Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Need a hand?”
I glance to the side.
Standing there is none other than Samuel, wearing that odd, tilted smirk I suspect he thinks is charming. Over his shoulder is slung a dirty white rag, and around his waist hangs a lopsided tool belt made heavy by a hammer clinging to it.
He lifts a fork and wiggles it. “Or rather … need one of these?”
I turn back to my task. “Got plenty.”
“You don’t seem like a guy who needs my help, admittedly.”
“Good observation.”
“Unless it comes to being freed from carnivorous Christmas trees, in which you need all the help you can get.”
“Is there something you need,” I ask rather tersely, “or would you mind not being a pestering insect in my face and let me focus? You know how Nadine gets if everything isn’t perfect.”
“Oh yeah? I’m a pestering insect? Most insects are generally good for the environment, y’know.”
“I’ll ship you a family of locusts for Christmas, then.” I move on to the next table, turning my back on Samuel.
Of course he follows, sauntering up to my side like he belongs there. “You’re really interesting, you know that?”
“Yes.”
“For being the son of Mario Tucci, I’d expect you to … how do I put this? … have more pride and gusto about you. Instead, you’re pretty reserved, huh? You keep to yourself … don’t show much. I mean, everyone in town knows the great Mario Tucci, but no one really knows much about his son.” He crosses his arms and leans against the table, right in front of the next spot I was about to set silverware for, blocking me. “What’s the story of Malcolm Tucci?”
The fork in my hand becomes sweaty from my fast-tightening grip. “Please move.”
“Don’t you share your dad’s pride and gusto at all?”
“I’m not my father.”
“That much is obvious. You clearly don’t want to be here.”
Considering this guy’s brazen persistence in chiseling away at my exterior, I would like to point out the amount of patience I’m exercising here. It’s considerable. “You’re in my way.”
“I could say it’s just a natural predilection for hating social gatherings, Christmas, and happy things, but … sorry, there’s just somethin’ not adding up. Something more’s going on.”
“So you’re a detective now?”
“Does it have to do with one of the grooms?”
I meet his eyes right then, fire in them. “It’s about to have to do with you if you don’t let me finish setting up this table.”
“Ooh, so it is the grooms?”
I brush by, not waiting for him to move, and set all the other places. I can feel Samuel studying me as I work, seemingly with no intention of leaving me alone.
When I move to the next table, I discover him across from me with silverware in hand, setting up other spots. I look up at him questioningly, and he only returns my glance with a grin as he continues working. Then a fork fumbles from his fingers and lands on the table with a loud clang. He quickly recovers the rogue utensil and resumes as if it never happened, then makes a funny face to himself. I roll my eyes and look away.
Just because he’s cute doesn’t mean I owe him my affection.
“Oh, thank you!” comes Nadine’s voice from behind, startling me. “How’d you get roped into finishin’ up with the tables? I have people for this, y’know. You should be mingling inside! Bobby and Jimmy are here! Have you said hi to them yet? Where are all of Tanner’s boys, anyway?” she asks, her head spinning around.
I set down the fork I have in hand and smile at her. “It’s okay. I like to keep busy.”
“Aren’t you a doll. Samuel! I was lookin’ for you.” She winces. “I hate to do this, hon, but I just can’t find anyone who’s free, and there’s a short list of things I need from town, and—”
Before Samuel even has a chance to suck in a breath to speak, I’m on it. “I’ll run and fetch them.”
Nadine’s eyelashes flutter at me in surprise. “Sweetie …”
“I could use the fresh air, really, and I have a thing or two I need to get myself.” That’s a lie. “Where’s the list? I can go now.”
“Are you sure your dad won’t need you for—?”
“He won’t need a thing. He has cute guys and gals in bowties for all of that.”
Nadine makes a chirping laugh at that. “Well, if you so insist! This is the list.” She reveals a slip of paper from her sleeve like a damned magician. “And you may want to be quick, if you—”
I snatch it straight from her fingers, startling her. “I’ll go now before everything closes. I’ve heard all about the operating hours in this little town,” I tease before she can even speak. “I’ll be back before you can count to a hundred.”