Filthy Scrooge

“What has gotten into you?”

“Nothing. I could just tell you were frozen.”

She reached for her cup and brought it up to her lips for a sip. “I am a little cold. That wind off the water is worse than going to Long Island.”

“The sound of the water in the summer is worth it.”

“I’d like to find out.”

My gaze shot to hers. I couldn’t speak around the iceberg in my chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.” She took another swallow from her drink. “Ignore me. I was just caught up in the community here.”

I pressed my lips together and said nothing. What could I say? Why yes, I’d love to have you stay with me up here forever?

And have her send me to the asylum before she ran away screaming.

&nbsp

; It was just because of the date. I’d settle down and it wouldn’t matter. I could go back to my life. I understood the day-to-day functions of my work, and how to improve a failing store, or open a new location. That all made sense.

I didn’t get the chaos of feelings when it came to this woman.

She stood and dumped her empty cup in the trash. She slid her arm through mine. “I’m warm enough now. Let’s take a walk.” She nodded toward the docks. “How about over there?”

“You just got warmed up and now you want to go freeze your ass off by the water?”

“Worth it.”

I sighed and followed her lead, but stopped outside the store where I’d bought her sweater. “Let’s head in here for a moment.”

“It looks expensive.”

“It is.”

She rolled her eyes. “You have no filter.”

I shrugged. Not this time of year, I didn’t.

“You’re back.” The same woman I’d purchased the sweater from came out from behind the counter. She’d been very helpful, if a little overly flirtatious. A few months ago, I wouldn’t have batted an eye at welcoming her as a distraction.

A few months ago seemed to be a refrain in my head. And all of them ended in Kay as my chorus. Too bad it had “Jingle Bells” attached to it.

Kay slid her hand into mine. “It’s gorgeous.”

The woman’s sunny smile dimmed. “I see.” She ran a critical eye over Kay, and I followed her gaze. In reaction, Kay stiffened and lifted her chin.

I released her hand and slipped my arm around her shoulders instead. “It’s a little big on her, but I love that no one knows exactly what her beautiful curves look like except me.”

Kay’s gaze swung up to mine.

“It’s perfect,” the shopkeeper said.

Kay turned into me and relaxed, her hand resting just above my belt. “Thanks. Your artist is amazing.”

“Thanks. I made it.”

“Oh.” Kay slid her hand farther into the sleeve. “I’d like about five more of them.”