Page 32 of Decked in Red & Greene
“And why’s that?” I ask, pulling him to a stop so I can hook my arms around his neck.
“Because you have a hot, tattooed, graphic designer who’s moonlighting as a food truck caterer that’s crazy about you. Also, you owe him a blow job.”
Throwing my head back, I laugh at the absurdity of it all.
But I love it.
Picking me up off the ground, Phoenix kisses me hard, the world around us spinning and making me fall for him a little bit more.
21
PHOENIX
“Santa is coming!” Navy squeals as she runs around the kitchen, Chip on her heels and dressed in matching pajamas. In fact, we’reallwearing matching pajamas. Cora had to have Talon’s specially made because the guy is just so damn big.
Even now, he looks hilarious in the solid red shirt and red fleece pants with white reindeer all over them. It makes me smile, and he glares at me which only makes me smile bigger.
“Were you a good girl this year?” I ask Navy as I scoop her up and into my arms.
Her little hands frame my face, and even though her palms are sticky, I love when she does this. “Yes, I’m always a good girl, right, Mommy?” She turns her head to look at Bristol who nods before her attention is back on me. “Wereyougood?”
Bright blue eyes stare into my soul, and while I could lie to her—I don’t want to.
“I think that maybe I was grumpy a lot this year, but I’ve been trying really hard to change and be better.” My eyes find Aspen’s across the room, a sweet expression on her face. “Do you think Santa will visit me too?”
Her eyebrows furrow as she scrunches her little face in thought. She’s quiet for a moment before nodding. “You tried hard. That’s good, right, Mommy?”
“Yeah, Navy Baby, we always want to try to be better.”
Bristol winks at me as Talon wraps his arm around Cora and pulls her close. Things were so hectic this last week between Aspen working and me finishing up some last-minute projects, we hadn’t had time to come up for air.
Talon and Cora had gotten in early this morning and we’d hit the ground running with Navy at the helm of the holiday fun.
But there was still something left to do.
Kissing my niece on the cheek, I hold her tight, soaking in this moment with her before gently setting her down and turning toward Aspen.
Cora follows my gaze, her mouth dropping open and her eyes going wide as I stalk across the room and crush my mouth to Aspen’s as I pull her close.
Cheers erupt around us, and while I had no doubt Aspen and I being together wasn’tnews, it felt good to claim her like this.
“That was unexpected,” Aspen murmurs against my lips.
“Well, I wasn’t gonna sneak out of your room before morning.”
“No? Santa could still put you on the naughty list,” she jokes, her smile equal parts mischief and promise.
My sister clears her throat and nods toward Navy who is oblivious to the adult conversation as she races Chip across the floor.
“So, you’re official, official?” Cora squeals, her small frame vibrating with excitement.
Aspen says, “I dunno. I got the number to a really good-looking bass player at speed dating,” at the same time I sayyes.That earns her a growl that she silences with a kiss before reassuring Coraand methat we are in fact officially official.
The girls all hug, my sister still embracing them when she says, “Speaking of getting numbers…” Talon freezes, his drink halfway to his mouth as she worries her bottom lip. “I amtentativelyseeing someone.”
Cora and Aspen hug her tight, and she laughs before prying them off her and moving to stand in front of Talon and me.
“I didn’t expect to meet anyone, but Wade is?—”
