Page 31 of Kiss Me

The inside of the bottom level is an open floor plan, displaying a huge fireplace for the living room, the kitchen with a massive fridge, and a separate space for dining.

While the inside of the cabin is beautiful, it’s also a bit … generic.

“Where are the decorations?”

The resort had my and Liza’s suite decked out complete with tinsel, a Christmas tree, candles, and even stockings on the fireplace. They even asked if we wanted them to set up a nativity scene in the living room.

Liza turned the offer down out of fear that, with my bad ankle, I might trip over it while walking around.

“Decoration for what?”

My eyes bulge. “What do you mean for what? It’s Christmas.”

Taehyun tilts his head to the side. “Oh, that.” He half rolls his eyes. “I’m not much of a Christmas person.”

“Excuse me,” I snap back.

“It’s just a day for greedy people to pretend like they’re not greedy,” he continues. “And for people who can’t afford stupid gifts to go into debt. At least, that’s how it is in the States. In Korea it’s mainly a day for couples. No big deal. I’ve experienced both and it’s just meh.”

He shrugs. “And I’m not part of a couple so what’s the point of decorations?”

I snap my head back. “What a dark and gloomy view of one of the best times of the year.” I shake my head, folding my arms across my chest.

A silence falls between us as I peer around his cabin again. Taehyun watches me in the space of the quiet. I feel his eyes on me as if it were his hands.

“Is that why you’re faking an injury? To spend time seated by a tree with lights on it as you pretend a fat dude in a red suit passes out gifts around the entire world in one night?”

His voice is full of cynicism, painting each word in snark and recrimination.

With a roll of my eyes, I toss a few of my braids before replying, “I don’t expect you to understand.”

I pivot away because I know the expression on my face is starting to match the heaviness in my heart, and I don’t want him to see it.

The man is nothing if persistent, though, because he circles my body to stand in front of me. He’s now between me and the door, essentially telling me I’ll have to go through him to gain my freedom.

“There’s no one here but me and you.” His gaze meets mine. “Make me understand.”

“It’s none of your business.” I take a step back.

“So you’ve told me. Tell me any damn way.”

“Why?” He’s so persistent. He’s already got what he wants. Or so I believe he has. Why does he need to know my damn secret?

“Because there’s a reason why a world-class athlete lies to everyone in her life, comes out to California with just her assistant to get away, and I believe it’s more than for some damn gingerbread cookies.”

I take another step back, feeling my eyes getting watery.

Taehyun advances another step closer. “Tell me.”

“It’s none of your business,” I try again.

“I’m making it my business.”

“I’mnone of your business.” Seriously, at this point, I’m barely hanging on from letting the tears escape. I wish he would just leave it the hell alone.

“All I wanted was peace and quiet,” I finally say.

The half-truth isn’t enough for him.

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