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“Oh, that’s really not necessary, I—"
“Yes, it is,” I mutter, my voice coming out more harshly than I meant it to.
I gather up one of her hands in both of mine, letting the warmth of my skin seep into hers. After slipping the glove on, I repeat the process for her other hand, and then take my hat off, placing it on her head.
The wool cap is huge on her, as is everything else. It slips down to her nose, so I gently roll the edge up, revealing her magical eyes. They sparkle in the sunlight, or maybe they're sparkling just for me.
I don't know what comes over me, but before I realize it, I'm cupping her face in my hands. She closes her eyes and sighs so sweetly it makes my heart stutter in my chest. I caress her impossibly soft skin with my thumbs and then do something completely and utterly out of character.
I lean down and kiss her on the forehead.
Never in all my thirty-three years have I done something like that. Something so tender, so...intimate. Then again, I’ve never felt this way about anyone, let alone someone I’ve barely met.
“Thanks,” the woman whispers as she opens her eyes. “For the coat, I mean.” Her cheeks turn pink, and I know it’s not from the cold. “I haven’t gotten around to getting proper winter gear just yet.”
I hold her face for a second longer, and then drop my hands before I do something stupid, like push her up against the wall of the nearest building and kiss the fuck out of her pouty pink lips.
Shoving my hands into my pockets, I take a step back to get a good look at the pixie. The color has returned to her face and she’s no longer shivering. I’m sure her feet are cold, but there’s nothing I can do about that right now.
“Why not?” I all but growl. Damn, I need to calm the hell down before I scare her off. “I’m Walker Evans,” I say in an attempt to smooth things over. God, I’m already making a fool out of myself. What is it about her?
She smiles at me like I amuse her. Normally, I’d take that as an insult, but I find I don’t care why she’s smiling as long as it’s directed at me.
“I’m Indigo Wright. Indie for short. And I don’t have a coat because I just moved from California and severely underestimated the change in climate up here.”
Indigo. It fits her perfectly. Different, unique, beautiful. Familiar, yet unexpected.
“Let’s go get you some stuff right now. The Naughty & Nice General Store is on Jingle Bell Way, the next block over.” I should be opening up the office right now and going over my appointments for the day. But for the first time, something is more important than work. No, not something. Someone.
“Naughty and Nice General Store?” Indie quirks an eyebrow up, a small smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
“Yeah, we take Christmas pretty seriously around here,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck with my hand. I’ve never been one to chitchat, so I don't know much about the mechanics, but I want her to keep talking.
“As you should. It's your namesake, after all.” Indie gives a decisive nod of her head, and fuck, it's the cutest damn thing I've ever seen. She's absolutely drowning in my heavy Carhartt coat, and the hat has slipped down her forehead again, forcing her to tilt her head up so she can look at me.
An honest to goodness smile stretches out over my face. It’s not that I’m normally a cranky asshole or anything, but I don’t think anyone would describe me as a joyful person, either. Around Indie, however, I can’t help but feel light and happy. Content. Wholly satisfied just to be in her presence.
“Let’s go get you that coat. Naughty and Nice has a bit of everything. We’ll find gloves and a hat for you as well.” I mentally go through a list of other things this girl will need to get through the harsh winters we have in Michigan.
“Oh, you mean right now?” She furrows her brow and nibbles on her bottom lip.
“It’s not going to get warmer any time soon.”
“That’s awfully kind of you, Walker. The thing is, I don’t have it in my budget quite yet. That’s why I’m out here, actually. I’m looking for a job. Know anyone who’s hiring?”
Indie changes the subject seamlessly, and while I still want her to have a coat and weather appropriate clothing, I let it drop for now. “What kind of work are you looking for?”
“I’m open to pretty much anything,” she shrugs, looking around at the shops lining Tinsel Drive.
“Do you have a resume?” I ask, even though I can plainly see she’s not carrying anything with her, not even a purse.
“Nope. I have zero patience for all that typing and formatting. It’s not like I have much of a work history anyway. I’m not too worried about it. The universe provides, you know? I’ve got some good karma coming my way, I can feel it.”
I stare at her for a moment before I realize she’s completely serious. Normally, that whole mystical, spiritual shit would annoy me. Karma? The universe providing? Neither of those things can be proven. Instead of pointing that out to her, however, I nod and consider her words. Indie is absolutely genuine in her beliefs. She’s sincere and adorable in a way that makes me want to wrap her up in my arms and protect her bright, curious innocence.
“The Snow Angel Diner is always looking for help,” I finally say, after getting my thoughts together.
“Snow Angel Diner! I love that name. Oh, and look! It’s right there!” She excitedly points behind me, as if I didn’t already know where the best and oldest diner in town was located. “That’s some good karma in action,” she says with a satisfied, if not slightly smug smile. Despite the freezing temperatures, my unruly dick hardens and lengthens in my slacks. She’s going to be the death of me.
