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He smiled at her. “You can be sure. My parents taught me to recognize a smart person.”
Before Sally could say anything in reply, Mary and Ethel arrived for work. She introduced Hunter to them, explaining that he was going to be working for her for the next couple of weeks.
Hunter immediately turned on his smile and expressed pleasure in meeting them and both ladies melted at once.
Sally suggested they show Hunter around as he was just learning the departments and they both beamed agreeing this would be a good idea. Sally walked away from the threesome, pleased to have time alone. At least, that’s what she told herself.
Settling down with the store’s accounts, she caught up on the entries and made the calculations as necessary. Then she closed the books and put them away. Once that was done, she got out her lunch and began to eat alone. She didn’t go out on to the floor to figure out what was taking so long with the tour of the store. She figured she could check on the threesome after she ate her lunch.
When she did finally go out on the floor, she discovered the store was full of shoppers. Sally realized that she must have been daydreaming as she hadn’t heard the bell ring once. As she looked around she could see that all three of her salespeople, including Hunter, were helping someone, and there were others waiting. Sally immediately assisted those waiting and having made an inroad on these customers, she looked up to see where the other three were working. She could see that they had each taken other shoppers so Sally went to the cash register and began ringing up sales.
Every time she rang up sales by another person, she marked the ticket by using the initials of the salesperson. If she didn’t remember, she would ask the purchaser who helped him or her. A lot of purchasers were willing to name their salesperson. Those who couldn’t would only say they had a man wait on them so they had to have had Hunter.
Several hours later, they finally had a lull and Sally sent both ladies to have a cup of coffee. “Even if we get busy again, I think Hunter can take a break if the three of us are on the floor.”
“Of course,” Mary said. “But will Hunter be able to make his cup of coffee?”
“He’d better be, or he won’t get any to drink.”
Hunter gave her a lazy grin. “Don’t fret about it, Sally. I can make a cup of coffee.”
“I felt sure you could.”
She turned her back on him, hoping she could hide the wave of attraction that ran over her when he smiled.
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“No, I was just looking over the store. I think the jeans section needs straightening.”
“I’ll be glad to take care of it.”
“No! I—very well. Thank you.”
Hunter strolled to the jeans section and began straightening it.
Sally looked around the store and found another section that required attention. She needed something to stay busy, otherwise, she’d be staring at Hunter all day! He had a particularly graceful style about him as he worked.
Sally remembered a young man who had once been in Bailey temporarily because he’d been banished to his grandparents by his parents. Sally had thought herself in love with him at one time, but her father had warned her that pretty is as pretty does. Did Hunter know that expression? Or was he used to proving his way, rather than charming his way?
She’d vote for charming. It was in his genes, she thought, and not the jeans he was sorting. It was obvious he could turn on his charm at a moment’s notice.
Sally decided that maybe it was time to put Hunter Bedford in his place. He’d said that he would stay until Christmas Eve, but maybe it would be better if he only stayed for a few days. Then he could return to Denver, the big city, never to return to Bailey.
The phone rang and Sally hurried to answer. It wasn’t often that they had phone calls. “Bailey General Store,” she said cheerfully.
“Is this Sally Rogers?”
“Yes, it is. How may I help you?”
“Hello, Miss Rogers, this is Wilbur Hunt. I hope my grandson is behaving himself.”
Sally smiled at the voice on the other end of the line. “Hello, Mr Hunt. Yes, he is. He’s being very helpful, actually.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Could I speak to him, please?”
“Just a moment, please.” She put down the phone and turned to call Hunter to the phone.
“Me?” he asked in surprise.
“It’s your grandfather.”
Hunter frowned and made his way to the phone, taking the receiver from Sally.
“Hello, Granddad?”
Sally moved to a department as far away as possible. Even though she strained her ears, she couldn’t hear what he said to his grandfather. Maybe the man was recalling him. That would certainly solve her problem, but the thought suddenly made her feel a little sad.
Hunter hung up the phone. “Sorry about that.”
“Not a problem. When do you have to leave?”
“I’m not going anywhere. Why would I?”
“Oh, I assumed that’s why your grandfather called.”
Hunter gave her his lazy grin again. “Not hardly. He actually wanted to know if you were working me. He thinks it’s important that I earn my keep.”
“I wanted to talk to you about that. We’ve been very busy today, so I intend to pay you the same as I’m paying Mary and Ethel—it’s only fair.”
“I wasn’t talking about a wage, Sally. I don’t expect you to pay me. I’m here to learn about your business for my own benefit.”
“Well, you will definitely work hard during the two weeks you’ll be here if today is anything to go by. We have been very busy already.”
“Well, I’ll be happy to do anything you ask me to. Just say the word.”
Sally suddenly thought of something he could do that neither lady could do for her and which had been troubling her for some time now. “Actually, Hunter, I do have an additional way you can help me.”
“Sure. Like I said, I’ll be glad to do anything. What do you have in mind?”
Sally smiled, knowing that this request would at least take Hunter by surprise. “I’ll need you to play Santa.”
CHAPTER THREE
HUNTER stared at her. “What did you say?”
“I’ll need you to play Santa. Remember, I told you that my dad and my uncle used to play Santa every year. Well, this year we don’t have anyone.”
Hunter paused a moment while he digested this information. Then he said, “But I’m not good with kids,” his expression earnest.
