Page 58 of Stranded for Christmas with my Boss

“That’s all I want, too,” I assure them.

Her mom squeezes my arm, giving me one last smile before they both head back to the couch to watch Oliver open presents.

I take a deep breath, hoping that went as well as I thought it did in my mind.

Holly glances over at me and says something to Alyssa before walking over to me. She grabs a mug from one of my upper cabinets and brews a fresh cup of coffee, her eyes shifting to mine. “You look relieved.”

“I want her parents to like me.”

Holly gives me a pointed look. “Parents like you.”

I chuckle, but the weight of her words lingers. Holly knows better than anyone what our parents did to us, how they left scars that still haven’t fully healed. She’s the only one who truly understands why I’m so guarded, why I’ve spent so much of my life keeping people at arm’s length.

“I never thought I’d find someone who makes me want to let all that go,” I admit, my voice lower, almost a whisper. “But Alyssa…she does.”

Holly’s face softens, her eyes glistening slightly. “I’m happy for you, Jensen. You deserve this.”

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “We both do.”

Holly gives me a playful push before grabbing milk out of my fridge. “It’s our parents’ loss. They could be sharing this amazingChristmas with us. They could be watching their grandson grow up. Or their son fall in love.”

A small smile crosses my face as I watch the coffee brew. “That obvious?”

Holly scoots closer to me, giving me a warm look. “You sent helicopters all over the state to give her the best Christmas ever. That sounds like love to me.”

My eyes stray over to Alyssa as she sits near her parents’ feet and shows Oliver how one of his new toys works. Warmth envelops my entire heart just because I’m looking at her. She belongs here with me.

Making memories with me and the people I love. Waking up on my chest and falling asleep nestled in my arms. Calling this place…home.

I want it all. I wanther.

“I want to tell her. I’m just waiting for the perfect moment,” I say.

“Now isn’t?”

I shake my head and turn back to Holly. “I want her to enjoy her Christmas with everyone. We’ll have our own moment soon.”

Holly raises her eyebrows, looking impressed. “She’s good for you, Jensen.”

More than she even knows.

I hold my arm out to her, hugging her and leaning the side of my head against hers. “Merry Christmas.”

Holly smiles. “Merry Christmas. Thank you for always helping me with Oliver. I’m doing my best.”

I give her a pointed look. “You’re doing perfect. He’s a happy, healthy kid.”

Holly glances in his direction. “He certainly likes Alyssa.”

Anyone who doesn’t like Alyssa is insane.

“If she loves me like I love her, I think she’ll stick around for a very, very long time.”

Holly lifts an eyebrow at me. “Forever?”

“I hope so.”

Holly nudges me. “Go see her, Romeo. This is your first Christmas together.”

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