Page 163 of Return Policy

HONEY BEE

Honey Bee

Ho ho ho, can I come down your chimney?

Me

Hilarious Mr. Claus

How was the rest of your day?

Honey Bee

Good, but it’ll be better soon

Me

Oh yeah? Why’s that?

Honey Bee

Are you in your room alone?

Me

Yes…

Seconds later a knock on my window has my eyes widening as I pause the movie. I shoot out of bed, run over, and open it to Elijah’s smiling face.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as he climbs through my window wearing a Santa hat.

“Seeing my girl,” he whispers. “The thought of sleeping alone again sounded awful. Being apart last night was bad enough.”

“Uh-oh,” I tease, pulling off his Santa hat and tossing it on my dresser. “We’ve got a stage five clinger.”

“Ha ha, hilarious.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me firmly.

“But you know,” I mumble against his mouth, “you could’ve used the front door.”

“Yeah, but then your dad would know I’m here and probably not be thrilled.”

“My dad’s at the airport. Diane’s going to see her kids, and Jake and Leah are going to some ski resort in North Carolina.” I smirk, waggling my eyebrows. “He won’t be back for a few hours.”

Elijah throws his head back, groaning, and I laugh. “So I climbed the side of your house for no reason?”

“Just consider it a warm-up for the physical activity I’m about to reward you with.”

“Mm-hmm.” Elijah turns to close the window.

“Leave it open. It’s nice out for once.”

“Oh,” Elijah teases. “An excuse to share body heat? Gladly.”

I lock the bedroom door just in case Dad checks in when he comes home, then walk to my bed and crawl under the covers. Elijah bites his lower lip before kicking off his shoes and slowly pulling his shirt off, allowing me to savor the sight of his muscular body. He stands there clad in CBU sweatpants and a smile only a man in love has on.That’s my smile.

I flip back the blanket, and he slides in next to me, pulling me into his arms. I rest my head against his warm chest and melt into the sound of his rapid heartbeat.

“I missed you today,” I admit.

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