Page 7 of Wrap Me Up

The pair exchange looks. Then Dylan responds, “you’re not supposed to know who your person is until the end. But do what you want.”

Snow shrugs. “We just want everyone to get along.”

“Exactly,” Dylan says. “The separation has made everyone split down the middle. And while I think it’s beneficial to have the distinctions to a point, getting everyone to interact like they did before the rise of technology will help everyone.”

Snow gives a sharp nod. “Maybe then they’ll really realize people aren’t so different.” While people have gotten better over the last year, nothing is perfect yet. Not that any of us expect things ever to be perfect.

Dylan pulls Snow closer and kisses the top of his head. I love them both as if they were the brothers I never had.

“Well, I might spill the beans. You know I’m not subtle.”

“That you are not,” Dylan snorts.

“But…” Snow starts. “If you tell him now, after one gift, you might miss out on how fun the gift exchange can be.”

I tap my lips. “Or I tell him we have to continue with the gift exchange. Sounds like a win-win to me.”

I push back to my feet, determined to talk to Noel. Force him if I have to. But I’m ready for answers and I hope he has some.

“Good luck,” Dylan says right before the sounds of them making out again fill the room as I scurry out.

Chapter 8

Noel

“Delivery for Noel,” Sleigh says and places a small package on my table. “Santa brought it for you. From your gift exchange buddy.” She wiggles her brows and stays right where she is. “Aren’t you gonna open it?”

That’s the one problem with being part of the gift wrappers. We’re all so nosey, especially when it comes to gifts. My fellow wrappers stop what they’re doing and turn to watch me.

It’s a small plain rectangle box and I shimmy the top open. There’s tinsel everywhere and I laugh. Could it be? Could Tinsel be my exchange person?

“Well, what is it?!” Ornament, or Orny as we all call him, asks beside me.

I pull out the tinsel to reveal a beautiful leather keychain painted green with my name stamped into it. Grinning, I hold it up. This has to be from Tinsel. No sooner than I think that, the door of the warehouse flies open, and an elf shrouded in light for a few moments bursts through.

Tinsel.

He’s in his signature outfit of shorts, a leather harness, and combat boots as he stomps inside. His sculpted chest on display always makes me weak in the knees. After his top surgery about a decade ago, he was a little self-conscious of the scars, but once they healed, he started wearing the harnesses and never looked back. I’m certainly happy about it.

“I need to speak with Noel.” Surprisingly, his voice isn’t harsh.

My cheeks burn at his announcement.

“Can this wait until after—” Sleigh starts, but Tinsel cuts her off.

“He has some explaining to do, and I’m not waiting any longer.” He stomps his foot as his hands go to his hips.

Sleigh looks from me to him and back. “Go. Take your time.” She waves her hand. Tinsel reaches out and takes mine. It’s like a spark goes right to my heart. I know I’ve imagined it, but I want to think we’re Fated, like Snow and Dylan.

Tinsel drags me out of the building, and of course the other elves follow to watch from the windows or the door. He rolls his eyes, but I don’t want all of them watching as I pour my heart out. I wave towards the fudgery and he follows me.

The scent of hot chocolate, fudge, and baked goods hits me as soon as I walk in. The little chime on the door announces our arrival.

“My treat,” I say as I walk up to the counter.

Tinsel nods and orders a peppermint hot chocolate. I do the same. When we have our drinks, I grab a table in the corner, away from everyone else. Tinsel just glares at me. This is the longest we’ve been in each other’s company since my screw up.

His shoulders slump as he slides into the seat opposite me. “What did I do wrong?” He plays with the lid of his to-go cup and refuses to look at me. “I thought—”

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