Santa's Secret

“Why are we having this conversation? It’s not like Aiden and I are going to start dating.”

“Oh!”

I roll my eyes, knowing he can’t see them in the dark and won’t be able to chastise me for it. “Aiden and I come from two different worlds, as you mentioned. At the end of the month, I go back to my crazy, hectic life, and he stays here protecting the people of Ramona Falls and raising his daughter. I would never wish my lifestyle on him and Holly, and although Holly would love the glitz and glam, I don’t think Aiden would. Everything about my world is unpredictable and somewhat scary. I have a bodyguard for a reason. Being under the scrutiny of people, twenty-four seven is tiring. Aiden wouldn’t want this type of life.”

“Have you asked him?”

I scoff. “Daddy, we’

re not dating. We’re not even seeing each other. We’re hanging out, being friends and enjoying what little time I have here. Besides, the rumor around town is he already has eyes for another woman, and I’m probably in the way, always inserting myself into his life.”

“You can’t listen to everything you hear around town, Delaney. If I did, I’d worry about whether or not I’m doing a good job.”

“But you are.”

“According to you, I am. However, not everyone feels the same as you. People like to stir pots.” He closes his recliner and gets up, handing me the remote. “Listen, all I’m saying is, things aren’t as they always seem. If a man is willing to buy the last two tickets to see someone, and wait in the freezing cold for his turn, he may be worth the chance.” Dad kisses me on top of my head and ruffles my hair. “Goodnight, dear. See you at your booth in the morning.”

Ugh! Personal appearances on a lack of sleep never bode well for me. Still instead of going to bed, I lie on the couch and continue to flip through the channels until I land on the Sound of Music. For the life of me, I’ll never understand why this is a Christmas movie. No one sings any Christmas carols. There isn’t a tree, presents or even snow and it takes place in Austria, which surely has snow in the wintertime. I just don’t get it, yet here it is, on TV, before the holiday. I still watch it, though, and sing along to every song. Living here though has afforded many of us to grow up with the Von Trapps. I’ve even asked their great-grand children why their family’s movie is mostly shown at Christmas and they don’t understand it either.

When the movie ends, I drag myself to my bedroom and fall onto my bed without changing my clothes. I do remember to set my alarm for the morning though, which then has me looking at Aiden’s contact information. Is my dad right? Does Aiden want to pursue something with me? I press the icon to send him a message and start typing.

I’m often up late at night even when I have to be someplace early in the morning. I don’t know why I’m writing to you or if you’re even awake, but I am. Thank you for letting Holly come over tonight. She’s such an amazing little girl and I had the best time making cookies with her. Spending time with the both of you has been the best present a girl could ask for. Hopefully, I’ll see you tomorrow. If not, enjoy your weekend, Aiden. ~ Laney.

I hit send before I can chicken out, and watch as the message delivers. I read it over, wondering if I should’ve said something different, but it’s too late. What’s done is done.

Twenty-Four

Aiden

When my phone chimed in the middle of the night, I was wide-awake, thinking about Delaney. Telling myself I’m only imagining the feelings I’m having and there’s no way she’s feeling the same. Her message changed everything. It wasn’t a declaration of love, or a plea for us to take things to the next level, but a heartfelt note, which has given me clarity. The problem is, I don’t know what to do with it, which is evident by the way I’ve avoided the winter festival all day until now.

As soon as I pull into the parking lot by the town’s ice rink, Holly jumps out of the truck. Her friend Shawna is waving rapidly for Holly to join her. The girls take off running toward the rink, both falling multiple times in the knee-deep snow.

“I think they’ll be best friends for life.” The voice of Shelby catches me off guard, causing me to drop my gear onto the pavement.

“Yeah, Holly talks very fondly about Shawna.”

“We would like to invite you over for dinner tonight.”

I run my hand over my stocking cap and nod. I’m not good at telling people no, and I know Holly would like some more time with Shawna. “That sounds nice.”

“Holly is more than welcome to spend the night.” Shelby falls in step next to me as I make my way toward the rink where there are a few people already warming up for our game.

“Yeah, sure. I think she’d like that.”

Shelby starts to slip, and I catch her easily. Her hand lands on my forearm and mine ends up around her waist. She licks her lips and smiles. “Thank you. You’re my hero.”

I nod again and step back, putting some space between us. Shelby doesn’t though, and links her arm with mine, holding onto me until we get to the rink. Being the gentleman I am, I make sure she’s at the bleachers before jumping over the wall.

“Shelby Whittensby, huh?” James Alvarez holds out his fist for me to bump. I don’t. Instead, I look over my shoulder to find Shelby staring at me. She gives me a little finger wave, but it’s the sound of Holly yelling out Delaney’s name that has my attention focused elsewhere.

“Nothing going on there,” I tell James, who happens to be on the force with me. He and his wife moved here a few years back when he was hired. “Our daughters are friends.”

“That’s not what she’s been telling my wife.”

“Can’t listen to everything you hear.”

James slaps me on the back. “She’s the most eligible woman in town. You’d be a fool not to be with her.”