Page 12 of Dare To Live

“I just wanted to check and make sure you haven’t changed your mind.”

“Still not coming to the Hamptons. I’d rather stay here.”

She sighs. “Eli, it’s Christmas.”

I shrug, even though she can’t see me. “I have too much to do.”

I peel off my jacket. My shirt beneath is just as wet, so that comes off too.

“I have to go. I need to take a shower and get some dry clothes on. If I don’t speak to you before, have a lovely Christmas, Ellie. I’ll see you in January.” I cut the call before she can say anything more and toss my cell onto the couch.

I’m coughing again when I step under the shower, hard enough to make my ribs ache. I hope I’m not coming down with something. I don’t have time to be sick. I have too much to do.

Chapter 7

Arabella

There’s a chill in the air, and I adjust the woolen scarf around my neck, so it’s a little tighter. New York City’s streets are decked out in shimmering lights and there are dazzling Christmas displays in the shop windows. It’s enough to wake up my holiday spirit. Everywhere looks magical, and for once, I can’t stop smiling. I’m glad Miles has talked me into this.

He bumps his shoulder gently against mine. “We should find somewhere for lunch.”

“I don’t mind where we go,” My voice is dreamy as I stare up at the decorations adorning the most beautiful Christmas tree I’ve ever seen, in the window of the store we’re standing in front of.

“I have a reservation already booked at a nice little Italian place,” Ivan says. “You need to eat if you are going to shop until you drop.”

Miles shakes his head, chuckling. “My fiancé is so efficient. He already has everything planned.”

“I know what you’re like, Luchik.”

I turn to Ivan, frowning. “What does that mean? I’ve heard you call him that before.”

Lifting his boyfriend’s hand, Ivan plants a kiss on his knuckles. “It’s a Russian endearment. It means sunray or sunbeam.”

The love between them makes me smile, but there’s also a tiny pang of jealousy. “It suits you, Miles.”

My best friend is blushing so hard his ears are red. “Are we eating or not?”

The restaurant Ivan has picked isn’t far from our location, and it amuses me how he’s been herding us in the direction he needed while we shopped, without us being aware of it. He’s good for Miles. After a string of relationships that haven’t worked out, I’m happy he’s finally found someone who adores him.

When we reach the restaurant, the hostess ushers us to a table. It’s crowded with chatting tourists and Christmas shoppers. Ivan excuses himself to go to the restroom, while we place all our shopping bags on the floor.

I grin at Miles.

He shrugs out of his coat and hangs it on the back of his chair. “What?”

I laugh while I do the same. “Nothing.”

“Come on. Tell me.”

I drop down into my chair. “I like seeing you and Ivan together.”

He takes the seat beside me. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. If I hadn’t wandered into his gallery two years ago, we would never have met.”

“It’s nice to see you happy.”

“I wish you could have what I have with Ivan.”

“Maybe I will … one day.”

---