Page 84 of Christmas Criminal

"Merry Christmas," he says. "I hope I'll get to see you girls this year."

Nick throws an arm around my shoulders, tugging me closer, and my dad's eyes track the movement.

"We can make it work. Maybe you can stop by for dessert," Christina says.

My mom's smile is tense.

"That would be wonderful. Maybe I can stop by earlier in the day, too. We can do some presents."

Nick clears his throat, his head dipping, and I realize this conversation might actually be upsetting him. I cock my head to the side, a small smile coming to my face when I catch his eye. He rolls his eyes as if to say,God, what a jackass.

"That would be great!" Christina says, her smile wide. My mom and I eye her, knowing we're going to end upworkingover the holiday to guard against her inevitable disappointment.

"Well, I'm really looking forward to seeing you girls this year."

Nick smiles, his voice easygoing when he speaks, but I detect an undercurrent that has my stomach clenching in response. "You say that like you don't normally get to see them at Christmas."

Christina waves him off before he can defend himself. "Things come up. With four kids, it's hard to always make the holiday perfect."

My dad nods, gesturing to her. "It's hard, with four kids."

The little one scoffs at that moment. "Especially when you only ever see two on Christmas."

My eyes snap to hers, a smile blooming across my face despite myself. She shrugs, averting her eyes.

"Naomi," he scolds. She rolls her eyes. He shakes his head. "Well, we'd better get going. Don't want to miss the tree lighting with my girls," he says, resting his hands on each of their shoulders. Naomi shrugs him off, walking ahead of them toward the center of the square where the tree looms above us.

"Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas," Nick says pointedly as they pass.

My dad pauses and, a second later, nods and continues after his new family.

Christina turns her sights on Nick. "Somebody's a little defensive of his woman, huh?"

He blushes, and it's adorable.

"Back off, Christina," I snap. "Dad deserves a hell of a lot worse than a little bit of accountability."

My mom rolls her eyes. "Come on girls, leave the fighting for the holiday." She turns to Nick, taking his elbow and tugging him away from me. "So I take it wewillsee you on Christmas?"

"Mom!" I shout, shoving myself in between them to protect this gem of a man from my family.

"I'm just asking," she says, holding her hands up.

"You can't accost people with invites without giving them time to think about it."

"I'm sorry," she says, and then turns to Nick. "You are always welcome." I give her a look. "And that's the last I'll say."

18

NICK

Thursday, December 19th

By the time we get back to my house, our limbs are icicles. When I lock my front door behind me, I turn to Noelle, taking her jacket and hanging it in the closet with mine, and then I wrap her up tight in my arms, running my hands along her skin to warm them up even though I can barely feel my own.

"Wine?" I ask, as we continue into the kitchen.

"Yes, please."

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