Page 56 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

Lilith nodded toward the door. “If you ask Joji what a fifty-year-old woman is doing acting that way, you know what she’ll tell you?”

“What’s that?”

“Enjoying herself.”

More laughter erupted.

Ava moved into Joji’s spot and cut out more cookies. It was funny to see them so giddy.

She was busy asking Lilith about how the venue was doing when Mad Dog stepped into the room. With her back to the door, Ava didn’t see him.

He put a finger to his lips and crept up behind her. When he slid his arms around her waist and kissed her neck, she squealed.

“Mad Dog!” She flushed pink.

“Who else would be greeting you that way?” He picked up a decorated Christmas tree. “Being Ava’s husband makes me the official taste tester.”

“What do you need, love?” She kissed his cheek, then went back to cutting out cookies.

“Just got back from Jeffrey’s and wanted to see you. I’m headed home in a sec.” He picked up another cookie. “These are good. But I probably shouldn’t eat them all right now. See y’all later.” Whistling, he strolled out of the room.

Lilith glanced back at the door as he left. “Since Ava ratted on me, I’ll tell you about her. Instead of facing her attraction, she pretended they were onlyfriends.”

Ava rolled her eyes. “That was just as bad as your acting like you hated Beau.”

My goal was not to think about my friendship with Garrett, and these ladies were not helping.

It wasafter nine when we left the Gallaghers’ house and almost ten when we parked in front of the cabins.

“That was fun.” Garrett shut off the engine.

“Aunt Patsy is always a wonderful hostess. I’m glad you went with me.”

He ran around and opened my door. “You’re probably exhausted.”

“All the excitement has me feeling more awake than expected. You want to come in for a bit?” I nodded toward the door.

“I’d like that for two reasons. One, I like spending time with you, and two, I’d like to give you your gift tonight.” He studied my face. “If that’s okay.”

There was no discomfort in having him close. The way he looked at me sent a rush of desire through my veins, but that was attraction, and I was all too familiar with that emotion. It seemed so at home in my head, I considered giving it a decorating budget.

I reached up and straightened his collar. “Of course it’s okay.” I’d expected to exchange gifts with lots of other people around, but I liked his idea better. “I have yours too.”

Garrett’s hand bumped mine as we walked toward the stairs, and all the stories I’d heard earlier in the day flooded my mind. It was easy to see how happy the ladies were, but none of them had given me the formula for getting past my fear. I wasn’t sure there was a cure for that.

We walked into the cabin, and I scanned the main room. “It looks a lot like your place. But I don’t remember curtains across the back of your living room.”

“Mine doesn’t have those.” He took my hand. “Close your eyes.”

I did as he asked and let him lead me across the room. The curtains moved along the rod. Then a door opened.

“Some might think this is a strange gift, but I’m hoping you like it. Obviously.” He squeezed my hand. “You can open your eyes.”

I opened them and gasped. “A hot tub!”

“I couldn’t exactly set one up in the middle of your apartment, so it’s here at this cabin whenever you want to use it.” He pressed a key into my hand. “Merry Christmas, Tessa.”

Privacy screens blocked the view of the cabins on each side, making the space feel as private as the hot tub at the house in San Antonio.

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