Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

CHARLOTTE

Rick: You know I’ll find you.

I wanted to tell him to just leave me alone, but I was worried that responding would only make things worse. When I first started dating Rick, he was great. He took me to dinner, bought me gifts, and was attentive. Rick was able to steer me away from my family and friends. Since I wanted to avoid my parents anyway, I hadn’t noticed the manipulation. Not at first at least.

Then it was just him and me living in an apartment and working together at the same marketing firm. He had infiltrated every aspect of my life before I noticed it might have been a problem. Then the small criticisms started. Why are you so friendly to other guys? You must be cheating on me.

The distrust seemingly came out of nowhere. But looking back, the signs must have been there; I just didn’t see them. My past steered me clear of guys who drank too much, but not someone like this who was charming at first, then manipulative and critical .

I had no idea that his charming attention could turn toxic. That he was grooming me for the next phase in our relationship. The one where he tore me down, isolated me from my friends and family, and lowered my confidence so that when he inevitably lost control and struck me, I’d blame myself.

I wondered if he thought my father being an alcoholic made me an easy target. That I had self-confidence problems to begin with. But I didn’t. Not until him.

But he hadn’t done his job well enough, because I didn’t do what he expected. I waited until he went to work the next morning, packed up my stuff, ended my lease for the apartment early, and quit my job.

I was scared that he’d get me fired from work or lock me in the apartment. I needed to get away from him. I knew he’d apologize, pretend everything was fine, and do it again. I’d watched my father apologize, promise to go to rehab, then pick up a bottle a few minutes later.

I had no illusions that it was a mistake or that he hadn’t meant to hit me. And I didn’t intend to stick around and find out.

I thought he’d moved on. But then he’d shown up at the inn and demanded I go home with him. I was terrified.

He was good at manipulating people. He could tell my friends anything, and they might believe him.

I couldn’t seem to get warm today. Not since the text buzzed in my pocket just after breakfast. Why did Rick pop up whenever I was happy and settled somewhere new?

I didn’t go to the police or get a restraining order. It was probably too late to do it now, and I wasn’t even sure I could get one since we weren’t married or living together.

I should have felt happy to be on the farm with the holiday music playing over the speakers.

I stood on the ladder to hang the sign that would announce the festival. Guests could wander past the tables to shop. The food trucks were already arriving and parked at the other end by the picnic tables.

The scene for Santa photos was done and the sign placed outside the barn doors. I should have felt anticipation for the day to come. But today, I felt dread.

What if Rick already knew I was living on the farm and working here? What if he showed up? I secured one end of the sign with shaking hands while Jameson held the ladder.

He’d spent the morning joking around, but I couldn’t seem to crack a smile. When I slowly backed down the ladder, he stepped to the side. “Is everything okay?”

I attempted to smile. “I’m just worried that no one will come, and this will be a waste of everyone’s time.”

Jameson’s eyes widened. “You have doubts? You’re always so positive.”

“I’m not feeling it today though.”

“I think this is bigger than our usual crowd.” Jameson pointed to the line of cars on the lane and the ones that were already parked in the field.

“I hope you’re right.”

“Charlotte. The photographer is here. This is Abby,” Daphne said to me, and Abby reached over to shake my hand.

“It’s so nice to meet you. We’re setting up in the barn.” I led the way inside to show her the setup, and Abby immediately got to work, erecting a tripod and her lighting equipment. I’d convinced Abby to do the photo shoot for free in exchange for marketing advice. That way the money we collected for the pictures would go directly to the farm.

Everything was ready. I just needed to check on the vendors one more time and change for the pictures.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” I said to Abby.

“I think I have everything I need for now,” she said with a smile, focused on whatever it was she was putting together.

I went outside to see that the first guests had already started to arrive. The vendors tables were all set up with their wares and a sign depicting their prices. Even Violet was here with her ice-cream cart. I invited local craftsman, bakers, and other artists, asking them to showcase any holiday items.

There were scarecrows, Santa signs, pies, and other baked goods. Hopefully, everyone would have a nice time and develop lasting memories of the farm. I headed to the main house with my costume, changing quickly in the hall bath.

Then I grabbed a bite to eat before heading toward the barn. I texted Teddy on the way.

Charlotte: Are you in costume?

