Page 8 of Wrap Me Up

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I whisper. I still need to gather my strength because I don’t have a good reason for what I’d done. “I…” I take a sip and moan into the drink. “Sorry. Sorry.”

Tinsel finally looks at me again. “You really hurt me, and I can’t help but feel we’re meant to be. So what happened? Why—”

“I’m not good enough for you.” There. I said it. “I’m a lowly gift wrapper without ambition to be much more than that. I like what I do and I’m good at it. And you’re Tinsel. The man that helped rebuild the North Pole. The man that brought the entire paranormal world together to help us. The man that—”

Tinsel’s cheeks are rosy when he holds up his hand. “I don’t think I ever said anything about thinking you were beneath me. In fact, I think I praised you for your dedication to helping the cause and thanking you for being my right-hand man. I think I flirted with you hard enough that you should have figured out how I felt.

“Noel, you’re amazing, even if you can’t see your own worth. You kept me sane last year and on track. The fundraiser would not have been as successful as it was without your ability to help me see my vision through.”

I swirl my to-go cup. Cheeks red, no doubt if the heat in my face is any indication. I forgot how damn blunt Tinsel can be.

“Why didn’t you just talk to me?” Tinsel is all passion, but he also knows when to dial it down. His words don’t come harshly, though they stab me all the same.

“I was scared.”

“Of me?” He lifts a brow as he takes a drink.

“Uh, yeah. Have you met you?”

Tinsel gives me a little smile. “A dozen of times over, but I get what you mean.” He sighs as he puts his cup back on the table and reaches for my hand. “I was going to ask you out that day, but I got your text instead. It really hurt.”

“I’m sorry. I’m a coward and—”

“No. Don’t call yourself that.” He squeezes my hand. “Do you want to try again?”

I suck in a breath. “I don’t deserve a second chance.”

Tinsel rolls his pretty brown eyes. They’re framed by the most gorgeous lashes. “We’re elves of the North Pole. We create miracles and bring joy. We’re allowed second chances, and I’m willing to give you one if you’re interested.”

My heart pounds hard, and I suck in a breath. “Yeah?”

“Absolutely. But you’re not allowed to take the easy way out. No texts from you this time. We’re going to exchange letters and get to know each other again. If you want to see me, you know my address. Send me a letter in the morning so I can be ready.”

My mouth drops open.

“And I still expect my presents for the gift exchange.” He gives me a wink and pushes to his feet.

“My plan was to woo you back with presents.”

“Good plan.” He laughs, making my heart flutter.

“So… it’s really this easy?”

“Yep. I’m an easy man. But if you get insecure again, instead of breaking things off, talk to me, Noel, please.”

I nod and drop my eyes to the floor. “Can we hug?”

He opens his arms wide. “I’d love that.” I plow into him and breathe in the evergreen scent that’s Tinsel. This time, I’m not screwing things up.

Chapter 9

Tinsel

Three days and my third letter from Noel. He’s not using fancy paper and calligraphy for our letters, but I don’t care. As I get ready for my day, my smile stays plastered on my face. I’ll have to think of a response. The written word must be easier for him because he’s more open than when we used to talk.

Once dressed, I run over to the cafe to get my, Dylan, and Snow’s usual morning pick me up. Dark hot chocolate with mint and a boatload of whipped cream. It’s our daily ritual.

“What’s that smile about?” Dylan asks as I walk in humming into my to-go cup.

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