Page 24 of A Cuddly Christmas
"No, he doesn't. He's got an ego problem and is annoyed I won't give him the time of day so he can get into my pants." Nothing pisses off a cocky asshole more than you snubbing them. I mean, someone has to keep them in check. I'm willing to do that for the females everywhere. I take pride in knocking his ass down a peg or two.
"Exactly. His pride has been hurt, so what better way to get back at you than by trying to sabotage you and Paxton? It's not too far-fetched."
"You think he'd do that?"
"Yes," Molly says without hesitation.
"Well, it didn't work, so it doesn't matter."
"Maybe," she sighs. "But what if he figures out it didn't and he tries something else?"
"What else can he try?"
"I don't know. He could murder both of you."
"You need to lay off the true crime podcasts."
"Okay, you might be right, but Brian is already creepy, and we know he has a temper. These are the kinds of things that end up in the news. Everyone always thinks not them, but it's gotta be someone."
“Let’s not allude to that someone being me.”
“If you say so.” She clucks her tongue.
“Let’s get back to the important topic here. How do I get Paxton into this bed?”
“You’re really asking me that?”
“I mean, I know you’re not experienced, but?—”
“That’s not what I meant. I only mean you’re making this complicated. Either go out there naked or go lie on top of him.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes seriously. He’s a man, isn’t he?” I groan, not sure I'm down with this idea. "Or you can go be the Tilly I know you are and demand he get into bed with you."
"No, I can’t do that." Shyness is holding me back. I'm not used to feeling this way, but I think it's because I never cared before. With Paxton, I definitely care. I also feel more feminine with him, which I’m loving.
"Okay, then just scream. He'll go running and save the day! Men love doing that."
"I'll scare our babies." There are a donkey and kitten to think about.
"I'm running out of ideas here."
"I'll figure it out." I blow out a breath.
"Text me." Of course she wants the details. I would too.
"All right, I love you. I'm getting off the phone."
"Love you too!" Molly chirps through the phone before ending the call.
“I can do this,” I whisper, giving myself a pep talk. I'll go out there and see what he's doing. Maybe he’s still awake. I have a whole hour before I'm supposed to check on him, and I suppose I could do it early. I’m being extra cautious.
Knowing that I won’t be able to sleep, I force myself to get up. I make it to the door, my hand on the knob, and have a silent war with myself. Then I remind myself I’m Tilly. I got this.
I jerk open the door, letting out a small gasp when I see Paxton standing there, his hands braced on each side of the doorframe.
“I was?—”
