Page 37 of Merry Kissmas

“It was six years ago, and you were both younger, in a time of your life where your future was in limbo.I’m sure you’ve both grown up a lot since that time.”

Why did I stay back to talk to them?

“If he hurts you again, he can expect some TNT,” Tessa says.

Kenzie rolls her eyes.

“TNT?”I arch an eyebrow.

“Tre and Tessa.We’re explosive together.”She pretends she’s punching the air.I do love our sisterly bond.

“In the bedroom, Tessa,” Kenzie says.

“That is true.”

They laugh, and I pretend to cover my ears.

Kenzie’s words float around in my head, but I’m not ready to absorb them just yet.I guess time will tell.We’re stuck together for the next seven days, so I have time to figure it out.

ChapterFifteen

Pierce

Ilike Tre and Carter, but I’m thankful to have a little alone time with my cousin.Since Tre and Carter are snowboarders like their sister, and Andrew and I are skiers, we decided to head up on the lift together to try out a different run.

“So, what is going on?”Andrew asks as soon as we’re alone.

I stare at the skiers working their way down the mountain underneath us.

“Come on.Tell me what happened.”

“It’s a long story.”

“Then let’s head down the hill and get a drink at the lodge.”

I’m not sure when Andrew got in touch with his feelings, though I’m sure it has something to do with the small blonde he’s married to.The same one who has made him love Christmas again.

“That’s okay.I can handle my shit.”

“Pierce.I know since I moved here that we’re not as close, but what’s going on?First, you’re not teaching anymore, and you want to leave London which isn’t something you ever entertained before.”

The wind whips around us and a dusting of snow hits my face.

I groan.“I feel like I’m going through a midlife crisis, and I’m only thirty.”

“Okay, let’s start by dealing with the most pressing dilemma—Brynn.”

Just her name spurs a bolt of electricity to flow through my veins.I wanted to ski with her today in the hopes that we could connect a little more.But maybe since we’re teamed up for the Russell family contest, it will give me more time alone with her.

“Six years ago, she did a semester abroad, and we met at a pub, spent the weekend together, and found out on Monday morning that I was her teacher’s assistant.End of story.”The lift is coming to the end, and I get ready to hop off.

“If that’s the end of the story, then how come every time she comes near you, you can’t stop looking at her?”

I shrug, trying to play it off.“She’s hot, you can’t deny that.”

Brynn holds that beauty that makes me amazed there’s not a line of guys following her around, hoping to get their chance with her.

“I’m married, so I can’t comment on that.”

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