Page 59 of Unwrapped

“Love you more.”

We’re soon interrupted by my mother, who comes running into the living room with my father chasing behind her. He catches her, and in a rare display of affection, kisses her on the lips before walking away from her and taking a seat on the other end of the couch. My mom, who probably has had too much rum punch, giggles like a schoolgirl.

“When are you two going to that fancy spa Nick arranged?” my dad asks, with a playful glint in his eyes. Nick bought me and my mom spa treatments for Christmas.

“Soon. Before we leave for The Bahamas.”

“So, are you going with them, Nick? Get yourself a manicure before your trip?” my dad asks, his eyes full of mischief as he looks at me and Mom.

“Someone messing around with my hands and putting clear polish on my nails? No, thanks. But since I got you two the bottomless mimosas package, I’ll have to drop you off and pick you. Just call me when you’re done.” He picks up my hand and kisses it. My dad looks at me and nods in approval.

“Nick, you and I will get along just fine. Let’s go out back and smoke a cigar. Mona only lets me smoke one time a year.” Dad gets up, and Nick follows him, and I sigh in contentment at the most perfect Christmas.

Nick

“It’s my mom and Becker,” I say as I look at my phone. I accept the FaceTime and smile at my mom.

“Nicky! We miss you guys so much. Ireland is great, but I told Becker I don’t want to travel during Christmas anymore.” Sadie must hear my mom’s voice because she jumps on me and starts to bark. “How’s your Christmas, son?”

“Hi, Allison,” Miranda says, smiling at my mom. “Hey, Becks.”

“Darlin’,” Becker says.

“We’re having a great Christmas. I’m here at Miranda’s house.”

“That’s wonderful, Nicky. We want to have you guys over as soon as we get back,” my mom says.

“Bring the hat, darling,” Becker says to Miranda.

“Oh my God! You should see the hats Nick got me for Christmas. Hold on.” Miranda snatches the phone from me and runs to the other room to her stash of Christmas presents. From my seat on the couch, I watch as she makes Andrew hold the phone as she models each of her new hats. She looks utterly ridiculous since she still has on Christmas pajamas.

“What hat are they talking about?” Mona asks, appearing almost out of nowhere. She cranes her neck as she watches Miranda laugh at something my mother says. “I see she’s already met your mother.” She purses her lips and looks at me, her eyes almost accusatory.

“Once. My mom and stepdad love her.” That appeases her a little bit, but she still continues to watch her daughter.

“You know, Mona,” I say, scooting over to her and putting my arm across her shoulders. “We can have an inside joke too. You did see my bare ass, after all.” She stills, and I expect her to shrug out of my touch, but she turns to me, a genuine smile on her face.

“For the sake of our newfound friendship, please don’t ever mention that again.”

“Deal!”

CHAPTER 37

NICK

Me: I miss having you close by.

Miranda: Patience, Nicky. I’ll be there in ten.

It was only a little over a week ago when we finally got away from the cold and spent five days in tropical paradise. Christmas day with the Moore’s was something I hadn’t experienced in years with my own family. Since leaving for Chicago, I’ve only spent a handful of Christmases at home. The holiday never meant anything to me. Without Miranda, I would have spent the day with Henry and his family or at home watching movies, but she managed to make it magical.

For the next five minutes, I look over the email Uncle Joe sent me. It’s an official proposal that would change the business, but it would mean I would stay on permanently. A few months ago, I would have told him no. Hell, I’ve told him no before, but now it seems like the perfect solution.

Eager to see Miranda, I decide I’ll wait for her by the reception desk. Just as I’m approaching the desk, I stop when I hear my name.

“Mr. Bain looks so tanned. I had no idea he was in The Bahamas. I thought he was down in Florida with Joe, but he walked in here looking refreshed. Did you ever notice how good-looking he is?” I roll my eyes at Sherry’s ranting, but I don’t move from my spot.

“No, Sherry. I don’t look at the boss that way.” I can hear the annoyance in Mona’s voice as I imagine her rolling her own eyes. “The man is allowed to have a vacation.”

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