Page 45 of Mistletoe Kisses

“Arlo, hi. I’m sorry to be calling in the middle of the night, but we’ve got a major issue. I had to let myself in and don’t see you or Keaton at home.”

I sat up and goose bumps exploded across my skin at the cool air. I’d been in a cocoon under Lucas’s blanket. “What happened?”

“A pipe burst, and there’s damage in each unit. Yours got it the worst because it came from the third-floor unit into yours with ceiling damage. And there’s floor damage in yours into the unit below.”

I curled into myself and dropped my head into my free hand. “What does that mean?”

Richard sighed, and the sound sent a shiver down my spine. “I’m sorry, Arlo. We need to do some major repairs before it’s safe for you to come back. Do you have a place you can stay? We can talk more specifics tomorrow. I’ll be making calls first thing to find someone to come out and assess the damage.”

“Uh, yeah, I’m in Oregon right now, but I’m flying home tomorrow. I can find somewhere to stay.” A million logistic needs and anxieties clamored for attention in my mind. It was too much. I could feel a wave swelling, one so big that it would keep growing until it forced me to shut down.

“Okay, good. Good. I’m glad you’re safe. We’ll get this figured out. Is Keaton with you?”

“He’s not.”

“I’ll give him a call now then. Take care.”

“Yeah. Thanks. You too.” I barely noticed Richard hanging up or Lucas taking the phone from my hand or pulling me onto his lap and wrapping his arms around me.

“I’m so sorry that happened, babe, but I’m glad you weren’t there when it did. Thank god you’re safe.” Lucas’s words washed over me as I clutched him.

“What if all my stuff is ruined? Where will I stay? How long will it take to fix it? Do you think he’ll waive rent while they fix it?” We’d spent so much money on our trips. I couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel or find a month-to-month rental.

Lucas kept rubbing slow circles on my back, and I focused on his steady breaths and tried to time mine to his. I nearly had two for each of his.

“Do you want me to listen or help problem solve?” His voice was soothing.

“Um. Problem solve to start, I guess.” I needed to get rid of some of the worries.

“Unfortunately, there’s no way to answer a couple of those questions tonight. But let’s brainstorm where you can stay. You said your mom is traveling, right? What about staying with Keaton’s family? You know them, and he’ll need a place to stay too. Maybe you can both crash with his parents.”

Of course. That’s exactly what we should do. “Good idea.”

“I have them once in a while. Like laying a golden egg.”

The silly remark pulled a laugh from me.

My phone began ringing again, and Lucas handed it to me. It was Keaton.

“What the fuck!”

“I know.” I groaned.

“Are you okay? Do you want to do the breathing exercises together?”

When I looked at Lucas, he smiled softly and smoothed my hair back.

“Want me to leave?” he whispered.

I shook my head. “I’m okay. Um, Lucas is helping.”

“You’re with Lucas?” Keaton let out an excited laugh. “Oh, I bet he’s helping.” Keaton sobered. “I’m glad you’re not alone.”

I had to look away from the emotion in Lucas’s eyes.

“This sucks.”

“Yeah, it fucking does. Good thing you made sure we got renters’ insurance.” Keaton sighed.

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