He'd put the ball in her court, but that didn't mean he wouldn't make a few plays of his own…starting now.
As he walked under a vine-covered archway leading into the North Pole, he saw Hannah and Brett coming in through the opposite arch. His body tightened as his gaze ran down her body, and the very sexy red and green elf costume she had on that consisted of a fur-lined short dress, white tights, and furry boots.
When she saw him, she froze, her hesitation obvious. He did not want to go back to the place where she ran out of the room as soon as he entered, and it looked like that might be happening. But then Brett saw him and sparkled with joy. He let go of Hannah's hand and ran straight to him.
He caught the little boy and lifted him high into his arms, as they exchanged a happy smile.
"I'm going to see Santa tonight," Brett told him.
"That's cool. What are you going to ask him for?"
"I can't tell you. It's a secret."
"Got it."
"But I've been really good, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my present."
Jake looked over at Hannah, seeing a mix of emotions in her eyes. He was actually glad to see more than anger there. It felt like progress.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Hannah said. "You usually avoid the North Pole."
"It's not the North Pole I avoid. It's Santa."
"I know."
"Why don't you want to see Santa?" Brett asked curiously, reminding Jake that this kid picked up on everything.
"It's not important." He turned back to Hannah. "Did you get your car back?"
"Yes. Thanks for calling Juan. He delivered it to me with a new tire. I owe you for that."
"It's not important."
"But I will pay," she said firmly.
"Sure. Whatever you want. What's your job tonight?"
"I'm in the toy booth." She tipped her head toward the booth where Keira Blake was setting up goodie bags. "We're giving out small toys to all the kids who visit with Santa and get their picture taken. No one goes home empty-handed."
"That's nice."
As he finished speaking, Keira came over to join them. She was an attractive brunette with dark hair and eyes, and she was wearing a similar costume to the one Hannah had on.
"Santa has beautiful elves," he said.
Keira gave him a curious smile. "Thanks, Jake. Who's this little guy?"
"This is Brett," he said, turning his gaze to Hannah to fill in the blanks.
"Brett is my nephew," she told Keira.
Keira's eyes widened. "Your nephew?"
"He's Kelly's son," Hannah explained. "He's staying with me for a few days."
"Well, that's…interesting," Keira said. "Even more interesting to see you and Jake having a cordial conversation—actually, any kind of conversation at all."
"Tis the season for conversations," he said lightly.
Hannah shrugged at Keira's enquiring gaze. "What he said."
"Okay. I'm going to need more details later," Keira said.
"Is that a reindeer?" Brett asked, pointing to the barn.
"It is," Keira said. "Would you like to meet Rudolph?"
"It's Rudolph?" Brett asked with surprise.
"Well, it might be one of his brothers," Keira amended. "Can I take Brett to meet the reindeer, Hannah?"
"Uh, sure, thanks," Hannah said.
He set Brett down on his feet, and the little boy slipped his hand into Keira's. He was certainly a trusting soul.
"No problem," Keira said. "Actually, there is a problem. Santa has been delayed by a surgery. And the line is getting long. You might want to think of a Plan B. You can do that while I show Brett the reindeer."
"I think I'd rather do the reindeer," Hannah said, but she was too late. Keira was already leading Brett away.
"Damn," Hannah muttered, taking out her phone to read a text. "Your father won't be here for thirty minutes."
"The kids will survive."
"Will their parents?" she asked, tipping her head toward the line where the children were growing increasingly restless and their parents were looking more than a little frustrated.
"What other option do you have?"
She tilted her head, giving him a considering look. "Santa's suit is in the house. I could get a sub for just a short time."
He did not like the way she was looking at him. "No way. I'm not playing Santa. That is my dad's role."
"Does it really matter whose role it is? Think of the kids. They're dying to tell Santa their secret wishes. All you have to do is listen."
"I can't believe you're asking me to be Santa. Haven't I done enough for you this weekend?"
"But this isn't just for me; it's for the kids."
He hated her pleading smile, because he didn't want to play Santa, but he also didn't want to say no to her. If he did help her out, he needed to get more than a thank-you. "On one condition," he said.
"What's that?" she asked warily.
"I want a date."
"A date?" she echoed in astonishment. "With me?"
"Of course with you."
"Why?"
"Because we started down a new path last night, and I think we should keep going."
"I don't want to keep going."
"Well, I don't want to play Santa Claus. So that's where we are. You can make me dinner, or you can take me out, but I want a date that includes a meal and at least one hour of your delightful conversation."
He loved seeing the dilemma in her eyes. She only had one choice and they both knew it.
"Do you really want to have dinner with someone who doesn't want to have dinner with you?" she challenged.
"I want to have dinner with you. What's your decision?"
"I have to take care of Brett," she said, with one last desperate attempt to get out of it.
"I didn't say when it had to happen, just that it happens. If it's tomorrow or a week from now, I'm good."
She let out a breath of resignation. "Fine. I'll have dinner with you sometime. I can't guarantee delightful conversation, but I will talk."
"Then I'll be Santa. Deal." He extended his hand.
She reluctantly slid her fingers into his, and the touch came with a wave of intense heat. She
