Page 35 of Christmas With My Ex

He doesn’t say anything, and for a second, I wonder if he didn't bargain for this to dig up the past. But then he shifts, leaning closer, his voice softer now. “I’m not walking away this time, Rives.”

I glance at him, the firelight catching the edge of his jaw, the seriousness in his expression. For a moment, the tension lifts—just enough for me to let my guard down, to consider what it would mean if he really meant those words.

But I can’t. Not yet.

I turn back to the fire, staring into the flames as the weight of our history settles between us once more. “I'm not asking you to make any promises. We don't even know what is going on between us, but I wanted you to know where my head is. I appreciate you saying it.”

He’s quiet again, but I can feel his gaze on me, the way his presence lingers, heavy but not unwelcome. The fire hisses, and for the first time since I stormed off, I feel like maybe there’s a way forward.

But it’s not going to be easy, because I don't even know where we're headed.

Neither of us speaks. The surrounding courtyard is nearly empty, everyone off to somewhere else as Christmas Eve starts to turn into night.

The snow settles into a soft hush, blanketing everything in quiet. It’s almost peaceful. The silence between us is charged, filled with all the things we might say, but either aren't ready or sure it's appropriate.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me,” Nicholas says finally, his voice breaking through the stillness. “But I hope you’ll at least let me try to make things right.”

I don’t respond right away. Instead, I stare into the fire, the flames dancing, reaching for the sky. The weight of his words sinks in.

If there’s ever a time to believe in second chances, maybe this is it.

I glance at Nicholas from the corner of my eye, catching the way he’s staring into the flames, lost in thought. There’s something about this moment that feels different.

He made the effort to find me, apologize and address the past. Now it is my turn.

Maybe it’s the quiet of the snow-covered courtyard or the fact that we’ve both aired some of our grievances. Either way, I'm ready to move forward.

Even if it’s just a tiny step.

I clear my throat and shift a little, careful with my knee. “So... I saw this thing earlier,” I say, keeping my tone light, casual. “Apparently, the hotel’s doing some kind of Christmas Eve dinner tonight. You know, for people stuck here during the snowstorm.”

Nicholas raises an eyebrow, looking at me sideways. “Yeah?”

I shrug, trying to play it off like it’s no big deal. “Yeah. Nothing fancy. Just dinner, a little holiday cheer, that kind of thing. You know... if you don’t already have plans.”

He smirks at that, the tension between us easing just a bit. “You mean aside from the other exciting plans I’ve got lined up within a four-hundred square yard area?”

I roll my eyes, grateful for the bit of humor breaking through the awkwardness. “Well, if your calendar isn’t too packed, you could join me. I mean, it’s either that or sit around eating another protein bar.”

“Christmas Eve dinner, huh? I guess that’s a step up from s’mores.”

“Easy on the s'mores,” I tease, feeling a smile tug at the corner of my lips. “I could probably live off s'mores. Was thinking the festive reason to shower and brush my hair might be a good way to honor the holiday and making amends. Plus, we’re stuck here anyway, so why not make the most of it?”

He looks at me for a long moment, and I can see the hesitation flicker in his eyes, like he’s still not sure if this is a good idea. But then he nods, a small smile breaking through. “Well, since you put it that way. I'm sorry you don't have more options, but I'll take advantage of the ask. I’m in.”

I nod back, feeling a strange sense of relief. “Good. We’ll need to make reservations, though. I can stop by the concierge on the way up to clean up. I know I need a shower and I'll try to wear something nicer than my jeans and sweater. We can't show up looking like we just rolled out of a snowbank.”

“Speak for yourself,” Nicholas says, standing up and stretching. “I always look this good.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Sure you do. Does two hours work?”

He nods, his smile lingering for a second longer. “Yeah, that's perfect. I'll swing by and make the reservation.”

As he turns to walk away, I watch his tight ass disappear into the hotel, my pulse quickening and my heart lighter.

FOURTEEN

Nicholas

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