was a text from my other cell. There was no way I was letting these guys in on that, so I slipped it back in my pocket.
“I have to go to the other mall this afternoon. I’ll be staying overnight visiting friends,” I said. “What’s your plan for finding the mystery elf?”
“Do you really want to know? Like, you want details?” Gunner remained sitting on the edge of the desk. “Or do you just want us to handle it?”
“Just handle it.” I stood and grabbed my briefcase and blueprints. “I’ll be back in the morning. You can call me, though.”
