Page 60 of The Merriest Christmas

Sure enough, the Southern U baseball players were doing the guy-hug with my brothers, who promised to come back and visit the team.They filed out one by one.My mom was already out there waiting for them to load into the van.Looked like I was the last to arrive.

Which made sense.

I'd been sitting in my room, thinking until the very last moment.

Seaver stood with his back pressed up against the wall.

Not going to lie.The pose was relaxed and sexy—just like the man.

I blew out a breath.

I could do this.

I would do this.

"Good morning, Emilia," he said."Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah," I said."You?"

"Not a wink."

As I came even with him, Seaver stood to his full height and searched my face.

"I was too busy thinking of someone," he said quietly, so no one else could hear.

"Oh yeah?Was it a girl?What's her name?"

"Emilia."

I shrugged."According to my brothers, it's usually a girl."

Seaver tilted his head."You made a decision yet?"

"I have."

"Will I like it?"

"Not sure," I said with a smile, "but I think it's the way it has to be.For now."

He waited.

"The past couple days have been wonderful.I really am glad you're back."

"But…"

"But," I repeated, looking around to make sure my family wasn't listening.Once I was sure they weren't, I went on, "although I'm attracted to hockey—"

Seaver laughed.

"—and hockey seems to be attracted to me too—"

"Very attracted," he said.

"—I think I need more time."

"I can give you that."

"And space," I said.

---