“I’m sure you’ll learn fast enough,” Sally replied, sensing Hunter’s resistance.
“Sally, I think you should find someone else, someone more used to little kids. And besides, I don’t have a Santa suit.”
“But I do. You’re about the same size as Dad, except for his weight. He’d put on a few pounds but we can disguise that with pillows. It will look great on you.”
“And you expect me to go out there all by myself and play Santa? Don’t I even get a helper?”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine on your own, Hunter.”
“Oh, no, I’ll need a Santa’s helper. Like you, for example. Then I could play Santa.” Hunter smiled, if playing Santa meant spending more time with Sally, then maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.
Sally tensed a little, sensing that her good idea was maybe turning into a bad move. “Hmm, we’ll see. I’ll have to think about it.”
“Come on, Sally. What’s to think about? Unless you’re scared to go out there with me.”
“Of course I’m not scared! But I just don’t see how a helper is necessary. You listen to what the children want and say you’ll do what you can. No promises. That’s against the rules. Then they take a picture and leave.”
“Pictures? They’ll take pictures? But it will ruin my image!”
“Exactly what image are you trying to portray?” Sally asked, feeling that Hunter was teasing her again.
Just as he was going to tell her, the door jingled, and several shoppers came in. “Later,” Hunter promised and went to offer assistance to the shoppers.
Sally watched him smile at the customers and knew he was going to do fine as a salesperson. He seemed willing to guide them through the store. Mary and Ethel must’ve done a good job showing him around.
Suddenly she realized Hunter was signaling her and Sally hurried over to greet the shoppers.
“Can I help?” she asked Hunter.
“Mr Carson’s wife here would like to have some assistance in the men’s department.”
“Certainly, Mrs Carson. How can I help you?”
“I need to buy someone’s present,” the woman said, motioning in her husband’s direction.
“Ah, let’s discuss it over here,” Sally said, leading the woman away from her husband and Hunter. “Do you have anything in mind?”
The lady had plenty of ideas and Sally showed her all the possibilities. When they’d looked at everything, Mrs Carson decided on a small, portable television.
Sally suggested some other shopping the woman might need to do, in case her husband hadn’t finished with his shopping.
“I really don’t feel like shopping anymore. I did my Christmas shopping early for everyone except Mr Difficult.”
“Then why don’t you join me for coffee? That will give them the entire store to shop.” Sally led the way to the break room and fixed two cups of coffee. Then she sat down at the table with her customer and they discussed the goings-on in the town. Sally reminded Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival and asked if she had any contributions to donate.
“You know, come to think of it, I believe I do. I’m glad you mentioned it, Sally. I’ve got some toys that don’t have any wear and tear. And some clothes, too. I’ll be glad to bring some things to be given away.”
“Oh, good. I’ll—yes, Hunter?” Sally stopped talking as she noticed Hunter standing by the doorway.
“Sorry to interrupt your coffee, ladies, but Mr Carson wondered if his wife is finished shopping?”
“Yes, I am,” Mrs Carson said, smiling at Hunter.
Since Sally had covered the gift Mrs Carson had purchased, all Mr Carson had to do was carry the package for his wife. The couple left the store, both smiling.
“That worked well,” Hunter said as he took Mrs Carson’s place at the table.
“Yes, they’re a very nice couple, old friends of Mom and Dad. I was reminding Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival. She’s going to donate some things.”
“Who takes care of donations like that?”
“We do.”
“We who?”
“We do. People bring things to the store and we have to sort through them and decide if the donations are up to par.”
Hunter shook his head. “How will you have time to do all that work when we’re so busy with customers?”
“Not take as many coffee breaks?” Sally asked with a smile.
“I kind of like coffee breaks, especially taking them with you.”
Sally was silent for a moment and she sensed something in the air between her and Hunter. “Maybe I’ll just assign the task to you,” she said.
“I think I’ll do better with the customers.”
“You’re probably right.”
“You make that sound like a bad thing.”
“No, I—” She was interrupted by the jingle of the door again. “I’ll go,” he said and got up and walked out into the store. Mary and Ethel could probably handle it, but Sally was glad to have a break from Hunter. Something happened to her whenever he was close and if she wasn’t careful, she’d give him anything he asked for.
Getting up, she went to the back loading dock. “Billy? Are you busy?”
“No, Sally. I’m just waiting for another delivery.”
“I see. Do you think you could go to our storage area and bring down the decorations for the town tree and bring them into the break room.”
“Okay, Sally. Whatever you say.”
Sally sighed. It was so much easier to deal with Billy. He was happy to do whatever she wanted. She relied on him so much, even though he didn’t help out with any customers, he gave her the opportunity to manage the store, without having to worry about what was going on behind the scenes. She could think through any difficulties and figure out what to do, but she couldn’t always do them on her own.
Hunter was a different proposition. Sally almost lost control when she faced Hunter. Not physical control, though she could see that happening. But she couldn’t think straight when she was around the man without really working at it.
She began pacing the break room, trying to think about what else she had to do today. Her cousin, Penny, had promised to donate the Christmas tree for the Festival. Sally would have to get Billy to put a stand on the tree and get it secured in the town center. Then she’d need help decorating it, which would probably take up a lot of her time. She’d have to make sure that the store had enough cover whilst she was busy doing that.
Billy brought in several boxes of ornaments and Sally knew there would be several more, at least. The ornaments were large-size so they would show up on the tree.
