Page 22 of Daycare Santa

Chapter 9

Gina’s horrified expressionalmost made Zack laugh. What on earth did she think he was about to propose? To put her out of her misery, he said, “Luca was telling me you make the best fruit cake. I was thinking a slice would make up for you picking him up late.”

Her shoulders lowered, and her eyes went back to their normal size. Amusement played around her mouth. “You obviously come cheap.”

“Don’t be so sure about that.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “I could up that to two slicesanda date with me.”

Gina’s smile widened and her eyes gleamed. “What makes you think I’d go out with you?”

“Do I need to say it?” He hiked one eyebrow and leaned against the counter.

She took a step back. “A little arrogant, aren’t you?”

Shaking his head, Zack said, “Not at all. I’m observant, but not pushy. If you care to, you’ll admit there’s a little something here for us to explore. That’sifyou’re not married.”

“Why would you think that?”

His gaze shot to her hand and Gina said, “Ahhh.”

Quirking his lips, Zack dipped his head. “Yes, the ring.”

After releasing a soft exhale, she said, “My husband died.”

“I’m sorry.”

She hugged herself, then said, “Thank you.”

Knowing he’d feel awful, not to mention boorish for going back to the discussion about a date, he veered in another direction. “Your son is bright and quite curious about the computer.”

“Speaking of which, I think you should check that he’s not touching anything he shouldn’t. It’s taking him too long to come back.”

“You’re right. Give me a minute.”

He barely took two steps before Luca returned, laden with his bags. “I can’t wait for tomorrow, Uncle Zack. Mommy, can you pick me up late again?”

“It doesn’t work like that, hon. I should have come for you more than an hour ago.”

“Uncle Zack won’t mind. He was teaching me all kinds of stuff.”

Gina took the knapsack from Luca. “And like I said, that’s not how this works.”

With his lips poked out Luca reminded Gina of her dad, who assumed that same expression when perplexed. “Then how does it go?”

Zack stooped to Luca’s height and gripped his shoulder. “Today was more of an exception than a rule. We can have more computer time, but during the day.”

As his face cleared, Luca asked, “You promise?”

“Yep.” Zack stood and ran one hand over Luca’s hair. “That’s what I do for a living when I’m not involved with little people.”

“And when you’re not being Santa.”

Gina’s gaze shot to Zack’s and he shook his head slightly, while struggling not to smile. Luca was a smart kid and had been trying to get him to admit he’d been playing Santa last week. He hadn’t given in so far.

She acknowledged his gesture with a slight nod and took Luca’s hand. “Thanks again. See you tomorrow.”