Page 7 of The Merriest Christmas

Before he could answer, Mom's voice shocked me, "Emilia O'Brien, stop being rude," she said."I invited him."

I looked over my shoulder to find her standing in the living room, hands on hips.

"Now, will you kindly move so our guest can come in?"

Frozen to the spot, I waited for him to walk by, but instead, he stopped right next to me, close enough that I heard the words I knew were meant only for my ears.

"Thanks for the warm welcome. Glad to see you're still so passionate, Emilia."

His warm breath fanned against my neck, causing my pulse to flutter.

And that's when I knew.

I was wrong.

This was going to be the worst Christmas ever.

CHAPTER 2

Emmy

"Where are you going?" Finn asked.

"I told you.To get food," I said while bundling myself into my coat and scarf.

"But the weather—"

"Isn't supposed to hit for another hour.If I hurry, I'll make it back before the worst of it."

"But it's freezing."

"That's why I have gloves."

"Emmy."

"Finn."

He shook his head as I went to the door."You're not seriously going out there, right?It's dangerous."

"He has a point," came a deep voice from behind Finn.I felt his eyes on me but refused to look."The roads will be icy and slick."

I also refused to acknowledge the shiver of pleasure the familiar deep baritone sent down my spine.

"You should stay home."

Did I say pleasure?I meant bone-deep annoyance.

As if Seaver had any right to tell me what to do.

"Listen, Finn," I said, placing a hand on my brother's shoulder and completely ignoring Seaver."I'll be fine.I have to go get more food.Otherwise, at the rate those guys are inhaling everything in sight, we won't have anything left for dinner.Plus, Archer, Baylor, Chase, and Dex will be coming soon."

"But they all called," he said, my baby brother, ever the voice of reason."Everyone's flights have been delayed.They said they might not even make it for Christmas."

My heart tightened, but I forced a deep breath.

I knew everything he said was true, but…

"They'll get here," I said.

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