Page 52 of A Billionaire's Holiday Love

“We’ve got your back, Noah,” Alex sighed.

“Yeah, we’ll update you within the hour,” Zach stated.

“Thanks guys.”

“No problem. Hey, call mom before she makes a trip to Christmasville.”

“Nolan, thanks. I will. All right, guys. Talk to you soon.”

“Bye, Noah,” they said one after the other.

I shoved my phone into my front pocket. “Sheena, check please. Ms. Christmas and I need to have a heart to heart.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.” She clapped her hands over her head. The entire bar whistled and cheered.

I threw my hand in the air and nodded in appreciation to those around me.

**P**

Raising my fist, I exhaled before my heavy knuckles rattled the thick wooden door.

Hope peeked out the window before sticking her head out the door.

“Yes.”

The red hood covered her shoulder length dark brown hair. Hope’s beautiful eyes held sadness. I had to do better.

The sun set at my back. I wished I could pull Hope into my arms and share the beauty with her. We’d have other days, if she’d give me a second chance.

“We need to talk. At my place.” Hands stuffed in my pockets, I stood as stiff as a board. The harsh winds whipped through my Henley shirt.

“I’ll change. Come in.” Hope shuffled toward her bedroom.

I closed the door behind me and stomped the snow off my boots.

Rubbing my hands together, I sat in the blue chair. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’ve snacked on crackers all day,” she shouted from the back of the house.

I scanned the partially renovated space. We made a great team. The floors were immaculate. And the furniture she selected fit her home nicely. The beautiful dark kitchen cabinets elevated her home's charm. Not to mention the upgraded black marble countertops with flecks of gold. She refused to purchase the expensive countertops. I forced them on her. My treat. She didn’t want help paying for anything in her home.

I understood. But for the first time, it warmed my tin heart to spoil a woman. My woman. Now Hope had a state-of-the-art cabin. This summer I’d install a wall of doors that opened up to a deck on the back of the house. It was a surprise.

“I’m ready.” She wore a horrific red, green, and gold Christmas sweater with a colorful reef in the center.

Jesus. Hey I didn’t say this road would be easy.

I helped her slip into her red coat.

Asking her to pack a light bag so she could spend the night was useless. I’d walk over later and get whatever she needed. We kept extra toothbrushes at each other’s houses, but we hadn’t moved up to leaving a change of clothes.

“You didn’t bring a rifle.”

“Hope, we’ll be fine. The sun just set. Come on. I’ll keep a look out.”

Her pretty face twisted. “Ok.”

The second we stepped out the door, she froze in her tracks.

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