Page 9 of Stuffing His Stocking

“Of course, they can. But it beats sitting in my house by myself, binge-watching trash TV.” A sad look crosses Liv’s face, so I add, “Don’t do that, honey. I don’t want your pity.”

“It’s not pity,” she says with an adorable pout. She bites the corner of her mouth as if deep in thought. Then a huge grin parts her lips and she looks at me with bright eyes. “I have a great idea!”

“Why do I get the feeling it’s a terrible idea?” I chuckle nervously.

“Come home with me!”

“Pardon?”Surely, I didn’t hear her right.

“Yes! It’ll be great! I know Mom would love to see you.”

“Love to see me? The pseudo-stepson she hasn’t seen in forever?”

“First off, you’re not her stepson, at least not anymore. And she’s always spoken so highly of you. I know this would make her really happy.” Liv looks at me with big puppy-dog eyes, and my heart can’t tell herno. “Please? It’ll be fun.”

“Let me think about it. I’ll let you know first thing in the morning.” It wasn’t the answer she wanted to hear and she frowns with resignation. I don’t like disappointing her so my stupid mouth blurts out something I’ll probably regret. “Fine, I’ll go if it’ll make you happy.”

Her eyebrows lift and her mouth drops open. “Really? You will?”

You’d think I just told her Santa is real by the elated expression on her face.

“What else have I got to do?”

She throws her arms around me in a tight embrace, and I savor the feeling of her lush curves against my hard body.

“Text me the address. I’ll meet you at your place in the morning.”

She leans back to look up at me, but doesn’t let me go. “This’ll be the best Christmas ever.”

I don’t know about that, but how bad can it be?

3

LIV

It’s really unfair for any man to be that gorgeous.

I sigh and fall back onto the bed. I keep replaying the last few hours in my head, but all I can think about is how Dylan Kane is simply too beautiful to look at.

Part of me feels bad that I twisted his arm a little to get him to come home with me for the holidays. While the other part is thrilled that he saidyes.It sort of felt like fate running into him, and catching up with him today was more like talking to an old friend versus some man I hardly know. It’s a shame we didn’t have more time to get to know each other better all those years ago, but at least we can do it now.

I stare at the ceiling, thinking about how different he seems now, when my phone rings beside me. I pick it up and glance at the screen before answering. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetie. How was your day?” Her smooth, even tone always brings a smile to my face.

“It was fine. Just ran some errands and cleaned up the apartment. But I still need to do some packing before I head out tomorrow.” I sit up and remove my boots, kicking them onto the floor.

“I can’t wait to see you. I’ve already picked up everything we’ll need for the next few days. I have all the ingredients and supplies for cookies, the gingerbread house, hot chocolate, and your favorite snacks.”

My mouth waters at the thought. Mom makes the best Christmas cookies and desserts. “You didn’t have to do that, Mom. I could’ve done the shopping when I got home. I know you’ve been busy lately.”

“Don’t be silly, Livie,” she scoffs. “You have enough on your plate. I know this semester has been a tough one. But graduation is just around the corner.”

I hear the pride in her tone and it feels like a warm hug. She’s always been so proud of my every accomplishment, and I’m grateful to have her support.

“What time will you be heading this way?”

“Well… that depends.” I’m pretty sure she’ll be excited about the news, but I’m still a little hesitant. The last time we tried a holiday together, it was a disaster.

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