Page 19 of Secret Santa

“Okay,” I said, and he grinned.

“Okay?”

“I want to explore this with you,” I said, feeling sure of myself. “I want to be with you.” He leaned forward, bringing his face closer to mine.

“Just to be clear, Danica. This means you’re mine, and only mine,” he clarified, and I nodded.

“As long as you’re only mine, too.” His throat bobbed as he laughed.

“Of course,” he said, and grabbed my hand. “All yours, baby girl.”

8

DANI

“You’re not leaving, Danica.” Aiden folded his arms over his chest and glared at me.

“They said I was fine to go.” I gave him an exasperated look before shrugging my coat on. “I feel fine.” He didn’t say anything, just stared at me with that same stern, disapproving expression. I rolled my eyes and let out a long breath. “Aiden, please.”

“Danica.”

“Aiden.” We glared at each other, a challenge of who would break first.

“We’ve only been here a few hours,” he said, and I rolled my eyes again.

“It’s nearly midnight. I need to go home and get some sleep before work—” He snorted, and I narrowed my eyes.

“You’re not working tomorrow.”

“Yes, I am,” I gritted out. He stubbornly shook his head.

“You’re not.”

“Aiden.”

“You can say my name all you want, baby, it won’t change my decision.” I let out a frustrated sound, throwing my arms up.

“Your decision? You’re not the boss of me!”

“Actually, I am,” he said, grinning. “And as your boss, I’m telling you to take the day off.”

“Would you tell someone else in the office to take the day off?” I challenged, and he gave me a firm nod.

“If I knew they were in the hospital for working themselves nearly to death, yes. I’d tell them to stay home.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” I folded my arms over my chest as I glared at the floor.

“You’re cute when you pout,” he said as he sat beside me on the bed.

“I’m not pouting,” I snapped, and slid my eyes to him. He grinned wider, then nudged me with his shoulder.

“Just trying to take care of you,” he said quietly. I let out a long breath, then rested my head on his shoulder.

“Fine. You can take care of me out of the hospital. I don’t want to be here anymore,” I said. He rested his hand on my thigh, his long, thick fingers wrapping around it in a way that made me nearly swoon.

“Then you’re coming home with me,” he said. “We’ll take the day off together tomorrow.”

“You can’t take tomorrow off,” I said as I lifted my too-heavy head. I was quickly draining my energy reserves, and knew if he pushed just a little more, I was going to give in.

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