Page 33 of My Knight Before Christmas
“Hey Hot Stuff, I got your note.”
Liam fought a smile, all while shaking his head in embarrassment. He didn’t love when I called him that in public. When we were kissing, he seemed all for it.
“Will there ever be a time I’m upgraded to a different nickname? Even Handsome would be better.”
I pretended to think about it. “Nope.”
His laugh rumbled against my cheek as he pulled me in for a hug. “Fine.” He moved me back, putting his hand into my gloved one. “I need a Christmas tree and someone to help me decorate it. Are you game?”
“You didn’t have to go through the effort of writing me a note. I would have helped you anyway.”
“It sets the tone for the evening.”
I looked up at him. “And what tone is that?”
His eyes had a twinkle to them, as if he were keeping a secret. “You’ll see.”
We spent the next hour discussing (arguing) until we finally agreed on the perfect tree for Liam’s townhouse. With help from an employee, we secured the Fir to Liam’s Jeep.
“I’ll meet you at your house,” I told Liam.
“Nope, I’ll bring you back later for your car. Come on.” He opened the passenger door for me. I climbed in. After Liam started the car, my favorite Christmas album blared through the speakers. I sang along (totally off-key) while we drove to Liam’s.
We successfully got the tree in place by his large front window without any fighting. Once the tree was in the stand, Liam said we deserved a dinner and dessert break before decorating began. I followed Liam into his modern kitchen.
“What’d you make me?” I teased, hopping onto a stool at the island.
“Sorry, I didn’t have time to cook. I picked up Mediterranean food earlier.”
“That was very kind of you. Thank you, My Love.”
He threw his hands out in exasperation. “Why can’t you usethatnickname instead of Hot Stuff?”
I grinned. “I like to keep my options open. Besides, I need every other female in the vicinity to know you’re mine.”
“SayingMy Lovewould also do it.”
“Yeah, but it’s not as fun.” I winked.
He leaned over to kiss me on top of my head. “Uch. It’s a good thing I love you, woman.”
“You’re not going to say,mywoman? I like it when you do.”
“I think I’ll stick to My Avery. Or Beautiful. Or simply, my girlfriend.” At that, he gave me a funny look before pulling the takeout containers from the fridge.
He’d acted like something was on his mind all night. Was the holiday season bringing up the struggles within his family? Was it something at work? I knew he’d tell me when he was ready, so I let it go.
Liam, I discovered early on, was a great cook. Something his grandma taught him when he lived with her. Many of our dates were spent at home. I had zero complaints, as it often led to cuddling with heavy doses of kissing, aka canoodling.
“My mom called,” Liam announced out of nowhere.
I dropped the fork he’d given me. “What did she want?”
“To come visit us.”
Us? “Okay. When?”
“Between Christmas and New Year’s.”
