Page 12 of The Merriest Christmas

"What no comeback?" he said.

Clearing my throat, I said, "I would've gotten home eventually."

"Yeah, I know.I saw you about to start walking."Seaver shook his head."Can't believe you were too stubborn to call someone."

"And I can't believe you think I'd put anyone else in danger."I crossed my arms."That's why I didn't call."

His silence said he didn't believe me.

"It's true.I didn't want anyone getting hurt.Not even you."

Seaver pulled into our driveway, cut the engine, and when I finally turned to face him, a smile was playing around his lips.

"What?" I said.

"Not even me," he repeated.

"Yeah, well.I mean, I hate you, but it's not like I want you dead or seriously disfigured.I've matured and moved past that phase."

"Guess that's something."

I felt my lips twitch but refused to smile.

"You were trying to protect me," Seaver said."That's sweet."

I rolled my eyes."I didn't say that."

"Didn't have to."

"Okay, I'm going inside now."

"Glad to hear you don't want me dead."

"Currently rethinking that statement."

I hopped out of the car, and as I heard him laugh, I threw one last parting shot over my shoulder.

"Glad to know you still care," I said.

Later I'd convince myself that it was just the wind outside distorting his reply.Or maybe I'd read one too many romance novels.I couldn't be sure.But I could've sworn I heard Seaver's voice cut through the wind on a whisper, saying three little words that would wreak havoc on my heart.

"I never stopped."

CHAPTER 3

Emmy

My mind refused to let it go.

I never stopped.

He never stopped?

What did that even mean?

As Seaver followed me into the house, I knew he was staring again.Could feel it.It was unsettling and honestly a little thrilling, but I beat that part of me back with a vengeance.Who did he think he was, saying something like that?Making such a bold claim even if it was under his breath?I should pretend it never happened, that I didn't hear a thing.But...

Was this a game to him?

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