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"At least you went for the high-five and didn't leave me hanging," I murmur.
Ginger shoots me a sideways glance. I wink, breaking the tension. She’s nervous enough. She doesn’t need to worry about a little mishap, too. Her cheeks rise as a closed smile spreads across her lips.
“Thanks for the game,” she whispers. She slides her hand over my arm, then grabs the mic and turns on the charm, congratulating the participants on their win. “Let’s take fifteen minutes to refresh, catch our breath, and scope out the Dirty Santa loot.”
Ginger scans the room and homes in on a couple in the crowd. They’re a beacon in the room, oblivious to everyone but each other. That’s the kind of connection I’m looking for, someone who only has eyes for me. But I want more than a pretty face and someone’s rapt attention. I need someone with a giving heart. Someone willing to go the extra mile to help others like I aspire to do.
I'm rusty in the dating department, but I don't want to let Ginger slip away. Emceeing tonight's event obviously isn't within her comfort zone, but her confidence shows through. I like a woman with tenacity. It speaks to her character. I'm not opposed to the feel of her curves, either. I'd like to explore everything about her.
“Would you like to get a drink?” The words spill out before I have a chance to second-guess myself.
"I'd love to, but I'm on the clock and need to grab the tickets and rules for Dirty Santa." Her lips pinch into a knot as her brows notch together. Her freckles fuse, dotting her contorted expression like pointillism artwork.
“Need some help?” I’m not keen on mingling with anyone else. “I’m good at following instructions.”
“Good to know. I’m a stickler for rules.” Her bonafide smile returns as she winks. The freckled artwork bridging her nose and cheeks softens into cosmic constellations sprinkled with fairy dust.
She’s a masterpiece.
“Raincheck on the drink?” I shove my hands into my pockets, hopeful she’ll take me up on the offer rather than brush me off. My heart ticks low in my throat, anxious and impatient.
“I’d like that.”
She skips down the stage steps, and I watch after her, trying not to stare but failing miserably. I’m rusty, but with a little polish, I might have a fighting chance against the roomful of singles.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
CHAPTER 3
***
Ginger
I skirt through the crowd with a lilt in my belly and holiday happiness zipping around my heart. I might have to thank Killian for pinning this party gig on me tonight. I'd never have come otherwise, and I might have missed out on meeting someone with potential.
Scratch that. Connor’s more than potential. He’s confident without the cocky, smarmy vibe of nightcrawler booty callers with one thing on the brain. Though, I hope he has more than having drinks on his mind. I have a feeling there’s more to him than good looks and agility.
