Page 77 of Here Comes Santa Paws

Before mustering the energy to dig my keys out of my suitcase and go to my place to try again at a decent hour, I leaned against Elias’s doorway to rest. Just for a minute. I closed my eyes, and moments or hours later, warm air brushed across my cheeks.

“Are you sleeping at my door?”

I swayed as a wide smile spread across my face. What a nice dream. Mm, Elias. I didn’t want to open my eyes and disrupt the joy blooming in my chest.Home.

“I might be.”

Warm fingers wrapped around mine and pulled me. I stumbled, but Elias caught me. “You always will, won’t you?”

“Always will what?”

“Catch me.”

Elias’s sweet laughter made me open my eyes.

“You’re right. I will.” He cupped my face, then reached around me to close his door. He unzipped my coat and pulled it down my arms before crouching to help me out of my boots.

“Has she had her puppies yet?”

“Not yet, but it’ll be any time.”

“I’m glad I made it.”

He led me to the couch by my hand. “You look like you’re about to drop. How did you get here?”

“Miracles of modern transportation.”

Elias snorted. “I’ll make some coffee. Rest your eyes until it’s ready.”

I did and felt the couch dip before two furry lumps landed on me. Cold noses nudged my hand and cheek. Eventually, I opened my eyes and scratched Tinsel’s and Nutcracker’s ears. Even Krampus watched me from her perch. I was happy to see them too. “Have you been taking care of my girl?”

Elias returned with two mugs of coffee and a beaming smile. All for me.

“You don’t mind them up in your business?”

“Not at all.” I could’ve sworn Elias let out a soft sigh in response.

He handed me a mug, then scooped Tinsel in his free arm and sat beside me, tucking his legs under him. “I added an ice cube to make the temperature drinkable without scalding your mouth.”

“Thoughtful.” I patted his leg, then left it there, tucking my fingers behind his knee.

“Take your time to caffeinate before you talk.” Elias wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

I took several long swigs, which cleared the fuzz from my head. “I feel human again.” I turned my face toward him and rested my cheek against his arm. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was gentle and all too quick.

“I’m glad you’re here.” There was so much emotion in his eyes. Emotions we had to talk about, but I needed sleep before that conversation.

I squeezed his leg. “Me too.”

Once I finished the coffee, I set the mug on his coffee table and patted Nutcracker. He was cute when he wasn’t cannonballing onto my lap.

“So, I came home early.”

His lips twitched. “I noticed.”

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