Page 37 of Claiming Her Cougar
For the second time in this conversation, I’m blinking back tears.I’m usually a pro at holding my emotions in check, but something about Liam brings them to the surface.
“I should probably go, Mallory.I need to type up some notes from today and get ready for my visits tomorrow.It’s been a long day.We’ll catch up after I come home, okay?”
I nod and croak out an “okay” and a “goodnight” accompanied by a wave.I close my laptop and put it on the nightstand.Settling under the covers, I turn off my light as the tears stream from my eyes and run into my hair.I’ve left the hockey game on to mask the sound of my sobs—not that there’s anyone here to hear them.I’m alone, like always.I had a chance, and I blew it.That goodnight felt like goodbye.
13
LIAM
Well,that sucked.
14
MALLORY
There is not enoughunder-eye concealer in the world to cover the bags I’m carrying.I slept like crap, and I’m all stuffed up from crying.I wish I’d just called out from work, but that would require more explanation than I want to attempt.
“Good mo— What’s wrong?”Daphne’s concerned expression as she enters our office is so sincere.And unwelcome.I don’t want to discuss what isn’t happening with me and Liam, and I don’t want to lie to my friend, but between those two options, I’m going with the lie.
“Nothing’s wrong.I stayed up late watching the game.This is how I look when I don’t get enough sleep.”
With raised eyebrows, Daphne deadpans, “Not a good look, friend.Make sleep your priority.The DVR is your friend.”
“Yep.Good advice.Thanks.I’m getting some tea.Want anything?”Picking up my red plaid mug, I rise and head to the kitchen.
“I’ll come with you.”Daphne grabs her coordinating blue plaid mug and follows me out of our office.
I love Daphne, but I was hoping to get away from her.I just can’t deal today.Maybe I can hide downstairs and close files for most of the day.
“Your uncle has a Christmas tree farm, right?”Daphne asks as she hands me a tea bag and stands next to me at the counter, unwrapping her tea bag and dunking it in her mug.
“Yeah.Full Moon Farm.They have a whole holiday experience happening—Santa’s workshop, a hot cocoa stand, carriage rides, an ice rink, reindeer farm.It’s neat.”I pass her the Splenda she uses in her tea.“Are you guys going for a tree this weekend?”
“We are!”She bounces on her toes in excitement.“I haven’t had a tree the past few years.It wasn’t worth all the trouble just for me.”Her sigh is tinged with sadness.“I’ve missed it.”A beautiful smile spreads across her face.“It’s my first Christmas with Logan, and I’m looking forward to making memories with him.”
“Well, check them out.They have nice trees.That’s where we get ours.”
“Oh, are you getting yours this weekend too?We can go together!”
“No.”I remove the tea bag from my mug and throw it in the trash.Daphne follows suit.“We tagged our tree, and my uncle will cut and deliver it right before Christmas.Our tradition is to decorate it on Christmas Eve.”
“Well, do you want to come with us?Faith and Holly are coming along to pick out their trees as well.”She looks so hopeful.I don’t want to disappoint her, but I’m going to.
“Thanks, no.I just want to hibernate at home.I want to catch up on the latest books by Delancey Stewart and Marika Ray.”
“You read romance?How did I not know this?We could have spent the past year talking about books!”Poor Daphne looks crestfallen at all the missed opportunities.
We walk back to our office and sit at our desks.I look out the window.Most of the trees are bare of leaves in the early December sun.I love having a window.I can’t wait for spring so I can see the trees regain their leaves.It will be nice to open my window and hear the birds.I’m so grateful they gave us this office.
“I can’t believe you never told me,” Daphne grouses.
“Well, you never told me you read romances either.I figured you were all about cozy mysteries since you worship Jessica Fletcher,” I retort.
“It’s not so much worshipping as idolizing,” Daphne corrects.
She’s such a goof.
“I do like cozies, but sometimes you need a happily ever after more than a whodunnit, you know?”
