Page 47 of Oh My Secret Christmas Baby
When he lifts his head, I have to suck in a few gulps of air. "That was naughty."
"He's already on that list, honey," his mom jokes.
"Take care of her," Hollis tells her. She rolls her eyes at him before taking me with her.
"If anyone thought you were single and hadn't heard the news, they know now."
"I think the whole town knows. I heard there were emails."
"That, and there are people from the city here too."
"Really?"
"Yes, he invited some associates from his old life, and all were eager to come. People have been wondering about him. Nosy shits wanting to see if he's had a downfall or is living it up."
“They are stupid if they ever thought there would be a downfall of Hollis.”
“This is true. Besides, there is only one thing that could be his downfall.” Mary turns toward me, giving me a pointed look. “You.”
“I don’t want to be his downfall.” That sounds ominous. I only want the best for Hollis, whether I’m in his life or not. He might be a grump at times to people, so I’ve heard, but I’ve never borne witness to that side of him myself. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a good man to his core.
“No, I don’t think you will,” Mary says with such confidence. “I think you’re going to be his salvation. You brought him back to life. He’s just been going through the motions since the accident. I think he only took on being the mayor to keep himself busy. When you’re busy, you don’t have time to doubt or long for things.”
“This is true.” That’s how it had been for me in college. I was working, going to classes, or studying.
“Now, let’s introduce you to people and eat some of these hors d'oeuvres." Mary snatches a skewer off a passing tray, handing it to me, and then takes one for herself.
"We really nailed the food," I say, taking a second bite of mine. As I glance around the living room area, I see that she was right.
The party really brings everything to life. There isn't an inch of this place that's not coated in some kind of Christmas décor. Each room even has its own theme. This one is a winter wonderland.
Mary leads me around, introducing me to people. She wasn’t lying when she said there were going to be a bunch of people from the city here. A few of them appear vaguely familiar, and I wonder if I met them at a past event with Max.
"Precious girl" I hear said behind me before arms are wrapped around me. Hollis places a kiss on my bare shoulder. "How are you doing?"
"Perfect," I tell him. He turns me in his arms.
"Are you sure?" Hollis searches my face.
"What?" I drop my voice. "Was I fidgeting?"
"No." His brows pull together. "Not at the moment. But when you do it, it's rather adorable."
"Really?"
"It's sweet innocence. There is nothing wrong with it if that's what helps you. But it also gives me a clue on how you're feeling so that I can fix it." If I had any lingering effects of the years of Max's comments, this would wash them all away.
"You’re my everything, Hollis," I blurt out before I can think about what I'm saying.
“Candy—”
“It popped out.” His hands cup my face, and he leans down close.
“Good.” His eyes stay intently fixed on mine. “I want to be your everything and more. I wish I could take you upstairs and ravish you.” He drops his forehead to mine. “But it will have to wait.”
“I’m okay with that,” I tell him. “It’s not as though we’ve had to wait for much else in this relationship.” A deep, sexy chuckle rumbles from him.
"Maybe for you, but it's been a lifetime for me."
