Page 38 of Christmas With My Ex

“You thought wrong,” she says, swinging her legs off the bed and standing up, the sheet still clutched around her like a toga. “Now, move along before I really kick you out.”

I can’t help but chuckle as I push myself up and start gathering my clothes. Even after everything, we can still joke like this, still find these moments of lightness in the middle of all the chaos. It’s... nice.

As I pull on my shirt, I glance over at her, watching as she disappears into the bathroom, the door closing with a soft click. There’s something about seeing her like this—relaxed, in herelement, despite the craziness of today—that makes me realize how much I’ve missed this. Missed her.

Shaking my head, I grab my jacket and head for the door. “I’ll meet you downstairs in a little more than an hour,” I call out, though I doubt she hears me over the sound of the shower starting.

I slip out of her room and head down the hall, still feeling the warmth of her lingering on my skin. The whole day has been one roller coaster after another, but somehow, here we are, still finding our way back to each other. Even if it’s just for tonight.

5:21pm

I pullthe knot of my tie loose, deciding to ditch it altogether. I threw it in my suitcase as a "just-in-case" afterthought, anyway.

It’s Christmas Eve, sure, but I’m not that formal. The pressed button-up shirt and dark slacks are enough to make it look like I put in some effort. I smooth down the collar in the mirror, running a hand through my hair, and give myself a once-over. Not bad.

The truth is, I don’t know what to expect tonight. After everything that’s happened today—from waking up in her room, the tension that followed, to the quickie after she found out I was there on the mountain that day—I can’t shake the feeling that tonight’s dinner will be a big exhale. It's surely been one of the busiest Christmas Eves I've ever had.

I grab my phone and jacket, heading downstairs to the bar a little earlier than our reservations. I could use a drink, something to calm the rattle running through me.

As I settle into a seat at the bar and order a whiskey neat, I shoot Rives a quick text.

Hey, I’m downstairs early if you finish getting ready before dinner. No pressure, just wanted to let you know I’d be here.

I set the phone down and lean back, taking in the warm glow of the bar. It’s cozy, with a few people scattered around, and the Christmas lights twinkle along the garlands hanging from the walls. The fire crackles in the corner, making everything soft and relaxed. The kind of Christmas you see in the movies.

As I sip my whiskey, I thumb through my contacts and decide to give Bobby a call. I’ve already talked to Nicky, but I haven’t spoken to Bobby or Sammy yet, and with some time to kill, why not? I hit the call button and listen as it rings.

Once. Twice. No answer.

I frown for a second, but then shrug it off. They’re probably still visiting Santa. He told me they were going at the end of the day.

I bang out a text to Bobby.

Hey, tried calling—catch me later when you can. Merry Christmas.

I slip the phone back into my pocket, not thinking much more of it. I know we’ll catch up eventually.

The whiskey does its job, relaxing me as I sit here, watching the snow still coming down outside. The place is starting to fillup with other guests, all here for their Christmas Eve dinner, I supposed. I never realized how many people get out for this, since I'm usually home on Christmas Eve.

None of it catches my attention the way Rives does when she walks in. Wow.

I see her immediately, and damn—my heart stumbles in my chest. She’s wearing a dark green dress, simple but elegant, the kind that shows off just enough to make me catch my breath. She’s moving carefully with her crutches, but somehow she makes even that look graceful.

I stand as she approaches, my insides flipping, and try to keep it together. She glances up at me, a smile playing on her lips, and suddenly, I feel like an idiot for forgetting how much of an effect she has on me.

“Wow,” I manage to say, a little rough around the edges. “You are stunning.”

She smirks, her eyes sparkling just a little. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Well, I don't hold a candle to you, but I do what I can.”

There’s this moment, just the two of us, where it feels like everything else fades away. The noise of the bar, the people milling around—it’s all just background to whatever is happening between us right now.

"Sorry I couldn't come down for a cocktail sooner. Looking this good takes time."

"Ha! No worries. I'm just glad I get to enjoy the view. We have plenty of time at dinner. Ready?" I ask, stepping closer. I'd already signed my tab as it's time for our reservation.

She tilts her head, giving me that same playful smile I’ve missed so much. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

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