Page 20 of Christmas Craving
Celia stood in the doorway, looking like I’d never seen her before. She was wearing black tights with a Christmas tree design, a sweater that had a picture of Santa putting presents under a Christmas tree, and what looked like elf slippers. On her head was a headband with reindeer antlers that bobbed with her movements.
“Hi,” she said, giving me a tentative smile. “Happy Christmas Eve.”
Hearing her voice, Arthur came racing to the door, skidding to a stop next to us. Celia reached down to pat his head, her eyes never leaving me.
“What are you doing here?” I finally found my voice. “And why on Earth are you dressed like that?”
“I wanted to get into the Christmas spirit,” she said, giving me a tentative smile. “I came over to invite you and Arthur to spend the holiday with me. I have dinner waiting.”
“I thought you hated Christmas.”
“I used to, but then someone convinced me to get a Christmas tree and listen to carols, and it made my grinchy heart grow ten sizes larger.”
I burst out laughing at her reference. I was surprised she even knew about the Grinch.
“I thought you needed space?” I asked as I sobered. “You said I was keeping you from your important tasks.”
“I know I did, but now I’m ready to have less space.” She paused, giving me a long look. “I know I ran hot and cold with you and I’m sorry. The truth is, I was freaking out about how I feel about you and I needed some time to process it, but I didn’t know how to say that without coming off like a total bitch.”
“And are you done freaking out?” I asked. “Because you kind of hurt my feelings.”
“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings,” she said earnestly. “But I’ve done a lot of thinking over the last twenty-four hours, and I’d like nothing more than to spend the holidays with you. If you’ll let me.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
She surged forward, placing her palms on either side of my face and crushing her lips against mine. It wasn’t just a kiss. It was a claiming, and I felt it from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.
Celia stepped back, her eyes taking in my appearance. “What are you wearing?” she asked with a frown. “Where’s your festive clothing?”
“I wasn’t in a festive mood this morning,” I admitted. “But I think maybe I am now.”
“How about you change into something more appropriate for a holiday dinner and I’ll meet you at my place?” she asked. “Dinner will be ready soon.”
I couldn’t help the huge smile on my face. “That sounds good.”
I started to turn, and she gave me a playful smack on the ass. “Don’t dilly dally.”
“Yes ma’am,” I said, giving her a little salute. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Celia
Ilooked around my condo, wondering if I’d gone overboard.Maybe just a tad,I thought as I viewed the Christmas decorations covering every flat surface.
Lanie and I had only been apart for a little more than twenty-four hours, but I’d missed her terribly. That should have scared me to death, but after talking to Lauren I’d made a conscious decision to embrace what was happening between us. Embrace the holidays. Embrace love. Embrace possibility.
As soon as I heard Lanie knock, I flew to the front door to let her in. As usual, Arthur pushed past us and headed right for his spot on the couch, turning in a circle exactly three times before curling into a little ball and going to sleep. That dog had two modes: running and sleeping.
Lanie walked in, handing me a bottle of merlot.
“I stole this from Amy and John,” she said conspiratorially. “I wasn’t sure what you were cooking, but I figure a good merlot goes with everything.”
I gave her a smile. “Thanks.”
She stepped inside the condo and her eyes widened comically. “What happened? It looks like Christmas exploded in here.”
I followed her gaze, taking in the ceramic holiday village on the mantle, with three Christmas stockings hung beneath. There was holly and mistletoe basically everywhere, as well as mini Christmas trees, angels, stars, and a manger set on display on the coffee table. There was even a blow up Charlie Brown Christmas display I’d set up in one corner.
