A Kiss From Kringle (Novella) (Frosty's Snowmen Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

laughter flowed over him. “You should see someone about your lack of confidence.”
    He smiled. “I know. I’m so insecure. I don’t know how I manage to leave the house.”
    “It’s a miracle.”
    “More Christmas magic.”
    Leah shook her head. “You don’t believe that.”
    “I run a company that specialises in the magic of Christmas. Of course I believe.”
    She frowned, her head tilting to one side. “You really mean it.”
    “Yep.” Her lack of faith made Chris sad. He wanted to show her the magic again. He was sure she’d had it once. She couldn’t be the way she was with her sister and niece or the children she taught if she didn’t, on some level, recognise the pleasure of this time of year — or the joy of believing. “And, because I’m selfless, I’m going to prove the magic exists.”
    “How are you planning to do that?”
    “You’ll see.” He pushed to his feet. “C’mon. Let’s get you to your car so you can get home before dark.”
    “Oh.” She glanced at her phone. “I didn’t realise it had gotten so late.”
    Chris pulled out his wallet and removed enough money to cover their bill.
    “Let me—”
    “Don’t you dare offer to pay your share.”
    “But—”
    He put the cash on the table and offered her his hand.
    Without another word of protest, Leah shut her bag and took his hand. She remained silent until they were out on the sidewalk and heading back. “Thank you for dinner.”
    “You’re welcome.” Chris kept her hand tucked in his. “I take it you’re parked in the lot beside the arena.”
    “Yes.”
    “Me too.” He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. Being with Leah felt great — right.
    As bizarre as it was, he knew he was meant to be with this woman. There had been women in his life, but at thirty-eight Chris hadn’t been in one serious relationship.
    None of the women he’d dated over the years had made him think of making things permanent. He was only a few hours into knowing Leah and already he was picturing them living together, having kids and growing old. Sharing the joy of Santa’s Village with their sons and daughters.
    “You’re awfully quiet. What are you thinking about?” Leah asked.
    Chris chuckled. “You don’t want to know.”
    “Sure I do.”
    “Our kids.”
    Her lips parted on a rush of air and her eyes opened wide. “You’re right. I don’t want to know.”
    His chuckled turned to laughter.
    “This isn’t funny.”
    Chris got his amusement under control. “It’s downright hilarious.”
    “You should have your head examined.”
    “You wouldn’t be the first to point that out.”
    She shook her head at him. But she didn’t let go of his hand. They walked the rest of the way in silence and when they reached the pay station it took considerable effort to restrain his need to offer to pay for her parking. He had a pass that allowed him to come and go an unlimited number of times during the weeks Santa’s Village was set up in the arena.
    “You aren’t leaving now?” Leah asked as they moved away from the ticket machine.
    “Yes, but I’ve got a pre-paid pass.” He placed his hand on her lower back as they moved towards the escalator. “Which level are you parked on?”
    “Three. You?”
    “One.”
    “Oh.” She turned. “You don’t have to—”
    “Humour me.” Chris gripped her elbow as they stepped onto the escalator. “My mother would tan my hide if she knew I let you walk through a deserted parking lot on your own.”
    Leah glanced around them at the people coming and going. “It’s not exactly empty…”
    He smiled. “No? Then think of it as the equivalent of walking you to your door.” He wanted to stretch out their time together as long as he could. Except escorting Leah to her car wouldn’t be nearly long enough.
    ***
    “This is me.” Leah stopped beside the thirty-year-old junker that used to belong to her sister.
    As soon as she’d found out Haylee was pregnant, Leah had insisted they