Page 64 of Santa Maybe
By the time he and Rosie left the hotel, the snow had coated everything in a pristine blanket of white. They stood outside the entrance in wonder, watching the flakes come down, illuminated by the streetlights.
“It’s so magical,” Rosie said. “Though I have to admit I’m not wild about driving in the snow. Especially at night.”
“I don’t mind driving. Are you okay leaving your car in the hotel’s parking lot?”
“Yeah, it’ll be fine because it’s underground.” She leaned against him, warming him with the heat of her body. “Let’s go back to my place and get cozy.”
“I can’t wait.” Not just because he was eager to get her alone but also because he had a surprise waiting for her. Which wouldn’t have worked if she’d turned him away tonight. In that respect, he’d been very, very lucky.
Once they got to her apartment, he tensed up as she unlocked her door, hoping his surprise would have the desired effect. Originally, after he’d decided to find her and plead his case, he’d almost headed over to her folks’ house. But when he’d learned she was stuck at work, he’d come up with a new plan. A plan he’d barely had time to put into action before getting to the Duchess just after eight.
She reached to turn on the lights but stopped short, a look of shock washing over her face. In one corner of her living room, he’d set up a six-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments. The soft glow from the lights gave the room a magical feel.
She turned to face him. “Oh my God. Did you do this?”
“Yeah. I was going to say that Santa left it for you, but I don’t want to give him the credit. It’s all me. I hope it’s okay. I never even asked if you wanted something like this.”
Now that he thought about it, maybe he’d been a bit too presumptuous, but at the wedding, Rosie had mentioned being too busy to find a Christmas tree for her place.
She threw her arms around him and crushed him in a hug. “This is one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for me. I love it.”
A wave of relief washed over him. “You don’t mind that I snuck into your house like a burglar to set it up?”
“Of course not. I gave you a key because I knew I could trust you. But I never expected this.” She pulled away and wiped her eyes. “It’s perfect. Where did you get the ornaments?”
He gave her a sheepish grin. “So…Kate told me if you shop at Michaels on Christmas Eve, all their holiday stuff is already half price. This is just a starter collection. Next year, you can add some more.”
She approached the tree and held up a shiny glass ornament that looked like a taco. “This is so cute. It makes me think of Pepe’s. Ooh, and this one’s a little double-decker bus.”
“There’s some champagne in the fridge, too, if you want to celebrate.”
“Yes, please. Can you get it out? I have to take a bunch of photos so I can send them to the Damsels.”
He loved how excited she was. After posing with her for a few selfies by the tree, he retrieved the champagne and poured a glass for each of them.
She sipped hers and let out a satisfied sigh. “Don’t tell my parents, but as much as I adore Nochebuena, this might be one of the best Christmas Evesever.”
“I’m so glad it worked out, but I’m still up for anything with your family. Dinners, parties, whatever you want. As your real date.”
“Don’t worry, we still have our Three Kings party in January. I promise there will be lots of delicious food and plenty of festive beverages.” She held up her glass. “Here’s to enjoying many more holidays together.”
He clinked his glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.”
Though he’d taken a lot of risks tonight, he was incredibly grateful they’d paid off. Truly, this was an occasion worth celebrating.
* * *
Drew wokeon Christmas morning with Rosie curled up beside him. Last night, after they’d polished off most of the champagne, he’d fully intended to lavish her with affection. To demonstrate his love with a round of delicious, toe-curling sex. But after he’d stripped down to his boxers and joined her in bed, they’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms almost immediately. Just like an old married couple.
But losing out on one night of passion paled in comparison to all the nights that lay ahead of them. Nights in which he fully intended to show her how much he cared. To prove to her, without a shadow of a doubt, that their connection meant more to him than just friendship and great sex.
For the first time in years, he was truly ready for more.
Giving his whole heart wouldn’t be easy. He still had trust issues to overcome. But instead of brushing them aside, he’d talk to Rosie about them. Maybe even check out that therapist Kate had mentioned.
Two months ago, he would have said he was okay with his life. That he didn’t need anything to change. But he’d been wrong. And now, though he’d be facing new challenges—at work and in his relationship with Rosie—he was eager to embrace them.
When she stirred and pressed her rounded ass against his groin, he grew hard in a matter of seconds. Though he didn’t want to wake her, he was aching to do more than just hold her.