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed. It was an image of Teddy taking a picture of himself in front of a mirror. He wore the Santa hat with the beard hanging from his ears so that there was a mix of fluff and natural scruff. His skin was a dark tan against the white of his beard.

He was ruggedly handsome even in a Santa suit. The moms were going to love him as much as the kids. I just hoped he could pull it off and be an engaging Santa.

Charlotte: Looks great! Can’t wait to see you in action.

I hurried to the barn where a line was already forming just outside. Inside, Abby had finished setting up and was taking pictures with her camera, probably testing the light.

“I brought you a sandwich and a water.” I set the items near her purse.

Abby looked up. “Thanks.”

I looked around nervously. Everything looked ready to go except for the absent Santa. “We should be starting soon. Have you seen Santa?”

“Not yet. ”

I stepped outside to update the crowd that we’d be starting as soon as Santa got here. There were a few questions from the kids in the line.

“Will Santa be arriving on his sleigh?” a boy asked.

His sister shoved him out of the way. “How is Santa here and at the mall?”

Before I could answer, a flash of red caught the corner of my vision.

It was Teddy in full costume. He filled it out in all the right ways. He hadn’t used anything to make him look overweight.

When he came to a stop in front of me, he threw a thumb over his shoulder. “I parked my sled in a field of trees. Was that okay?”

Happy he was playing the part, I said, “That’s perfect. I’ll take some carrots out to your reindeer in a bit.”

Teddy scanned over my costume and leaned down to say. “You’re a sexy elf.”

I blushed.

“Can we see Rudolph?” a boy asked.

“Rudolph is very shy,” Teddy said to him, and my heart melted.

I hooked an arm around his elbow. “I’m going to let Santa get settled in, and then we’ll get started.

I led Teddy inside and asked him, “What was that?”

“Didn’t you want me to play the part?” Teddy asked as he moved around the space.

“I wasn’t expecting you to do it so well.”

Abby shook his hand. “I’m the photographer.”

“Santa.” Teddy replied. “I’ll sit here, and you’ll send the kids to me?”

“That’s the plan. Just ask them what they want for Christmas and wish them a merry one.”

Teddy swallowed, and I wondered if he was nervous. “That sounds easy enough. ”

Fiona popped her head inside. “You ready to get started?”

At Teddy’s nod, I said, “Send them in.”

Teddy snagged my wrist, his thumb dragging over my pulse point. “I wasn’t sure I’d be good with the kids.”

“You’re going to be great, and I’ll be next to you the whole time if you need help or a break.”

The first kid stepped up.

“What’s your name?” I asked him.

“Alex.”

We fell into an easy rhythm. Teddy asked their name, gestured for them to sit on his lap. He asked what they wanted for Christmas, then directed them to smile at the camera for Abby to take a picture. I handed them a candy cane and a postcard to their parents.

There were a few tears, but I stepped in to help with promises of candy. Some kids just didn’t like seeing someone in costume.

Thankfully, I was able to put aside Rick’s text message long enough to focus on my elf duties, but I couldn’t shake the cold feeling of dread in my stomach.

We took ten to give Teddy a break, and I stood with him near the back of the barn. The door was open to the fields so the cool air filtered in.

“Is everything okay?” Teddy asked me, his beard pulled down to his chin. He held a water bottle in his hands.

“I should be asking you that question.”

“It’s not as bad as I thought it would be. But I’ve made more than a few kids cry.”

I waved a hand to dismiss his concerns. “They’re scared of anyone in a costume. It’s not you.”

Teddy leveled me with a look. “You seem a little off today. Like you’re worried about something.”

I sat on a nearby hay bale, one that we used for fall. “I was concerned we wouldn’t get anyone to attend. ”

Teddy shook his head. “If the line of kids to see Santa is any indication, there’re a lot of people here.”

“There are.” I’d been getting pictures from Fiona and Daphne all day. They assured me that people were buying arts and crafts, baked goods, and food from the trucks. I wanted to compare the tree sales to a regular Saturday though. Had the festival detracted from the Calloway’s core business?

“So, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“This is a big deal for me. I’m trying to prove myself, and I want your farm to do well. That’s why I’m here,” I kept rambling, hoping something would stick. I didn’t want to talk about Rick. Just thinking about him felt like he was darkening my life again, and I didn’t like it.

Teddy rested a hand on my shoulder. “I can’t see how this isn’t good for the farm. Everyone will be talking about how I dressed up as Santa for weeks. Or at least my siblings will be.”

