Page 25

Emmy, the owner, comes outside and holds her hands over her mouth. “Oh my God, Joy, it’s beautiful!”

Joy smiles, and I stand by and let them talk until Joy gestures to me. “I couldn’t have done it without Nick’s help.”

I give Emmy a small wave. “Hey, Emmy.”

She looks between Joy and me with a knowing glance. I put an arm around Joy. “She’s the brains behind this operation. I just do what I’m told.”

Emmy laughs. “Ooh, a man that does as he’s told. That’s what I’m talking about.”

I leave the two women to talk and load the empty totes. When Joy is ready to go, I help her into the truck, and she holds her hands out in front of the heat blasting through the vents.

By the time we turn down my road, the snow is falling harder.

Christmas music is still playing, and Joy sings along softly. I reach over and take her hand.

“Thank you for today,” she says.

I shake my head. “You don’t have to thank me. I should be thanking you.”

When we get home, I park in the garage and turn off the truck, but neither one of us moves.

Joy is curled up in the seat, looking at me with a soft smile on her face. She’s so fuckin’ beautiful. I reach across the console and pull her toward me.

She comes easily, and when I have her on my lap, I kiss her. I can’t say the words I want to say, so I’m going to show her how much she means to me.

By the time I finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard.

She smiles at me. “Was that one of the Christmas kisses?”

I laugh. “That was definitely one of them.”

She kisses me again and then rests her head against my chest.

I hold her there and think about what she said earlier. She promised to be out of my hair and into her new apartment. She acts as if she’s bothering me or something when in fact I want to beg her to stay. I’ve gotten used to her being in my house and always having Christmas music playing while she sings along. I love sharing dinner with her, drinking next to the tree, and having her in my bed. The thought of her leaving makes me crazy.

I kiss the top of her head. “Stay with me tonight.”

She lifts her head and looks at me. “You mean…”

Her voice trails off, and I search her face. “I mean, stay in my bed with me. I want to sleep next to you and wake up with you in my arms.”

I hold my breath waiting for her answer when her smile widens. “Okay.”

My eyebrows lift. “Okay?”

She nods and rolls her eyes. “I mean you were there last night and again this morning. You think I’m going to say no to that?”

I laugh and then open the door to my truck. I step out and then help her down, pulling her against me.

I want to tell her how much she already means to me and how I don’t ever want her to leave, but instead, I clear my throat and ask, “What do you want for dinner?”

She stops and puts her arms around my neck. “I’m not that hungry… for food.”

I lick my lips. “What are you hungry for?”

Her hand goes to my chest and over my heart. “You. I want you.”

I lift her up in my arms, and she gasps and giggles.