Page 13 of Jingl
Billy straightens his posture. “Text? Spill!”
“Gah, Alec! Look what you started!”
Alec hums as if he can’t hear me. “I’ve been telling you for years to tell him how you feel.”
“He’s my best friend.That’show I feel.”
Nate looks me up and down. “Maybe the two of you should explore that a bit more.”
“I wouldn’t mind testing him out if you need a second opinion.” Billy bats his lashes. I know he’s joking because he can’t stop eye-fucking Noel, our new Santa.
My ridiculous growl comes involuntarily.
Billy holds up his hands. “Or not. You got it bad.”
“You have no idea,” Alec says as he drops onto the gumdrop beside me. “He used to pineso hardover Trace.”
“I did not!”
“Alec,what should I do?Alec, he’s so far away.Alec—”
“Ugh! Sorry for being a teenager,” I grumble.
“Awe, it was cute, though. You’d show me all the pictures he sent you and you’d get all sad he was so far away.”
The other elves snicker. “Okay, I had a crush on him for a long time.”
“Had?” Juniper’s brow lifts and there’s a hint of a smile. Of course he has to join in the fun.
“Yes,had. We can’t go any further than baby Shae pining.”
Billy snorts. “That did not look like you moved on.”
“I’m betting they hook up by the end of Christmas.” Alec gives me the biggest shit-eating grin.
“Is it hooking up if you’re already in love with the person?” Nate asks.
“Okay, moving on.” I push back to my feet and finish sweeping up the mess of candy wrappers.
Alec squeezes my shoulder. “You know I’m happy for you. I’m glad he’s back home.”
“Me, too.” And I can’t decide if I want to chew out Trace for not telling me he’d be here early or ask him on a date.
My heart denies wanting to date Trace. Dating will change everything. I’d rather have my friend than risk breaking what we have. But… he did tell me I was fucking adorable. His words. And maybe that can mean something.
Chapter 8
Trace
“Please forgive me. I wanted to surprise you. Did I mess up?” I stare at my ceiling as I wait for Shae’s reply.
“What? No! I loved it. But Iama little salty. I was planning on picking you up from the airport. I haven’t had time to get you a coming home present. And you know Mom wants to see you, too.”
“I didn’t want you to have to take time out of your schedule for me.”
“Tracy, you’re worth it. I would have stopped everything to come get you.”
“I know, but that would have been selfish. I’m just happy to be here now.” It’s like I can finally breathe again.