“You make a great Santa. I was nervous at first, but you seem to have a way with kids.”

“I was worried about that too. Kids don’t usually approach me in uniform, and I always thought it was me. Maybe it’s just the uniform.”

I nodded. “Santa is more approachable.”

“Right?” Teddy asked, a sparkle in his eye. He looked around, then leaned in closer. “When can I get my elf alone?”

I laughed. “When you’ve seen every kid in line.”

“Can’t we sneak off to a broom closet somewhere?” Teddy asked, looking around.

“There isn’t a broom closet in the barn,” I said matter-of-factly.

Teddy grabbed my hand and pulled me outside and around the corner. The back of a food truck was facing us, and there weren’t any people milling about. The sound of the trucks running drowned out the noise of the festival.

“I’ve been wanting to get you alone all day.” Teddy leaned against the wall, pulling me into his body. His hands ran up the tights on my legs to my ass. “Have you been naughty this year?”

I relaxed into his arms, Rick forgotten. “So naughty.”

I felt his hard length against my stomach, his hands cupping my ass. “I wish we were alone and had more time.”

“Me too,” I said breathlessly, my nipples hard points under my bra, desire flowing through my veins.

I used his beard to pull his mouth down to mine. He kissed me hard, highlighting what he wanted to do to me if we weren’t in the middle of a festival.

All too soon, he pulled back. “We’ll have to continue that later.”

I loved that he wanted to continue whatever it was we started yesterday, but I was aching for more now.

Teddy set me aside. “Try to be good.”

“I don’t think I can be,” I said as we walked toward the back entrance to the barn.

“I’ll have to take you over my knee later then,” Teddy said with a wink before he slipped inside. He put his beard in place and sat on his chair, waving for the next kid to come over. I needed a few more seconds to cool my heated body.

I was proud of Teddy for going out of his comfort zone and tackling the role of Santa. He’d even gotten into it and role played with me. It was sexy and sweet, and I should have been enjoying all the things going on in my life, but Rick always managed to pop up when I least expected it. It was like he could sense when I was happy and had to show up to destroy it.

I didn’t want my past with Rick colliding with my present with Teddy. The thing between us was so new. I wasn’t even sure it would turn into anything. But it felt special. And I didn’t want to tarnish it with Rick’s ugliness.

What would Teddy think when he heard I allowed myself to be in that situation? That I hadn’t seen the signs before it happened? Would he think less of me? Would he want to distance himself from the drama in my life?

I wouldn’t blame him.

I walked in a few seconds later, needing to regroup. Teddy was already in the Santa chair, his Santa hat straight, his beard on. The little girl in his lap said, “I want a tablet for Christmas.”

“Were you good this year?”

The little girl nodded. “So good.”

“Great. Now smile at the camera so your parents have a nice picture for the mantle.”

The girl giggled, and even Teddy’s lips twitched. He wasn’t so grumpy after all. Maybe I just needed to keep kids around him so that he could lighten up more.

I was right to insist that he be Santa. He was a good size for it, and his voice was large and booming. And when he wasn’t grumpy, he was quite nice, pleasant even.

For the rest of the afternoon, my body hummed from the kiss we’d shared against the barn. I was surprised by the number of people who attended the festival and the seemingly never-ending line for Santa.

Many parents expressed their pleasure that the farm offered the pictures. It was a nicer space than the inside of a mall or a fire hall. I had to agree. I’d gotten this one right, and it was something the Calloways could easily replicate. They just needed one person to play Santa, a photographer, and someone to keep the line moving.

I made sure to lean over and touch Teddy whenever I could. If I was going to be revved up for the rest of the day, so was he.

At one point, he grabbed my wrist and whispered into my ear. “You’re being naughty again.”

“Are you going to take me over your knee?” I mouthed, making sure no one else could read my lips.

His eyes sparked with the challenge. “Don’t tempt me.”

Then he let me go so that the next child could climb onto his lap and ask for a video game console. When had Christmas giving turned into the gift of electronics? The younger ones asked for doll houses and action figures, but the older ones were all about the tablets, phones, and video games. Teddy just wished them a happy holidays and moved them along.

It was one of the best days I’d had in a while, even with Rick’s message on the edge of my thoughts.

The last thing I wanted to do was place any of the Calloways in danger. But ultimately, Rick was my problem to solve.