John Saunders was a sure win for Mr. Claus, with a little push in his direction from Trevor, but Mrs. Hodgeson and Angie were at odds about the final two female contestants. Angie tired of the woman’s stubbornness and cast pleading eyes toward Trevor to end the dispute. He leaned close and whispered in her ear.
“Have you noticed the way the brunette shuns the future Mr. Claus, and the blond seems very interested in pairing up with the fellow? Why don’t you give in to Mrs. Hodgeson and see if young love blossoms between the two teens?”
Angie peered at the contestants again. She narrowed in on the two girls in question; both equally qualified to be winners tonight. She succumbed when she saw the blonde jump off her stool to retrieve a pen for the chosen Mr. Claus, and the grimace the brunette offered as she rolled her eyes in disgust. Yes, why not get this over with?
She focused again on Mrs. Hodgeson. “Trevor and I agree on your pick. Let’s announce the winners.”
The new reigning couple blushed when crowned as winners and fumbled into their Claus Christmas attire. The crowd cheered and music from the band ignited new life into the room. The group dispersed, some youth forming a circle around the wooden dance floor and calling for the Claus couple to get this celebration underway. The winning duo took their place in the center of the ring, shy and self-conscious at first, but soon becoming lost in each other’s eyes, oblivious to the whistles and chants of their peers. Halfway through the first love song, couples began to fill in the empty spaces surrounding them. The merrymaking had begun.
“I must admit, the Claus couple added a nice touch to the evening,” said Trevor.
“It would not have turned out nearly so touching if the choice had gone my way. Nice call, Trevor Dristoll. You are quite the romantic.”
He held up his hands in defense mode. “No way! Romance is definitely not my expertize.” Trevor buckled under her gaze and looked away. It entered Angie’s mind that perhaps a woman had once rejected him. She pulled up sharp, firmly reminding herself that his love life was none of her business.
“I’m super thirsty. How about you?” Angie asked.
“Lead the way.”
They moved to a table full of beverage options, all non-alcoholic. Those indulging went to the bar for the hard stuff.
“Choices,” Trevor said. “How about this pink stuff?”
“Pink, interesting choice?” Angie bit back the grin.
“Give it up with the romance, huh? I’m sure in this case, pink means lemonade.”
Angie forced a sober smile but could not stop her eyes from delivering one last tease. “Sounds delicious, thank you.”
Trevor scooped a few chunks of ice into a tall glass and then filled it to the brim with pink lemonade. As he passed it over, his gaze shifted behind her, and for an instant the same shadow she’d noticed earlier crossed his face. She followed his eyes to the bar where a group of young men stood ordering their drinks. Another thought hit Angie. Maybe not only was he suffering love-loss but perhaps he also had a drinking problem. He never argued at her non-alcoholic choice when they’d shared drinks together last night. Trevor Dristoll seemed an unsteady package delivered to the Inn for healing. That’s what her mother would say if she were alive. She’d always picked that special someone in need of pampering during the Christmas celebration – both times of the year. Angie decided she would make every effort to see that Trevor had a good time while visiting her hometown.
“What are you staring at?” Trevor asked.
Startled, Angie noticed him questioning her intense scrutiny. “Nothing at all.” Embarrassed, she downed a large mouthful of cold drink to avoid further confrontation. The pulp caught in her throat and she gagged.
Trevor patted and rubbed her back until the attack eased off. His grin might read as ridicule, but she saw the playfulness lurking behind. “Next time, take slow sips. Cold liquid in a parched throat is not a good mix.”
Angie felt her face growing crimson and grabbed his hand. “Let’s dance.”
The band was playing a stomping cowboy tune, and she noticed the line dancers who had formed on one side. She glanced at Trevor. “Are you familiar with the steps?”
“Not at all. But I’d love to stand back and watch you.”
“Not yet, Santa,” Angie said as she flipped at the tassel on his red hat. They began to move to their own rhythm of dance and were soon enjoying a carefree time. When the string of fast dances ended, Angie turned to leave. Trevor reached for her arm. “Running away so soon? I’m ready for slow and could use a shoulder to lean on. How about you?”
Angie never admitted to anyone how she longed for the sensation of touch. She’d always heard it was a human need for emotional health, and since her family’s death, agreed. Perhaps Trevor required a shoulder this week for his own reasons. Surely she could oblige and satisfy both their needs in one dance. Only one thing scared her – Trevor was more than likeable and she secretly feared for her vulnerable heart.
What Angie did not expect were the tidal waves of emotion that flooded her the instant she moved into his arms. She attempted to keep a safe distance, but with little force, he pulled her in and broke down her resistance. Angie felt every muscle in his chest and feared he would hear her heart thumping out of beat with the music.
Trevor whispered in Angie’s ear. “My shoulder won’t bite.”
She felt certain he was grinning on the inside, but the outside only revealed a sweet invitation for… comfort? Could it be that simple?
Angie timidly leaned against his shoulder, but the brief contact was enough
