Page 65 of Stay this Christmas
“Okay,” she breathed. She shifted her legs off my lap, but tucked herself up against my side, her head on my shoulder.
I’d take it.
TWENTY
harper
Saturday afternoon,I scurried up Center Street looking for Sam. We’d originally planned to meet at four to see some of the Christmas decorations downtown and take his little siblings to visit Santa. Instead, his texts had started up just after two.
Sam: Bad news. Georgia’s coworker is sick, so she had to go into the bookstore today. That means I’m on full-time kid duty
Harper: You’ll do fine
Sam: I’ve lost Finn twice
Harper: I’m sure it’s not that bad
Sam: Maybe I shouldn’t have bought them banana splits
Sam: Can you meet us early?
Harper: Are you asking me to help you babysit?
Sam: I’m asking you to enjoy these precious moments with my younger siblings before time steals their childhoods in the blink of an eye
Harper: It’s going to cost you
Sam: Ugggggh. What fresh Christmas horrors do you have in mind?
Harper: I heard they’re doing wagon rides downtown
Sam: …
Harper: And the wagon’s lit up with Christmas lights
Harper: And it plays Christmas songs
Harper: And the driver dresses up like one of Santa’s elves
Sam: Googling how to slip into a coma
Harper: I could let you struggle with two little kids all night
Sam: Wagon rides for everyone
I found him wandering down First Street, a little girl tugging him along by one hand and a little boy several feet in front of them wildly waving at a store window. Just before I caught up, Sam noticed me. His smile switched on, lighting me up with flickering, buzzing flames.
After our kiss last night, I’d feigned amnesia. Didn’t mention it again, didn’t come close to doing it again. Hadn’t I already said platonic friendship was the only solution for us? I’d snuggled him a little, sure, but no further. After the movie, he’d said goodnight in my doorway, and if I’d secretly hoped for another kiss, I hadn’t let on. Following my lead, I guess, he hadn’t tried for one. I’d gone to bed wound up and disappointed, trying to decide if I’d rather have the stability of Sam’s friendship, or the shaky ground of his kisses.
Too late to do anything about it, I’d cast my vote for those earth-shattering kisses.
Seeing him now, my heart rate skyrocketed while my stomach plummeted, making room in my ribcage for all the butterflies his smile unleashed. Pretty sure this was not how buddies reacted when they saw each other.
“Harper.” He said my name like reaching for a lifeline.Thank you,he mouthed.
Nowthatmade the butterflies go wild. He’d unwittingly keyed into my need to be needed, the thrill of rescuing him setting my ridiculous heart on fire.
“Guys,” he said, catching the attention of his siblings. “This is Harper. She’s going to see Santa with us. This is Willa.”
