Page 47 of Just for the Holidays

Nichol clicks the receiver into its mount.

“Where are your keys?”

“I’ll get them, put some clothes on.” Katie throws her blanket aside and hops off the couch.

Nichol scales the stairs, skipping several at a time, gripping the handrail and diving into the basement. He collects the pair of worn jeans he’d stripped off and hung over the back of an old office chair, then a sweater he’d set aside for morning. Stuffing his limbs into the outfit, and stepping into his boots, before stomping back up the stairs with floundering laces, he meets Katie at the middle landing.

“Here.” She shoves the keyfob at him. “Be careful.”

Nichol grabs his wool coat off a hook and rushes through the door, clicking the auto start button with his shaky thumb and jumping into the driver's seat before the vehicle has even managed to fully wake.

The road was recently plowed and salted, but the dark tunnel of frenzied flakes flying in front of the headlights, forces him to drive at a snail’s pace, making the short trip feel endless. He breathes deeply, in and out, to calm his Impatient pulse and steady his shaking hands.

Chapter 28

Teddy

Hate To See You Go, Love To Watch You Walk Away

The head nurse threatened to strap Teddy down to the bed if he moved a muscle, before someone arrived to collect him. He’s been diagnosed with a potential concussion and patched up with three stitches in his forehead. All X-rays are clear but the reddened Imprints from the seat belt and steering wheel gracing his ribs are likely to bruise over the coming days—according to the doctor.

“Right this way.” The nurse’s voice approaches from beyond the curtain, before it sweeps open.

Nichol steps inside the fabric barrier with rosy cheeks and wild eyes, chewing the inside of his cheek, his hair poking out in all directions.

“Hey.” Teddy greets him softly.

“Hey.” Nichol’s expression softens and he sighs heavily, clearly relieved. “What the hell were you doing, out in this mess?”

“A quick trip to the mall.” Teddy murmurs.

“What?” Nichol’s upper lip curls and his eyes narrow.

“I needed an outfit for your party.” Teddy lifts his shoulders.

“Well, that’s ridiculous,’’ Nichol mutters.

“You shouldn’t be out in this mess,” Teddy retorts.

“Ya think?” Nichol scoffs. “C’mon… I’m taking you home.” He knots his arms and lightly kicks the bed’s wheel with his toe.

Teddy slowly shifts, swinging his legs off the bed, wincing as he lifts off the mattress to sit up.

Nichol hops forward, with winged arms, ready to scoop him in. “You good?” His annoyed voice turns tender and his warm breath kisses Teddy’s neck..

“Yes,” Teddy grunts.

Nichol hovers closely until Teddy is standing.

The charmed prince’s body heat carries the fresh scent of orange blossom soap and a familiar hint of Teddy’s own bakery still on his clothes.

Teddy’s head swirls with pain medication and their eyes meet, lingering for a moment, before the nurse arrives pushing a wheelchair with a bag of Teddy’s belongings hung off the back.

“Sit,” she barks.

“I can walk.” Teddy protests.

“No you can’t, Hospital policy.” She points at the chair, still glaring at him.

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