Page 14 of Decked in Red & Greene
I bark out a laugh as I stand, pocketing my phone and wrapping my sister in a tight hug. Bristol lost the love of her life, but now she’s here poking fun at me for trying to find mine. Could this be healing? For both of us?
Because for the first time since I returned to Magnolia Point, I think I might finally be ready to give love a shot.
10
[Social Media Post from Lowcountry Automotive]
Today only, Chip the teacup pig and unofficial mascot of Lowcountry Automotive, will be at the shop dressed in his holiday best! Come on down and grab a picture with him and a cookie from Taste of Magnolia! All donations raised will go to benefit our local animal shelter.
#supportlocal #lowcountryautomotive #chiptheteacuppig #tasteofmagnolia #magnoliapoint #santapig #holidaytreats
Taste of Magnolia: Get your Chip cookies while they last!
11
ASPEN
My handful of popcorn is halfway to my mouth when the doorbell rings. Begrudgingly, I pause my movie and shuffle my slipper-clad feet to the door. If it was daytime, I could pretend I’m not at home, but that definitely won’t work with practically all the lights on around the first floor.
Peeking out the side window, I almost yelp when I realize who’s on the other side of the door.
Because of course he is.
Looking down at my outfit, I take in my pajama shorts with the knee socks and baggy sweatshirt. Undoubtedly, I’m a dream right now.
“You gonna open the door?” Phoenix asks with a nervous chuckle, and it startles me because I definitely forgot he could see me.
Fuck it.
Turning the knob, I pull it open and brace my shoulder against the corner of the door. “What are you doing here?”
Instead of answering, Phoenix’s gaze slides down my body, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he continues to take me in.
“I was wondering if you’d go for a walk with me,” he says, his voice hoarse and his eyes blazing when they meet mine. Nothing about the way he’s looking at me suggests heonlywants to go for a walk, and I need to be strong.
“Why?”
“So we can talk.”
“Just talk?”
“Might be nice,” he says, shoving his hands in his pockets as a small smile graces his lips.
“I really don’t want to put on pants.”
His eyes snap to my legs before he’s tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. “I don’t want you to either, but it might be cold on our walk.”
“I haven’t agreed to a walk.”
“Please, Aspen?”
My mouth opens and closes without making a sound. My name falling seductively from his lips has heat rushing to my core, which is ridiculous but I can’t help it. I could probably count on one hand the number of times he’s said my name since we met.
And half the time, I’m convinced he can’t even remember it.
“Fine,” I say, my response a little breathier than I would have liked as I spin away and walk toward my room, leaving him in the open doorway.
I hear his boots on the mat as he steps inside and out of the cold, muttering under his breath. It’s pretty mild tonight but still not my choice for a casual jaunt around town.
