Page 83 of The Overdue Kiss

“No complaints from me. It’s just another twist to add to my life’s mystery book.”

I pull her chair a little closer so I can whisper in her ear. “I like that you’ve penned me into the pages.”

She makes a throaty sound. “Not just pages. Chapters.”

The restaurant around us fades away, and I press a kiss to the little spot behind her earring, the one that has been teasing me for so long. “Any chance it’ll eventually turn into a series?”

Chuckling, she rubs a knuckle under my chin. “It looks promising.”

Epilogue

Christmas Eve is a lot different than it was last year.

Snow flurries down outside, covering our world of color in a tapestry of whites and grays. A calming scene, even with the frosty wind stirring the snow from the treetops.

Luckily we are inside and warm, snuggled together on the floor by his crackling fire while we listen to Christmas music. Des surprised me by somehow fitting a full-size Christmas tree between his couch and the kitchen. We spent the last hour decorating the tree while my last batch of sugar cookies cool on the counter.

The tree lights flicker in a rainbow of colors, illuminating the small space in a warm glow, highlighting the picture of the two of us on his coffee table.

Over the last few months, even though I don’t live here, I’ve noticed Des’s place slowly changing into ours. It’s his subtle way of making sure I’m comfortable whenever I stop by for dinner or we play video games with his friends. The best part is how his face lights up when he shows me the new additions. Like pictures of us and my family hanging on his walls. Or how he moved his guitar to make space for my custom bookshelf. And since that one is full, Des built another bookshelf and desk combo in the guest room for my social media lives so I’d have whatever I need when I’m here—which he prefers more often than not.

I love my new job as Rocosa’s Branch Manager. I still have monthly meetings with Ms. Anderson, updating her on the new programs I’ve been implementing and how the community has been enjoying all the new resources we provide. I still use the bookmobile as a school library, which the teachers and staff are so thankful for.

“That’s enough daydreaming. It’s present time,” Des says, standing. He closes the blinds on the sliding door before choosing a wrapped package from under the tree. “It’s from Reese.”

“Should I wait and open it when we see her tomorrow?” I shake the box, the contents rattling like a clunky object.

“Nah, she said it’s okay.”

I need no more encouragement and tear into the wrapping.

“It’s a new set of flares for my emergency kit.” I laugh. “I might need it if I have to drive the bus around again. Not sure I trust Rafe’s latest improvements. Okay, your turn. You have something in the fridge.”

His eyebrows shoot up, the wheels in his head turning at the possibilities before he races across the room in his Christmas pajamas.

“It’s from Mami.” He cracks the lid of the Tupperware and gasps. “Tamales? I must have been extra good.”

“She gave them to me a week ago before the big storm rolled in. I kept them in the freezer for an emergency. You know Mami. We can’t skip the Christmas tamales. I’ll heat them up for lunch. There’s another batch in the freezer too.”

“Just in case, I’ll take them all out to thaw. Who knows who else might be showing up.”

“Hopefully only Santa.” I laugh. “It’s kinda nice to have a quiet Christmas Eve for once. Just you and me. If the roads are plowed, we can do all the big celebrations tomorrow.”

He clears his throat, his neck reddening. “Yeah. Um, let’s do another present—a real one.”

I narrow my gaze at his odd behavior. “That was a real present.”

“I mean, one from me.” He pulls a large rectangular box from under the tree and hands it to me, heavier than I expected.

I open it up and unfold the supple black leather fabric, holding it across my chest. White strips mark the sleeves, reflecting the blinking Christmas lights.

“Oh, goodness. Is this motorcycle gear?”

“Yeah, you can’t keep wearing my spare jacket. As much as I like seeing you in my clothes, you need something that fits you better. This is a good brand. I think Clover has the same one.”

I slip it on and fluff my hair. “What do you think?”

Posing, I put my hands on my hips and glance at him over my shoulder.