Page 118 of The Holiday Grump
“I’ll get it.” Felicity headed to the front door with a full-blown frown.
“Jackson’s going to get a dose of Christmas spirit,” Fredrik whispered, following his sister.
My curiosity bubbling up in full force, I shadowed them, standing back in the hallway.
I heard Jackson’s cheery voice from the door. “Merrrrry Christmas!!”
“What the fuck are you wearing?” Felicity asked.
I edged a little closer to get a peek at his outfit. It was a Santa costume, but with a red velvet coat several sizes too small, revealing most of his muscled, bare chest.
“It’s Christmas tomorrow. My clothes are entirely appropriate. And… this is for you.” He handed her something the size of a microwave in golden gift wrap.
“What?”
“Nothing for me?” Fredrik asked. I could hear the smile in his voice.
“I’m dressed as a slutty Santa. You don’t want what’s in my bag.”
“I don’t think I want it either,” Felicity grumbled.
“No. Open it!” Jackson pleaded. “And can we do it inside? The snow is getting into my underwear.”
They closed the door, and Felicity tore open the package, gasping in shock. “Is this a… safe?”
“It’s really easy to use. Choose a code, program it in, and don’t tell anyone. No one will ever take your stuff again. I can also bolt it into your van if needed.”
I’d never seen Felicity speechless. To be precise, I didn’t see her face from where I was standing, but the silence that followed was potent.
“Thank you,” she finally uttered.
Jackson waved his hand, wished us all happy holidays,and left. I ran to Felicity, taking the heavy safe from her before Fredrik did something stupid and gentlemanly.
“You weren’t expecting this?” I lowered the gift onto the hall table, giving her a moment to gather her wits.
“No,” she said. “I don’t know what game he’s playing.”
“I think… he’s hoping to do some breathing exercises with you.”
Fredrik caught my eye, looking half alarmed, half excited, probably thinking of what we’d been doing.
Felicity blew a forceful breath. “Well, I won’t be exercising with him anytime soon.”
We watched her stomp down the hallway.
“I think they’d be great together. What’s her problem?” I asked Fredrik.
“They go way back. It’s complicated.”
“I get that it’s weird for you. Your best friend and your sister. But something’s clearly going on. Wouldn’t it be better if they were… um… breathing together and not killing each other?”
Fredrik turned to me, and the conflicted expression on his face shifted into pure joy. “I don’t know. But is it bedtime yet? I think I’ll need to do my exercises again very soon. Doctor’s orders.”
I stepped so close I was flush against his chest. “Doctors may give orders, but I’ll be your nurse carrying them out. You’ll do exactly as I say.”
He smiled so widely my heart ached. “You’re my every fantasy wrapped up in one candy cane package, Noelle. Anything you say goes.”
“Then I say, let’s sneak out right now. I can help you heat the sauna.”
