Page 128 of Filthy Rich Santas

Tristan glances over at him while he drives, snorting softly.

Yup. I’m definitely not the only one in this car who’s at risk of catching feelings here.

Not that those feelings can go anywhere, but it’s still nice to know we’re all affected by her.

She sighs softly, shifting in her sleep, and my chest tightens with an unfamiliar warmth as I look down at her.

If she wasn’t Caleb’s little sister, or if we’d come together under different circumstances, I wonder if…

“Ryder, do you need a pit stop?”

I look up, jolted out of my thoughts as Tristan points to a sign listing the amenities in the upcoming town.

“I’m good,” I tell him, reeling a little as I realize how wistfully I was starting to imagine a different kind of future with Lana. One where we didn’t go back to business as usual at the end of this trip.

I don’t even know what it is that I’m wishing for, exactly. I’ve never wanted a serious relationship before. I’ve always kept things casual for a reason. But now, the idea of letting this—lettingher—go makes my chest tight.

It’s confusing as hell, and when I spot another sign up ahead, I jump on the chance to focus on something simpler. Something guaranteed to make Lana smile.

“Forget pit stops,” I say, pointing to the sign. “That’s the place we looked up, right?”

Tristan glances at it. “Oh, right. Good catch.”

“Exit coming up in about a mile. Don’t miss it.”

Tristan rolls his eyes at me, already signaling. “Yeah, yeah, I just said I see it. Are you going to wake her up?”

I don’t have to. As he pulls off the highway, Lana stirs in my lap.

She blinks up at me, sleepy-eyed and slightly rumpled, and it’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.

“Are we there?” she mumbles, rubbing her eyes. “Did I really sleep that long?”

I chuckle, smoothing her hair back from her face. “Nah, love. It’s still mid-afternoon. We’re just making an unplanned stop.”

That gets her attention. She sits up, curiosity brightening her blue eyes. “Unplanned stop? What for?”

I exchange a quick glance with the guys in the front seat, then smirk at Lana. “You’ll see.”

She looks between the three of us, her lower lip jutting out in an adorable pout. “Oh, come on! You can’t just say that and not tell me.”

Tristan chuckles. “Watch us.”

I lean in close, nipping at her ear because I can’t help teasing her a little. “Just remember, good things come to those who wait.”

She shivers, and I have to bite back a groan. Fuck, the things this girl does to me without even trying.

“Fine,” she huffs. “But it’d better be worth the suspense.”

By the time we finally arrive at our destination, I can practically feel Lana vibrating with curiosity next to me. As Tristan guides the car into a parking spot in front of the enormous warehouse, the curiosity on her face turns to confusion.

It looks a bit like a winter wonderland with ice sculptures all around, festive lights, and tasteful greenery, but there’s nothing to immediately identify why we’re here.

“Is it… a holiday craft fair?” she guesses as we all get out of the vehicle and start walking toward the warehouse.

Before any of us can answer her, we get close enough to catch sight of the posters advertising the exhibition inside, and she gasps, coming to a stop.

“Nope. Not a craft fair,” Beckett says, watching her as realization dawns on her face.

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