Page 22 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
“I’m so sorry, Mike. That was a hard night for all of us.” I cup her cheek and gently run my thumb against her jaw.
“It was. But something amazing came out of it.” I pin her gaze with mine. Hopefully, the emotions swirling through me right now aren’t reflected in my eyes. The last thing I want to do is scare her with how strongly I feel for her, but between this and that night, I’m not sure I can control the affection I have for her. “I finally got to meet my grumpy, gorgeous neighbor whom I immediately started crushing on.”
A soft chortle escapes her as she tucks her head back on my shoulder. “I was awful to you that morning.”
“Yes. Yes, you were.” She smacks my chest, and I cover her hand, pressing it against me, my chest rumbling. “But you were also adorable.”
“So were you,” she whispers, resting her head back against my chest. I huff out a breath, and an uncontainable smug look finds my face.
“I knew you liked me!” My grin grows wider as she shakes her head, scoffing. I lift her chin up so I can see her expression. “Admit it.”
Melanie’s eyes sparkle, and a smirk spreads across her mouth. She lifts her hand and cups my cheek, tugging me toward her. “Shut up and kiss me,” she whispers.
I wrap my hand around the back of her head and utter three little words against her lips.
“As you wish.”
Chapter Twelve
Mel
“Noelle, can you please ask Cole what I should get Mike? I’m supposed to be at the station in an hour, I need to change, and wrap his present. I’m never going to get it done without help!”
It’s Christmas Eve and I’m shopping for Michael’s Christmas present. I know, I know, it’s the worst time to shop for someone. Everyone is out doing last-minute shopping, myself included. If I had known I would have a boyfriend at Christmas, I could’ve planned better, but I didn’t and wasn’t left with much of a choice.
Not to mention any free time I have had was spent with said boyfriend. So here I am on the absolute worst day of the year to be in a store, fighting off panic and a cranky crowd.
I rake my hand through my hair and almost rip a section out of my head. “Ouch.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just a knot.” My fingers find the sore spot and work to rub out the pain. “What did he say?”
“Nothing yet, I’m thinking.” Cole’s voice comes from a distance. “Did you ask him what he wanted?”
I roll my eyes. “Isn’t that cheating?”
“Mel, Mike isn’t going to care about a gift as much as you think he is,” Cole’s voice is loud and clear now. “He’s a guy, trust me.”
“Wait,” Noelle squeaks. “Does that mean I didn’t have to get you anything?”
“Is my name Mike?” Noelle’s grandmother’s laughter echoes through the phone, and I groan.
“You two are not helping at all. I’ll figure something out. Merry Christmas. Love you.”
“Merry Christmas,” they all shout back.
Shoving my phone in my pocket, I read the department signs as I pass, trying to notice if anything clicks.
“Okay, Mel, you have five minutes and then you’re just going to have to take Cole’s advice and not worry about it.”
Just when I’m about to call it quits, I come upon the electronics department, and an idea sparks. When I finally find something I think will be perfect, the sinking feeling vanishes.
Reaching for the item, a smug grin slides across my face.
I’m not sure Michael will be happy about this gift, but I’m pretty sure every resident in the building will.
Mrs. Fletcher and I walk through the station door to “Have A Holly Jolly Christmas” cheerfully welcoming us. Slipping one arm out of my coat, I immediately start to scan the room full of people, seeking out Michael.
