Page 45 of Merry with Me

“They are still friends, but I don’t think they are as close as they once were. Hannah’s parents stopped responding to invites. I’m sure they’re embarrassed by the actions of their daughter.”

“Hold up. Do you have to see them at the party every year?” From the sour look on her face, she’s appalled for me.

“I don’t go.”

“What do you mean, you don’t go?”

“I don’t go. I told you. I don’t do Christmas.”

“Oliver! That’s your family. You can’t just not go. Vote them off the island. Pull rank and whatnot,” she says with fire in her eyes.

“Let’s talk about this.” I press my palm to the middle of her back and pull her closer. “About us,” I say, my voice dropping.

“Agree to let me show you Christmas isn’t the problem. It’s those cheating scoundrels.”

“Scoundrels?”

“It’s where my brain went in the moment. Leave me be,” she says, swatting at my bare chest.

“Within reason, I agree to your terms.”

“Wait. Hold up. What do you mean ‘within reason’?”

“No parties.”

“What about the gala?”

I groan. “Fine. The gala, but no other holiday parties. I’m not going to change who I am.”

“Why not? You let their actions change who you are.” Besides, I already bought two extra tickets because I wanted the event to be a success for her. It could have also been because somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew she’d convince me to go with her. I can’t say no to her, apparently.

I open my mouth to dispute her words, but they’re true. “Take it or leave it, Kincaid.”

“Fine. The gala and no other parties. Should we shake on it?”

“Nah, I have a better idea.” I slide my hand beneath her hair and grip the nape of her neck. “I think we should kiss on it.”

She places her hand over her mouth, and her eyes grow wide. “Morning breath.”

“I don’t care.”

“I care, and I have to pee.”

“Just a peck, then we can pee and brush your teeth.”

“I don’t have a toothbrush.”

“I have extras the dentist gives me.”

“Fine.”

I lean in close and press my lips to hers. They’re just as soft as I imagined they would be. Unfortunately, I’m a man of my word, and I pull away before I get a good taste of her. “Go pee. The bottom drawer of the hall bathroom will have what you need.”

She scrambles from the couch, and I watch her go. Once she disappears into the bathroom, I head to my room to handle my business and brush my own teeth. I’m getting that kiss.

I’m standing outside the bathroom door when she steps out into the hallway. I offer her my hand, and she takes it. I want to guide her down the hall to my room and lead her to my bed, but we’re not there yet. We’ll start with my kiss.

We make it to the couch, and I sit. “Sit.” I pat my lap.

---