Page 4 of Christmas With The Kings
“I’m notdressedlike a bottle of anything,” I said, stepping into the room. “I’m avibe.A holiday mood board. A seasonal fantasy.”
He scoffed. “No, you’re dressed more like a department store went on a bender.”
“Ha ha. For a man who doesn’t drink, you sure are pouring out the alcohol puns today. But I will acquiesce to your assessment. It’s cute. Am I right?” I beamed and looked over my shoulder.
All the men were gone, but still, if one of them came home for something, they could derail my entire day.
“Now then, where was I? Oh yes, my friend. We have work to do.”
He set the Lego frame down with deliberate calm. “Do I even want to know?”
“Probably not,” I said sweetly, perching on the edge of the guest chair. “But since I will need your muscles…it’s happening anyway.”
He leaned back, arms folded. He gave me the patented Marcus slow stare. The one that saidI’ve killed people for less, but somehow you get away with everything.
“What is it this time?” The corner of his mouth twitched as he shook his head.
“I need transportation.”
“Clearly,” he quirked.
“Yes, that and moral support. And as I said muscles to help carry heavy things and/or fight off squirrels. Oh, and do we have an axe?”
“Squirrels,” he sputtered. “And hold up, what the hell do we need an axe for?”
“Tree squirrels. It’s a whole thing. I did some reading on it, but the axe—well, that should be self-explanatory.”
He blinked again. “Is this about the tree you ordered last week?”
“Cancelled it.”
“Why?”
“Felt impersonal. Soulless. I want theexperience.It’s been years since I’ve had a live tree. Owen…” my voice broke for a moment and tears stung my eyes.
“Go on,” he encouraged.
“I want to select them with care and reverence. That’s what we used to do. I miss the traditions mostly. Not to mention the entire house full of ‘intelligent’ men have ignored all of my attempts to spread the Christmas cheer.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Yeah, it’s been crushing. I need to take matters into my own hands, or the Grinch wins.” I sighed heavily.
He followed suit. The deep, full-bodied kind, with his full chest heaving. I bit back the laughter bubbling up inside me at how such a simple gesture could speak so loudly. It suggested that he would regret this by the end of the day.
“You do realize you have this thing called a mouth.”
I paused mid-festive strut. “Excuse me?”
He looked up, brows raised. “Yes, that thing on your face that you’re currently running.” He pointed at my lips.
I tilted my head, confused. “Idouse it,” I said, slow and pointed, one brow arching. “Plenty. Not that those ungrateful men said anything other than they enjoyed the extra drool.”
There was a pause. He blinked and then squinted, clearly trying to follow. “Huh?”
I gave him a look and another sigh. “Yeah, I ordered the famous mints. You know, the ones that make things, you know—”
And just like that, helost it.He didn’t even try to hide it. The first bark of laughter sounded and then a snort, which only made the second round come harder. His head tipped back, Lego scattered as he erupted into full-body laughter. It stole his breath and folded him over the desk.
