Flustered, Kate left the safety of the wooden counter top and walked around to the other side. Her breath skipped when his heated gaze traveled over her face. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close, before lowering his head and kissing her.
This time, her arms stole around his neck as she melted into the kiss. He captured her lips, as if determined to learn everything about her. She pressed her body closer, suddenly wishing that he was kissing her because it would drive him absolutely crazy if he didn’t, not because the parade script told him to.
Flynn dragged his lips from hers, his breathing heavier than before. “I think we should practice a lot.”
***
The day of the parade dawned. The snow had held off and weak sunshine struggled through the clouds. She’d seen Flynn nearly every day since that first kiss. He’d often come into the bakery, buy a loaf of sourdough, and suggest they practice the scene again.
And again.
Kate sighed. Cassie and Luke had invited her to Christmas dinner, which she was looking forward to. But only one thing marred her first Wyoming Christmas.
She doubted Flynn would kiss her after today.
Although they’d gotten to know each other over the last week, there was no reason for Flynn to stop in the shop again, unless he wanted to buy another loaf of bread. And after today, there was no excuse at all for them to kiss - ever again.
She struggled into the Mrs. Claus outfit Sarah had given her. She was going to miss Flynn’s afternoon bakery visits. And his kisses.
Studying her reflection in the mirror, she made a face. The red velvet dress trimmed with white faux fur reached her ankles, and was too loose around her waist. Grabbing the padding Sarah had also provided, Kate unfastened the big black buttons starting at her neck and going all the way down to her knees, and added the cushioning to her not exactly flat stomach.
Now the buttons strained to meet around her middle. She grimaced, and plopped on the red velvet cap. Mrs. Claus femme fatale she was not.
Ten minutes later, after walking a couple of blocks to the center of town, she arrived at the marshaling area for the floats. After Flynn saw her in this costume, there was no way he would ever want to kiss her after today. Her shoulders sagged for a second, before she straightened them. Today wasn’t about her; it was about giving the local kids some Christmas joy.
“I’m glad you’re here, Kate.” Sarah snagged her attention and made a tick in her notebook. “Your float is the one over there that looks like Santa’s sleigh. Flynn’s already here.”
Taking a deep breath, Kate walked over to the gaily-decorated sleigh. Silver tinsel festooned the sides, while what looked suspiciously like a love seat occupied most of the interior. A big white sack inscribed with the word GIFTS tempted her. She peeked inside, presents wrapped in Christmas paper greeting her eyes. Picking one up, she shook it, but it felt and sounded empty.
“They’re just fake ones in case a kid is tempted to look inside the sack. They’d be pretty disappointed if it was stuffed with newspaper.”
Kate straightened at the sound of Flynn’s voice. “Hi,” she said, brushing back a stray lock of hair that had escaped from her red velvet cap.
“All ready for the parade?” He grinned, still looking handsome despite wearing a traditional Santa costume. The stuffing inside the costume and the white beard couldn’t detract from his rugged good looks.
“I think so,” she replied, trying to quell the shiver suddenly racing down her spine.
“Good.” He held out his hand. “We might as well be comfortable while we wait for it to start.”
He helped her up into the float, sitting beside her on the cushioned seat. His thigh touched hers, and even through the velvet fabric of her costume, his body heat made her pulse quicken.
“Maybe we should rehearse one last time.” His eyes glinted with devilment.
“No!” Although she couldn’t remember her single line right now, she knew she’d be lost if Flynn kissed her before the parade even started. Besides, what if somebody saw them? Kissing in her empty bakery was one thing, but kissing in front of the whole town … why had she said yes to playing Mrs. Claus?
Because you didn’t know you’d be acting opposite the guy you’ve got the hots for.
She was never going to take part in a parade ever again.
“Hi, guys.” Libby Morgan bounced up to the float, her blonde curls framing her face, her curvy figure cute in black pants and a sky blue swing car coat. “Been busy practicing?”
“All week,” Flynn confirmed, a smile etching his features.
Libby looked as if she was trying not to laugh. “Good. Kids look forward to the parade all year long. You want to get it right.”
“We sure do,” Flynn answered with a wink.
Kate felt heat warm her cheeks. “Are you helping Sarah with everything?” she asked her friend.