Page 157 of Return Policy

Love you, Papa Bear

Papa Bear

And tell Elijah he’s welcome for dinner

Me

Okay, I will ??

“My dad invited you to Christmas Eve dinner at our place.”

“Do I get to sleep over?” he asks with a huge smile and raised eyebrows.

I laugh in disbelief. “Of course not.”

“Oh, come on, don’t you wanna be my little ho ho ho?”

I slap him on the shoulder. “Elijah.”

“Come on. You’ve been such agood girlthis year. Don’t you wanna be naughty for me tonight to get in the Christmas spirit?”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I could just sneak in your window like we did at my house.” He slides his hand up my leg, causing all the heat to rush south.

“You will do no such thing!” I squeal with wide eyes, slapping his hand away. “My dad wouldkillyou.”

“The bigger the risk, the greater the reward.” He winks with a casual shrug. My heart races at the thought as his hand settles back on my thigh. “Besides, we have to finish what we started last night since you fell asleep after our photo shoot.”

“Hey, modeling is exhausting. It takes a lot of effort to look this good all the time.” Elijah’s fingers inch upwards.

“Yeah, I’m definitely sliding in your chimney tonight.”

“Oh my God, stop!” I throw my hand over his, pausing his exploration. “You are sonotfunny.”

“My sack will be empty when I’m finished with you.” He grips my leg tighter.

“Elijah!” I laugh, hitting him playfully against the arm.

“Fine…” He pouts. “Guess I’ll just have to touch myelf.”

44

ELIJAH

“Go look, and I’ll be right back,” I tell Sophia as we get to the bookstore in the closest mall on the way to Longwood.

“You’re not coming with?” She pouts.

“I know you’ll take a while, so just get a head start. I have a little last minute Christmas shopping to do. Okay?”

“Fine… since it’s for the presents.” She kisses me quickly and skips inside, making a beeline for the romance section.

Twenty minutes and two hundred dollars later, I’ve successfully acquired Sophia’s last Christmas present. I return to the bookstore and find her staring at two books intently with a crease on her forehead.

“What’s wrong?” I place my hand on her shoulder, and she looks up at me with a huff.

“I can’t decide.” She frowns at the small stack of books in her hands. “Too many good options.”

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