“Yep,” the blonde replied. “And Jake’s around here too, keeping the traffic situation under control.” Jake, the sheriff of Coldwater Springs, was Libby’s husband. “Have fun, you two.” She waggled her hand and sauntered off, leaving the two of them alone.
Before Kate could think of anything to say, the driver jumped into the cab of the float and started the engine.
“Looks like this is it,” Flynn remarked, putting a steadying arm around her as the float jerked into motion.
“Yes, it does.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say. She reveled in the feel of his arm around her shoulder, and gently leaned back against him.
“When we stop in the middle of Main Street, we’ll stand up and say our lines,” Flynn murmured in her ear.
“Okay.” Kate hoped he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart as the float crawled along the road. She’d never been interested in public speaking, and although she only had one line to say she still couldn’t remember what it was. Why hadn’t she written it on her hand?
And then there was the upcoming kiss. She just hoped her face wouldn’t turn as red as her costume when they locked lips.
After a few minutes of waving to the kids lining each side of the street, it was time to say their lines. The float stopped and she stood, Flynn extending a hand to her.
In a loud, booming voice, Flynn spoke. “Mrs. Claus, it’s time for me to jump in the sled and deliver all the good boys’ and girls’ presents.”
Looking up into his face, her line suddenly came to her. “Take care, Mr. Claus. Christmas dinner will be waiting for you when you come home.” Relief whooshed through her as she delivered the words loud and clear.
“I also have a gift for you, Mrs. Claus. Ho, ho, ho.”
Kate felt herself melt at the look in Flynn’s eyes. Surely that glint of desire couldn’t be play-acting? He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She held her breath as his mouth descended. Although they’d been practicing all week, this would be their last kiss.
His mouth snared hers, his lips caressing her own. She relaxed into the kiss, wanting to savor every microsecond. His lips were firm and warm, delving, exploring. Distantly she could hear people cheering, and it took her a moment to realize the applause was for them.
With what seemed like reluctance, Flynn finally released her lips, keeping an arm around her as he waved to the crowd. Dazedly she followed suit, still in a fog from that amazing kiss.
The last one ever.
***
The parade was over. Back in the marshaling area, Flynn helped her down from the sleigh. She grasped his hand, certain that this would be the last time she would feel the warmth of his calloused palm against her own, softer skin.
“Well, that was fun,” he said, his eyes gleaming.
“Yes.” She memorized his face, seeing past the addition of the long white beard to the planes of his cheeks and jaw line.
“Can I give you a ride home?”
She hesitated. Why not? She’d probably never see him again after today except as a regular customer at the bakery. What was wrong with enjoying his company for a few more minutes?
“Sure.” She smiled tentatively, hoping he couldn’t tell how much the kiss on the float had affected her.
They started walking back to his car, parked on a side street. Just as they were about to turn the corner, a black quarter horse galloped down the street, its hooves thundering against the pavement.
“Look out!” Flynn propelled her towards the relative safety of her bakery, then with a muttered oath, swept her into his arms.
Kate squeaked, automatically clutching his shoulders. The creature snorted and rolled its eyes as it barreled past them, obviously spooked by something.
Flynn breathed easily as he held her. This close to him, she could smell the faint, warm scent of his aftershave. Her heart melted once she realized the danger had passed. He didn’t seem to have any problem carrying her.
“Are you okay?” His brown eyes darkened in concern.
“I’m fine,” she murmured, wishing they could stay like this forever.
“Good.” A smile rumpled the corner of his mouth.
Sarah bustled up to them. “Are you guys okay? Emma and Cade have gone after Shadow. A little boy blew his trumpet right next to the horse’s ear and he bolted.”
“Will Shadow be okay?” Although Kate had been scared by the close shave, she felt sorry for the poor horse.
Sarah smiled. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. He boards at Emma and Cade’s ranch and Cade trained him a while ago.”
Just then, the clip-clop of hooves greeted Kate’s ears and she saw Emma and Cade leading the now docile horse back to the marshaling area.
Kate breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the unharmed creature.
“I’ll see you both at Cassie and Luke’s the day after tomorrow.” Sarah stifled a grin. A tall, good-looking man rounded the corner. “Chase has come looking for me.” She waved goodbye as she hurried to meet her husband.
Kate watched Chase sweep his wife into a long kiss, then realized exactly where she was. In front of her bakery, in Flynn’s strong arms.
Sara’s words echoed in her mind.