Page 7 of New Home for the Holidays

I’ve avoided decorating and doing anything much to celebrate for the last few years. It just hurt too much. But as I look at Morgan, I have a feeling she loves the season. I’m more than willing to create traditions with her that’ll last us our entire lives.

When Morgan glances at her watch and grimaces, I know I’m not going to like what comes out of her mouth next. She shoots me an apologetic look and my heart sinks. “Sorry, but I need to get going. I promised Mom I would head out to their house again today and help get more decorations up.”

Jared teases her, “Weren’t you just there last night?”

Morgan rolls her eyes and shrugs. “You know how Mom is,” is her only explanation.

I try not to rub my chest where an ache has already started at the thought of not being near my woman anymore. How long will it take to convince her we belong together, and I can spendall my time with her when I’m not working? It better happen fast because I’m already dreading not seeing her the rest of the day. What about tomorrow?

I push the thought aside because I have a feeling that I won’t be able to go more than a day without getting at least a glimpse of her.

“You’d think we’re still living at home with the way she is about Christmas,” there’s a fondness in his voice as he grins at his sister. Jared waves his hand over the table. “I’ve got breakfast. You go and be Mom’s little elf.”

Morgan gripes, but there’s no real heat in her words, “You know you could come by and help.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he huffs out which makes Morgan laugh, not at all put off by knowing it’s not going to happen.

When she stands up from the booth, there’s an awkward moment as she stares at me. Everything in me screams to stand up, plunge my fingers in her hair, and kiss her until neither of us can breathe. But it’s not time for me to do that yet.

Soon.

Very fucking soon.

“It was nice officially meeting you, Walker,” Morgan whispers, each word coated in sweetness which has my blood pumping straight to my cock.

“I’ll see you around, Morgan.” It’s a promise, one I’m going to keep.

She looks surprised, but she shouldn’t be. From the moment I stepped inside Trudy’s, she’s all I’ve been able to see. I’m notgoing to let anything get in the way of making her mine. It’s just a matter of time.

Oh, and getting Jared to stop acting like a dick about it. He huffs out his displeasure right on cue. Morgan’s eyes widen as she looks at her brother before her shoulders slump with something like resignation. Then, with a wave, she’s gone.

I desperately want to watch her go, but the anger radiating off one of the only friends I’ve made in town so far has me turning my attention his way. I’m pretty sure that if steam could be coming out of his ears it would be right now. While I shouldn’t find it amusing, I find myself chuckling softly.

His eyes narrow, his tone filled with venom, “You better not go there with my sister, Montgomery.”

I arch an eyebrow but force myself to relax against the back of the seat and cross my arms across my chest. He’s not going to scare me off.

My gaze is steadily locked with his and I keep my voice neutral even though everything in me wants to threaten him, “We’re friends, Jared, but that doesn’t give you the license to try and warn me off your sister.”

“Yes,” his voice is firm, “it does.”

I shake my head slowly. “No. It doesn’t.” Before he can start some stupid back and forth bullshit, I keep going, “You might have been able to get away with that shit before, and I’m sure whoever weak ass boy you were talking to was more than willing to walk away. That’s not me and you should know that by now. I won’t be scared away by you or anyone.”

He glares as he studies me, and I wonder if he’s trying to find my weakness. When it comes to her? He won’t find it.

“I’m not going to allow my sister to be hurt,” he seethes. “You just moved here. What if you don’t stick around? What if you meet someone else, someone better, and break her heart?”

I sit up straighter and get right in his face, not giving a single fuck who he is to my woman. “If you think there is anyone better than her then you’re not the man or brother I thought you were,” I snarl the words and his eyes widen. “I might be new here, but I’m not going anywhere, especially now. She didn’t say anything, and I wasn’t going to bring it up in case it embarrassed her, but I met her yesterday.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I pulled her over,” I can’t hide the smirk on my face, and I don’t even try, “because she was speeding. I knew the moment I approached her window that she’s mine. You can try to stand in our way, but it will only make me fight harder and you’ll risk losing your sister. It’s clear you love and adore her, but I suggest you ask yourself if losing her is worth trying to protect her from me when the last thing I’ll do is hurt her.”

Jared slumps back in the booth, his mouth opening and closing a few times. He’s unable to process or come up with something to say. That’s fine. I’ve made myself clear and if I need to do it again, I have no problem stepping up.

I stand and give him a chin lift before stalking out of the diner, hoping it’s not too long before I see my woman again. She’s a treasure, one I never expected to find, but you better believe I’m going to covet and hoard it now that I have.

There’s no way to wipe the smile from my face because she has no idea what’s coming for her. Once I claim her, she’ll know, and she’ll fucking thrive under my love and care.

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