Page 94 of Second-Rate Superstar
“We’ll see.” It was neither a yes or a no.
“Braxton, since you’re up, can you grab our gift for Dakota?” Natalie called over from the opposite couch.
“Oh, you didn’t have to get me anything,” I protested.
Natalie simply smiled. “I have a habit of going overboard during the holidays. It gives me joy to see others happy.”
Blushing, I didn’t know how to argue with that. Braxton stood and grabbed a similarly sized and shaped box to the one containing my new skates.
“Hope you two compared notes. I don’t think I need two pairs of skates.”
Everyone laughed, and Braxton joined me on the couch again. Slipping the paper off, I found a large shoebox. Opening the top revealed a pair of camel-colored, fur-lined boots. The logo on the box indicated that they were name-brand and expensive.
“Braxton shared your shoe size. I hope that’s okay,” Natalie said.
Nodding, I let my fingers trail over the soft suede. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
Beside me, Braxton teased, “Minnesota winter starter pack. Boots and skates. You’ll be elongating your O’s before too long.”
Laughter bubbled up from my chest.
“I think that’s everything, then,” Natalie declared.
I had been so caught up in the chaos that I forgot I’d brought items for the family inviting me to crash their Christmas. Jumping up, I exclaimed, “I have gifts!”
Stepping carefully around the piles of presents, I rushed to my room, finding the brightly wrapped packages stowed in my suitcase. Bundlingthem in my arms, I returned to where everyone waited expectantly. Checking the tags, I handed them to each family member, including one for Max, which I gave Natalie to open.
The sound of ripping paper filled the air as they opened my gift of choice—books. There were thrillers for Jaxon and Braxton, a romance for Natalie, an up-and-coming young adult series for Amelia and Jameson to share, chapter books for Beau, picture books for Charlie, and a couple of sensory board books for Max.
The kids thanked me before running off to play with their new toys.
Natalie beamed at me from across the room. “Thank you, Dakota. This was so thoughtful. I don’t have this one, but it’s been on my to-be-read list for a while, so it’s perfect!”
“I’m glad you like it.”
It wasn’t one of mine. We were getting closer, but notthatclose.
I’d chosen a big-name author who was traditionally published since I knew Natalie was an avid romance reader. Even though I was a smaller, independently published author, there was no jealousy for the authors who had already hit it big. Did I want to get there someday myself? Sure. But that didn’t mean I resented those who paved the way. Every author deserved a chance to be successful as there were readers aplenty that we shared amongst us. They were my peers, not my competition.
Braxton pulled me close, and I melted into his side. He pressed his lips to my temple, whispering, “You did good. I declare our first Christmas a success.”
I could always count on Braxton to be steady and sure. He had no idea how much I needed him to be my anchor, but that’s what made it so special. He was solid for me without my having to ask.
Was this what it was like when you found your person?
God, I hoped so because he was effectively ruining me for all men, my book boyfriends included. And in that moment, I realized why women sought the happily ever after, greedily devouring it on page day after day. They were chasing the high that came with falling in love.
I finally understood.
Chapter 22
Dakota
The house was quietwith just the two of us. Natalie, Jaxon, and the kids had left for Christmas dinner at the elder Slates’ home. Braxton wasn’t interested in seeing his parents after the debacle I’d witnessed in Hartford following Jaxon’s 1000thgame, and neither was I. My instinct was to protect Braxton in the same way he had always protected me, so anyone who was unkind to him was on my shit list, regardless of their relation to the man I was falling for.
We ordered takeout from the only local place open, ate by candlelight, and were curled up on the couch before a roaring fire, as he’d promised when we landed in Minneapolis.
I had to admit, he was onto something with the suggestion. Nothing was more comfortable than cuddling with him as the heat of the nearby flames licked our skin. We hadn’t even changed out of our “matching” pajamas. It was a lazy day, but one of the best I’d ever had.
