Page 23 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“I’m just saying, you’re an island girl. Tough as nails. Just replace the sand with snow.”

“It’s not the same.”

Dylann makes a clicking sound with her tongue like I’m insufferable. “Well, I want the scoop. Give me the Captain Crushdeets.”

“Are you trying to torture me or live vicariously through me?”

“What? Ew. No. I’m in love with Jacob. As you know, after we get married, we’re moving to the ‘burbs and I don’t want to worry about my bestie languishing alone in your brother’s lavish and lonely penthouse apartment.”

“That’s sweet. I guess. But I don’t mind being alone.”

“It’s good to enjoy your own company, but humans are social creatures. We’re meant to be together.”

“What if being social is hard?”

“Let’s role-play and practice with skits like we used to in the dorm.”

Dylann and I used to make up scenarios we might encounter with guys and work through them so we didn’t get flustered. It worked for her. Me, not so much.

“Actually, Alex’s crew are like my brothers. They’re easy to get along with.”

“But not Alex?”

“I don’t have little sister feelings for him,” I admit, at last. “And if you saw this place, you’d see why Captain America never would want to leave. Me neither. It’s perfect. And so is his voice. It’s deep and purposeful, relaxed yet commanding.” I realize now that I’m reclined on my stomach, feet swinging in the air. Instead of twirling the phone cord, I’m twisting a loose piece of hair around my finger...and I said all that out loud.

“So, you admit it! Crush Pose. I called it!” Dylann is far too self-satisfied for her own good and I imagine her doing a victory dance around our apartment.

“Yes. Fine. I’ve had a crush on him for a long time, I guess. But in addition to the Ginny problem, I’m confused. He was friendly at first. Almost flirty. Then he gradually withdrew and seemed to keep his distance, especially earlier when he got back from the hike.”

“Well, he’s been working all weekend, conducting the workshop, right?”

“Fair point.” I tell her about how Paxton said I was Alex’s most esteemed guest.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Go up there and charm the chill out of him.”

“When I saw him a few minutes ago, he just grumbled. Hardly said a word.”

“There’s probably an explanation. Listen, if you do one thing for me and one thing only?—”

“Dylann, every time I pick up a peppermint mocha, I bring you back the baked good of the day. And I switch your days-old wet clothes to the dryer. And clean your cereal bowl. Also, I feed the imaginary cat—” Long story short, we wanted a pair of kittens, went back and forth with the landlord who said no, so we “adopted” Sheldon and Valentina. They’ll move to the penthouse with me. Dylann insisted.

“I know, I know. But I’m talking about doing this one thing for me in your love life.”

“Last I checked, I don’t have one of those and why would I do something for you in my non-existent love life?”

“Semantics and details. Anyway, it’s just this one thing. Listen carefully, do not have a BM.”

I gasp. “What?!”

“You heard me. Don’t, under any circumstances, have a BM.”

“Um, we share all kinds of things: clothes, dishware, once I used your toothbrush. But I will not be discussing that with you or anyone.”

“I don’t mean that kind of BM. I’m talking about a B-big M-misunderstanding.”

“Oh, that makes more sense.”

“One, find out if there is a Ginny or if Alex is single. Two, ask him how he’s doing. Sometimes people just assume big tough guys are alright. Maybe being with his buddies brought up some stuff from his military days. I don’t know much about veterans of valor, but I’m guessing he’s seen and experiencedthings.”

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