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Sounds like everything is sorted. No reason to delay the inevitable. ‘If you’ve all finished being pals with each other, I probably should get you home.’
As one, the reindeer turn to glare at him over their shoulder. For the first time in decades, he’s on the exact same page as them. He doesn’t want her to leave any more than they do.
Scarlett stops to gives each of the eight reindeer a scratch on the neck, before joining Nick at the sleigh. He lifts her in, placing her on the seat beside him.
‘Back in a bit, Eve.’
‘Sure thing Boss.’
Scarlett waves at Eve, then settles back in the seat, cuddling against Nick’s side. Neither of them say anything as he guides the reindeer back out the door and over the workshop. There’s nothing to say.
Scarlett opens herfront door and looks around the small living room. So much had happened in the last few days. So much she’s still trying to process. It feels like a lot longer than three days since Nick crashed into her life and turned her world upside down.
The man himself ducks through the door and joins her in the living room. ‘I arranged for a new car to be delivered. It’s in the garage. Key is on the table.’
‘Nick, you didn’t have to do that!’
‘Your car was destroyed helping me. Shut up and take it. You don’t have a choice.’
‘Thank you. I really appreciate it.’
‘I’ll just make sure the house is secure.’
She nods, not sure what to say. She doesn't want this. She wants him to stay. Or for her to stay with him. Either option would suit her just fine. Even after a few short days, she can’t imagine her life without him in it.
But her life is in Dublin. His in Lapland. This was a holiday fling. Fair enough, having a Christmas fling with Santa himself is a new one, but she’s romanticising what was, in essence, just a bit of fun. With a few life and death situations thrown in on top, but mostly fun.
He comes back downstairs, looking like no man has any right to. Even exhausted after his run, with black rings under his eyes, he’s incredible.
He sits on the arm of her couch and clasps his hands on his knee. ‘You’re secure. Flint will stay with you while you pack up. There’s no rush. So, you heading back to Dublin?’
‘Yep. Back to normal I guess. Although that sounds boring after the adventure I’ve just had.’
He laughs. ‘Yeah, it was a bit more than I’m used to. I’m hoping things will settle down now.’
‘So, do you plan on passing this way again next year?’ She hates the desperation she hears in her own voice.
‘If I do, I’m not planning on crashing. I’m not keen on making that a new Christmas tradition. It also depends on one small detail.’
‘What?’
‘It depends on whether you still believe in me next year.’ He winks and grins. ‘And how good you’ve been.’
Scarlett walks over to him, tucking in between his legs. ‘I thought you preferred me naughty?’
He shrugs then wraps his arms around her. ‘I’ll be naughty and you can be nice. That work for you?’
‘I think so.’
They fall silent again. She has to let him go, but she doesn't want to. They both turn around as Flint opens the front door and looks over at him, not in the least bit bothered that he might be interrupting something. ‘You should go, Boss. Sun is coming up.’
‘Thanks, Flint. Now get the fuck out of here!’
Flint nods and goes back outside. Nick smiles at her, brushing some hair behind her ear. ‘I don’t regret crashing here. I mean that.’
‘Me neither. I’m going to miss you.’
He rests his forehead against hers and takes a deep breath. ‘I’m going to miss your Snoopy pyjamas.’ They both laugh in spite of the depressing situation. Nick kisses her, then stands up and takes a step back. ‘Look after yourself, Scarlett.’
