Page 22 of Naughty-ish

“You aren’t going to help with the lights?” Nash questions Nick.

“Gotta go, buddy.” He ruffles Nash’s hair.

“Who’s going to do it since Dad isn’t here?” Nash continues, and my heart sinks. Oh boy.

Nick lifts his head, looking up at me once more. His eyes soften.

“My ex always hung the lights,” I clarify quietly, then lift my voice higher toward Nash. “Mom’s got it.”

“You won’t do it the same,” Eloise interjects, questioning my ability to hang Christmas lights on a tree.

“Bet your mom does it better,” Nick defends. I could kiss him.

But I guess that was only a one-time thing. Maybe next year, mistletoe.

“I’ll walk you to the door.” If Nick needs to leave, it’s time for him to go. I’m surprisingly eager to lose myself in decorating my real Christmas tree with fresh ornaments and lights that I hang.

“Sorry about that.” Nick pauses at the door, swiping his cap off his head and running his hand over his hair which sticks up from static electricity. “I hope I didn’t mess up with Eloise.”

I wave him off. “She’ll be fine. You were quick on your feet.”

“Years of having to explain myself.”

I stare at him. What a strange thing to say?

“I had fun today,” he adds.

“Me too.” I smile as I reach for the doorknob and open the front door. “Have fun at your fireman thing.”

A wash of chilly air swirls into the house. It’s going to snow again.

“Baby, it’s cold out there,” I sing.

Nick gives me a warm smile. “I really want to stay.”

“But you need to go.” My smile grows as we play off the controversial song’s lyrics. “Have fun tonight.”

Nick watches me, tilting his head as if he’s trying to read me, but my voice was steady, the words sincere. Why shouldn’t he have fun? He’s single, handsome, and ruggedly sexy.

Still, there is disappointment deep down inside me despite being grateful that Nick took time for me and my kids today. He listens when I speak. He helps me out even when I don’t ask or don’t want it. He’s just an all-around good guy and I like him.

I want you to stay, sings through my head.

But I nod toward my living room. “I have a hot date with some light bulbs.”

Nick chuckles at the wrongness of my words. “I’ll see you later.”

Sure he will. I force another smile and thank him again for the day. It really was fun, and I don’t intend to let his exit sour the evening. The kids and I will expand our new traditions.

Mom will hang the lights on the tree.

I got this.

Chapter 6

Hours later, a subtle knock raps on my front door.

I’ve been sitting in my living room, admiring my Christmas tree. I did a darn good job with the five strings of lights. And after letting Nash and Eloise hang ornaments, I only did minimal rearranging, deciding it looked good enough. It’s our tree. With pride in my heart at our oversized evergreen, I’ve been taking time to reflect on the year behind me.