Page 72 of Unwrapping Romance

He chuckled and shut the door after I slid in next to Sierra. We walked into Tavern on the Green, and the place had been totally transformed. Last week, there wasn’t a Christmas decoration in sight. Now, the place was a visual overload of holiday hell.

“Looks like Christmas threw up all over the place,” Sierra said.

“You must have read my mind.” I sighed as our hostess took us to our table.

“Another month of this shit. How am I going to make it through?” Sierra said.

“The same way you do every year?” My brow arched.

I waved my finger in front of his face. “You don’t understand. I don’t go out during the holiday season. I went to work and home.”

“What about with your ex?” I asked.

“He knew I never liked the holidays and understood.” She looked down.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up.”

“It’s fine, Jack. Honestly, I’m not sure we’d still be together if he hadn’t passed away.”

“Why not?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I loved him, and I was severely heartbroken when he was killed. But, when I thought about the future, I didn’t see the two of us together in it. I could totally relate to what Gretchen said. But, I suppose you can’t relate to that.”

“No. I can’t. I never let myself get close enough to anyone.” I picked up my drink.

“Because of your father?” she asked.

“He was part of it. Have you ever tried to look for your mother?”

“No.” She sipped her wine. “Why bother trying to find someone who doesn’t want to be found? She left me at that church on Christmas for a reason. Finding her won’t change that. The damage has already been done.”

“You’re not damaged, Sierra.”

She let out a light laugh. “We’re both damaged, Jack. Two damaged souls who despise the holidays because of our parents. Admit it.”

“I suppose we are.” I sighed, finishing my bourbon.

After dinner, we left the restaurant and walked down the street. I grabbed hold of her hand, and she looked at me.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.” A light smile crossed her lips.

“I don’t want you to fall. It’s kind of slippery out here.”

“Thanks.” She lay her head on my shoulder, and I exhaled.

The city was illuminated with twinkling lights, draping from every building and lamp post. The air smelled like chestnuts and spiced apple cider as small snowflakes fell from the sky. As our fingers were intertwined and my thumb rubbed against her soft skin, I couldn’t help but think we were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. It scared me. I had a love/hate relationship with the feelings inside me. I couldn’t stop them, no matter how hard I tried.

“Are you cold?” I asked her.

“Not at all.” A warm smile graced her lips.

My grip around her hand tightened in a protective way as we navigated through the crowded sidewalk. The hustle and bustle of people in this city never stopped, especially this time of the year.

Eric pulled up. We climbed inside and headed home. When we stepped through the front door and went to the living room, it was spotless. All the toys and boxes that had cluttered the space were neatly tucked into the corner.

“How was dinner?” Gretchen asked.

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