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“Not yet. I usually can’t get much time off around the holidays with my job. It’s a busy time of year for advertising.”
“That must be hard. I’m sure Tina is thrilled to have you around this year.”
“It’s been good to have more quality time together while she’s recovering, yeah. Don’t tell her, or I’ll never hear the end of it, but I might just miss this little town when I go back to Toronto next month.” I angle myself closer to him and make the statement almost conspiratorial.
Carl leans in, mirroring me, and is it just my imagination or does he seem disappointed at the reminder I’m going back to the city after the holidays? Wishful thinking, I’m sure.
“Ah, she’ll miss you. But my lips are sealed. Miss Tina is not one to let go of an idea easily.”
“She is not. Mom says this cocoa is as good as it smells walking by, so I’m sure we’re in for a treat.” I don’t just mean the drinks. There’s something about this man that calls to me. It’s in his bright smile and the way he drinks in all the festive sights of the market with a delighted gleam in his eyes. He’s joyful.
“She’s right.” Carl nods.
“She almost always is.” I wink at him. “She told me I’d like you.”
Carl glances away, as though flirting makes him uncomfortable. “You barely know me.”
“Fair, so let’s fix that. Tell me what I should know about you.”
“Really?” Carl snorts in amusement. “This isn’t a job interview—” Carl stops abruptly, bites his lip, gives his head a shake and then turns to me with a rueful smile. “Actually, this is probably a ridiculous idea, but what would you say to being my boyfriend for the day?”
“Um, explain?” I say, taken aback at the sudden escalation.
“Well, my sister, Eliza and her wife, have this huge holiday party every year. And ever since Saint and I got divorced, the entire family seems to be on my case to find someone new. They think I’m still hung up on him, even though what we had is ancient history. I know they mean well, but it’s hard enough being single for the holidays without them putting more pressure on me, you know? Anyway, he was joking about finding me a fake date. Standing here with you, I can’t help thinking it would be nice for them not to focus on my failed love life for once. I figure, if I bring you, they’ll lay off. And then I can tell them we broke up after the holidays when you go back to Toronto.”
“Ah, the old fake boyfriend gambit? You think it will work?”
“Sure. I don’t see why they’d question it; you’re exactly my type.”
“Charming and debonair?” I tease, striking a pose. I saw his ex and the two of us don’t look at all alike. Saint was impeccably dressed, all lean elegance, ice-blue eyes, striking features, and distinguished salt and pepper hair. I’m plain by comparison. Brown hair, brown eyes, soft around the middle from long hours at my desk.
Carl laughs and shoves at my shoulder. “Sure, we’ll go with that instead of admitting I have a track record of falling for self-assured workaholics who don’t have time for love.”
“Ouch.” I clutch at my chest as though he’s struck a mortal blow. “You wound me, sir. Has Mom been telling tales?”
Carl rolls his eyes. “Almost forgot to add silly goofballs to that list. And your mother is very proud of how hard you work. I was more referring to my dating history.”
“So, I really am your type?” I press.
Before he can answer, we get to the front of the line and place our orders. I whip out my card to pay. Carl thanks me and tucks a few bills into the tip jar for us. Which is a nice change from my usual dates, who are all too willing to let me foot the bill wherever we go.
Carl sidles closer to me as we wait for our orders. “I want to show you something. You know, since you’re new to the market.”
“I’d love to see anything you want to show me.” I let my gaze wander over his body, hidden under bulky winter clothing. From his full beard and broad frame, I suspect he’s a bit of a hairy bear. I know he’s strong from the way he held me up earlier. Rather than flirting back, Carl leans away from me at the innuendo, eyes not meeting mine. Well, I apparently read that wrong, but he still seems interested. I’ll just have to take this slower and follow his lead. “What did you have in mind?”
“You’ll see. I mean, you might’ve seen it already, since you’re working here at your mom’s booth. I just…it’s silly, just forget I said anything.” He bites his lips, and I shove away the fantasy of kissing him.
“No, I’m sure it’s not silly at all. Tell me, Carl.” I pout at him.
He rolls his eyes, then takes a deep breath and nods. “Fine, but remember, you asked for it. They put up an enormous tree and decorate it with all sorts of lights and balls and things, and there’s a skating rink all around it. I’ve always thought all the couples skating together under the lights seem very romantic.”
“Let’s go try it, then.” I offer him my hand as they call out our orders.
We get our drinks. Carl twines the fingers of our free hands as we walk along the main corridor of the market. We stroll under strings of twinkling holiday lights, all the way to the huge, decorated tree at the center of the market.
We stand together, gazing up at the tree, faces lit by the muted glow of the decorations. He looks so lovely in that hazy golden light as he sips his drink, a bit of whipped cream stuck in his bushy hipster beard. I’m tempted to pull him in and kiss away the mess. I can see exactly what he meant when he called this spot romantic. The soft ambiance makes him seem otherworldly, a warm contrast to the ice and snow on every surface.
As soft fluffy flakes of snow start sifting down from the darkened sky, I can almost convince myself that anything we do together can be a moment away from reality. A magical moment frozen in time where I can be the guy someone relies on instead of the workaholic who barely sees his penthouse apartment enough to keep his houseplants alive.
