Page 44 of My December Darling

She tugs at a loose button on her coat. “There’s not much to know.”

“You do a good job making people think that, but I know what you’re doing.”

She bites down on the inside of her cheek. “I’m only here for two more weeks.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“This can’t go anywhere.” Her pointer finger swings between us.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m leaving after the wedding.”

That might be true, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of the time she is here.

“Fine,” I answer, making her brows scrunch together.

Does she really expect me to give up so easily? If so, now I’m equal parts insulted and motivated to prove her wrong.

“Making the most of two weeks with you seems better than spending a lifetime wondering what could’ve been.”

She groans under her breath. “Someone has been watching one too many episodes ofThe Duke Who Seduced Mewith Gabriela.”

“Well, shedidtell me to take notes.”

Catalina shakes her head with a smile, and I’m so distracted by the sight that I miss the light turning green until she pokes me in the arm.

“Go.”

I press my foot against the accelerator. She mulls over my offer in silence, and I decide to keep quiet so she can come to a decision of her own.

It takes her a few minutes, but she turns to face me. “IfI agree to let you help me...”

I smile.

She glares. “I said if!”

“Mm. Carry on.”

She throws her arms up. “Ugh. I’m regretting this already.”

“Regrettingwhat?” I tease.

“Agreeing to let you help me.”

“Is that a request?”

She makes another noise of discontent, and I release a short laugh. “I’d love nothing more than to help you.”

“You’re annoyingly smug right now.”

“And you’re adorably flustered.”

She dips her head in a poor attempt to hide her burning cheeks.

I decide to put her out of her misery by saying, “You won’t regret this. I promise.”

I may have won this battle, but the war against Catalina’s walls has only begun, and I’m looking forward to the process of tearing each one down.

---