Page 26 of Christmas for Keeps

We kept it short, but it was the sweetest kiss I’d ever had.Please, please, please let things work out for the best.

CHAPTER9

Connor

We talkedabout our time apart while we made tacos for dinner. Conversation continued while we ate, and though I was curious about Zach’s love life, I didn’t mention it. Just because I’d done nothing but jerk off for four years didn’t mean he shouldn’t have had some fun. He wanted to see what could happen with us now, and that was what mattered.

After washing the dishes, we watchedLove Actually. I was a huge fan of the movie, and although Zach preferred comedies and action films, he didn’t argue. Leaning my head on his shoulder, it was hard to focus on the movie because my mind was spinning so fast. How quickly we’d reconnected was amazing, but regardless of where things went, the hurt would take longer to fade. We’d have to be determined, but we were stubborn guys. If we wanted a relationship, I was confident in our ability to let the past go.

Zach traced a finger across my cheek. “What’s on your mind, babe? Want to watch something else?”

“Just thinking about things. I’m thrilled to be here with you. I’ve missed you more than I can ever say.”

“I’ve missed you too.” He patted my shoulder. “Con?”

I looked up, and he kissed me. Heat erupted, and my heart skittered when he licked my lips and pulled me closer. The soft, breathless kiss was somehow more intimate than if he’d had his tongue down my throat. I placed a hand behind his head but didn’t try to deepen the kiss. For us to be sure of what we wanted, things had to move at their own pace.

When the movie was over, Zach pointed at the window. “It stopped snowing. Look how bright it is out there.”

Confused, I asked, “Do you have security lights?”

“Yes, but they’re not on.” He stood and reached for my hand. “Let’s go out there.”

We put on our coats before venturing into the cold. I gaped at the sky. “The moon is huge, and look—the stars are so bright.”

He kissed my cheek and put a hand on my back. “No city lights, so the stars are spectacular. The night sky is one of Vermont’s many wonders.”

Warmth wound its way around my heart. This moment with Zach was more beautiful than the sky. “Boston’s a nice city, but I miss this so much. That’s why I wanted to spend Christmas in Vermont. I needed a nature fix.”

“We’ve had some fantastic times exploring the country.”

“We sure have.”

I sneaked an arm around Zach while we enjoyed the brilliant display. In addition to the magnificent sky, the mountains were breathtaking—massive dark shapes glowing with their layer of white.

Could we find our way back to being a couple? Forty-eight hours earlier, I couldn’t have imagined such a thing, but it seemed possible now. Taking a moment to pray to the spirits of all the winter holidays, I resolved to keep the faith. “Let’s go to bed, Zach. It’s gorgeous out here, but I’m getting cold.”

Back inside, he smiled. “If they get the roads plowed, we might be able to go into town tomorrow. I don’t want you going stir crazy.”

“Not a chance. This house is perfect.”As long as you’re here, we can stay holed up for a long time.

Beaming, he squeezed my arm. “I’m glad you like it so much.”

I tingled under his touch, and my heart went into a thumping fit. “I might be visiting often.”

“I hope you do.” He glanced toward the bedroom and said, “I’ll find some blankets and get out of your way.”

Sleeping alone held no appeal. “Why do that? Your bed is big, and we’ll both fit.”

His eyes widened, and he licked his lips. “I’ll be okay.”

“You might get cold.” I stepped closer and grazed a fingertip along his cheek. “I don’t bite.”Please say yes. I need you to hold me. Don’t you need me too?

He broke into a smile that made his dimples look a mile deep. “I don’t feel like being alone either.” He nodded toward the bedroom. “Go on. I’ll turn off the lights and be right in.”

CHAPTER10

Zach

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