Page 82 of Wild Nights

"I'm surprised you got up," I said to him while keeping an eye on Joey and snapping pictures when he held each item up proudly. I'd gotten him games, action figures, and the bike.

"I didn't want to miss it. I remember what it was like on Christmas morning. You kind of lose that magic when you get older."

I wondered if Xander was feeling lonely. If he was tired of the bar life, picking up a woman whenever he wanted. If he was ready for more of a commitment. Then I felt a pang because I think I would have been ready to move on with Carolina if she'd given me any indication that she wanted the same.

It was very possible she wanted to remain single. That she enjoyed hooking up with me every few months. I didn't want to wait that long, and if she didn't want me, then I needed to make a clean break.

"I assume Scarlett and Eli are sleeping in?" Dad asked.

"I think they had their own plans for this morning." I'd texted them but hadn't heard back. They were probably still sleeping but could be enjoying this time alone.

Joey was slowing down now, playing with one toy before he opened another package. I took the time to send Carolina one of the pictures of Joey ripping open his presents. One with utter excitement and joy on his face.

She immediately texted back.

Carolina: Thank you for sharing that. Please tell him Merry Christmas.

Oliver: Will do. But what about me?

Carolina: Didn't we already wish each other a Merry Christmas?

Oliver: I think it was Christmas Eve.

Caroline: You're right. That's different.

I smiled at the exchange. Then she sent an image of herself in bed wearing white Christmas pajamas covered in green wreaths and the Grinch. She looked adorably rumpled and sleepy.

Oliver: Love those pj’s. Did you get matching ones for your family?

Carolina: I did, but that was before they informed me they weren't doing a traditional holiday.

My heart ached for her because it was a great tradition. I would have loved doing matching pajamas with Joey, Carolina, and me.

Xander leaned over to look before I could hide my screen. "What could you possibly be looking at on Christmas morning." His eyes brightened. "Is that Carolina? The conference coordinator?"

"Yeah." I glanced over at my parents who were paying close attention to our exchange.

Xander raised a brow. "Why is she sending you pictures while she's in bed?"

I didn't have a good answer for that, so I didn't say anything, just focused on Joey.

"Is that one of the women who was snowed in with you this week?"

I cleared my throat. "I was just seeing how she was doing. She made it home safe."

Xander chuckled but managed to cover his mouth.

I elbowed him.

"What the h—" Xan rubbed his ribs, then broke off, his gaze on Joey who was watching both of us with interest.

"Miss Caro's on the phone?" Joey asked.

"She was showing me her holiday pajamas." Christ. That sounded bad. "They're Grinch."

"Can I see?" Joey lunged for my phone, and I wasn't quick enough to intercept it.

"She wished me a Merry Christmas."

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