Page 113 of Dream Chaser

“It is,” she whispered. “You don’t owe me anything. Don’t think you do just because of one night that was my idea.”

“God, Nova—”

I reached for her, but she gripped my wrist.

“Don’t. Please.” Blue eyes pleaded with me. “My life is a huge mess as it is. I can’t afford to make my job messy, and I already did. I need to go.”

So much regret in every fucking word. So much, when I had none.

Helpless, I watched her gather her things.

She was right. I’d never let her in. I’d never told her about my past. But she wasn’t just an employee, and it fucking killed me that she believed that.

Then again, why wouldn’t she? I’d promised her nothing. Had given her nothing but a night of sex.

She draped her coat over her arm. “Thank you for everything.”

Dread sank its claws into my heart. Why did that sound like a goodbye?

“Nothing to thank me for,” I managed. “I’ll see you on January second, right?”

Nova gave me a shaky smile. “Of course. Enjoy the holidays with your family.”

She headed for the door.

I struggled to breathe.

“Merry Christmas, Nova,” I said.

She stilled in the doorway, then looked at me over her shoulder. “Merry Christmas, Ale.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Nova

December

There was no girl Christmas. Scarlett would be back from France soon, but I was spending Christmas Eve alone. If I’d told Alejandro the truth, he would’ve pitied me. I didn’t want him to—he hadn’t seen his family in months, and I’d rather he enjoy his vacation. Especially after our goodbye.

I still felt his lips on mine. Still replayed our night together before falling asleep. Still thought about him all the time even though it hurt.

The Christmas tree lights twinkled, casting my living room in a warm, golden glow. I’d cooked a special dinner—tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce and roasted vegetables—and opened the bottle of cava from my Christmas basket. Everything was beautifully arranged on the small round dining table I’d splurged on.

No white tablecloth to impress anyone—just lit candles in silver holders and Christmas-themed placemats. It was both unusual and freeing to spend the holiday at my new place the way I wanted to. Just as I sat down to eat, the intercom buzzed.

It couldn’t be my mother—she never asked for my address, and knowing her, she must’ve been at Donna’s. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be Alejandro, either.

I went to open. As soon as I saw who was calling, I couldn’t help but grin.

I pressed accept and opened my front door wide. A minute later, Scarlett stepped out of the elevator, carrying a potted poinsettia and gift bags, her blond locks peeking from under the Santa hat.

“Merry Christmas,” she sang. “Sorry for spoiling your hot single girl Christmas, but my parents traded Emerport for Bali, and I missed my best friend.”

“Are you kidding me?” I hugged her tightly, inhaling her jasmine perfume. “This is the best surprise. Come in.”

She followed me into the foyer, glancing around curiously. “Not much is new,” I said. “I still need to decorate, but the living room’s almost done. Come look.”

She handed me the plant and the bags. “Here, for your home. And for you. I’m tasking you with keeping this baby alive well past the holiday season.” She poked the poinsettia’s leaf.