“Nice to meet you.” Josie shook his hand.
“Would you be free after the parade? We’ll be set up by the stage to get some shots for the special.” His smile grew. “I’ll find you a cup of hot chocolate and let you show me around.”
Josie glanced at Hunter, who was watching with interest. “Renata would be better suited for showing you around, Mr. Garza.”
“Call me Ray.” His smile might be charming, but the way he looked her up and down made her skin crawl.
“Ray.” She didn’t smile in return. “I’m not sure there’s much I can say to sell Stonewall Crossing. It sort of speaks for itself.”
“I’d like to hear a little more about what you mean by that.” There it was again, that sweeping, slightly-too-lascivious-to-be-ignored appraisal of her figure. He was far too interested in her chest. “We’ll meet you by the stage, with hot chocolate, after the parade, then.”
Hunter took her hand in his. “You ready, Miss Celebrity?” He shot Ray Garza a look—a look that spoke volumes. She loved that look.
“I guess so.” She took his hand and stepped up onto the float. “I’m happy to chat with you for a bit right after the parade, Mr. Garza.”
Ray Garza shook his head. “I won’t take up much time, I promise. Tonight’s about spending time with family.” Ray Garza nodded at Hunter, then her, and headed to the small stage where the parade judges were seated, smack-dab in the middle of the square.
“You need an escort for that interview?” Hunter asked, watching Ray Garza go.
She chuckled, leaning over the side of the trailer. “Jealous, Dr. Boone? Don’t you know I prefer my men in white coats?”
Hunter looked up at her, tipping his hat back. “I recall hearing something along those lines.”
If he kept smiling at her like that, she’d kiss him—no matter who was watching.
He winked at her and stepped back, helping the younger kids climb aboard. She watched his every move, the way he swung each kid high, giving them a word or smile of encouragement. He knew them all, cared about them, about this. This was his home, a place as ingrained in his blood as the color of his incredible eyes.
She’d never felt that way about a place. But something about the camaraderie and affection among this bunch made her rethink, again, the value in her solitary life.
Hunter’s voice was stern as he called out, “Remember the rules.” He paused, making certain all eyes were on him before he continued. “No standing up, no moving around and no horseplay. Your job is to sta
y safe, sit on your hay bale and wave like crazy at all the people. And don’t forget to yell out ‘Merry Christmas’ now and then. Got it?”
A dozen hat-and-scarf-clad heads nodded. There was something poignant about their red noses, bright eyes and on-the-verge-of-bursting-with-excitement energy. The mood was contagious. Josie sat in the chair, tucking her hands under her legs. It was cold and, in their haste, she’d forgotten her gloves.
“Miss Stephens?” The little girl had red braids peeking out from under her hat and a smattering of freckles across her nose. “Are you really going to read to us? Floppy Feet is my favorite. I have two rabbits that look just like the ones in your book.”
“You do?” Josie asked, a sudden warmth chasing away the cold. “What are their names?”
“Floppy and Jack,” the little girl answered.
Josie laughed. “Those are great names.” She took the book Eli thrust in her face. It was old, the paper jacket creased and worn. There was a faint ring on the back cover, where someone had probably put their iced tea or coffee cup. “Thanks, Eli.” She glanced at the boy, wishing he’d give some sort of acknowledgment that she existed. She wanted to ask if this was his copy, the one Hunter and Fisher had read to him when he was little. But the words got stuck in her throat.
He looked at her then, searching her face for one long moment. He swallowed so hard she knew he was holding something back.
“Thank you,” Josie repeated, feeling the all-too-familiar sting in her eyes.
“Come on, Eli.” Hunter waved his son to the side of the trailer. “Your job is to keep an eye on the little ones,” he said to Eli, Dara and four older teenagers who were helping corral the youngsters. Hunter shot her one more smile before climbing into the truck cab.
When the truck pulled forward, the kids squealed with glee. Josie beamed, glancing around the trailer at each little face. The teenagers were smiling, too. Even Eli. Until he saw her smiling at him.
* * *
HUNTER NODDED AT the thumbs-up in his side mirror from Eli. Some garland had fallen loose as they cleared the last stretch of road, but everything was secure again.
“Can you go any slower?” Fisher asked as they scooted an inch forward.
“Got a hot date I don’t know about?” Hunter glanced at his brother.