Page 14 of Christmas Wishes

"I think I'm going to give away the stock I have and then fill out the paperwork he gave me to file for bankruptcy."

"Oh, honey."

I turn around and he's right there and I don't hesitate. I go into his arms and start sobbing. The tears flow down my face and they don't seem to stop. He says gentle words with the intent of soothing me, but right now I don't even know if that is possible.

When I've run out of tears – I didn't even know that was possible – Gene starts wiping my face gently with…what is that? A handkerchief? Who has that these days?

"Shh, sweetheart. Will you give me some time to see what I can do to help?"

"You heard him. The-there's nothing to be done."

"Do you trust me, Lilah?"

"With my whole heart."

"Then let me see if I can make sure the Castle household has an amazing Christmas this year."

I know my whole face shows how doubtful I am of miracles even if its the season for them, but I just nod and step back from him. I'm feeling embarrassed and vulnerable right now. Gene won't stop looking at me and I feel like an open book before him.

I feel his warmth as he lowers his face and looks deeply into my eyes. Our mouths are a breath away from touching, but he hesitates. I close the distance and place my lips against his. The kiss is like nothing I've ever experienced before. His lips are soft but firm and he's so gentle with me I start to melt. I feel his arms going around me and I'm thankful because my legs are feeling wobbly.

Ending up on the floor because of this hot scorching kiss is not something I want to remember as our first kiss together so I grab his shirt and pull him to me so that we are further connected. He licks the seam of my lips and I open my mouth for him.

That's when a battle starts between our lips and tongues. I feel like I can't get enough of him and even though I know it's naughty, I keep seeking his tongue with mine. Pretty soon the kiss is getting out of hand and our bodies are fused together. I jump when the bells in the door of my shop jingle, telling us someone is here.

We quickly pull apart, but are both panting and flushed. I must look like a mess, but I'm so overwhelmed that I don't really care anymore.

"The sheriff told me you were back, Mitchell." Michael Hoffer says in an angry tone.

Gene turns around and faces one of the Hoffer brothers.

"I'm not here to make any trouble Mayor."

"I don't know if I can believe that. You make trouble wherever you go."

"Not anymore. I'm back because my mother is dying. She's in Spring Brooks if you want to check."

"Don't mind if I do. Are you okay, Lilah?"

"Gene is my friend, mayor, and so is his mother."

"Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

"People have stopped coming here because of our friendship. Can you do something about that?"

The mayor looks at Gene, distrust in his eyes.

"Maybe. I'll talk with my mother. You have a good night, Lilah."

The mayor leaves and I can see how Gene's body immediately relaxes.

"There's no time for anything they can do to help."

"You never know. Make a wish and it might come true, sweetheart."

Chapter 6

Lilah

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