Page 12 of Christmas with Hope

“Hopefully good thoughts,” he smiled.

“You said, you barely go on vacation?” I said, changing the subject.

“Nice try, Hope,” he chuckled. “Can’t distract me that easily.”

“It was worth a shot,” I grumbled.

“You don’t have to tell me what you were thinking,” he looked at me and smiled. “Just know that you can talk to me about anything.”

Chapter Six

Colton wrestled with the tree in the living room, trying to steady it and keep it upright. I watched in amusement from the kitchen doorway. A cup of hot chocolate in my hand.

“Are you sure you don’t want any help?” I asked, holding back a laugh.

“I got it,” Colton huffed. He lost his hold on the tree and it fell towards the ground. Colton reached for it but ended up falling on top of the tree.

“Colton!” I screamed, placing the mug on the kitchen counter and running over to him.

He rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. His chest raised and lowered quickly. I dropped to my knees beside him.

“Are you okay?” I asked, looking him over.

“Yeah. The tree broke my fall,” he looked at me and grinned.

“Colton,” I sighed heavily and sat back on my heels. “You scared the crap out of me… again.”

“Sorry, beautiful,” he rubbed my arm. I looked down at him and laughed.

“You’re trying to give me a heart attack aren’t you?”

“When people have heart attacks do you give them mouth-to-mouth?” he asked, making me giggle.

“Back in the day, they thought so. Now, just chest compressions are recommended because…” My words died off when I noticed Colton staring at me like I was an alien. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he smiled. “I like seeing the passion in your eyes.”

“Still, I’m sorry,” I whispered.

Colton stroked my cheek. My body trembled at his touch.

“If no mouth-to-mouth is necessary for heart attacks, then I apologize for scaring you,” he grinned wickedly. “What’s something that would require mouth-to-mouth?”

“You’re naughty, Mister Preston.”

“And, you’re beautiful, Miss Dawson.” His retort had me turning my head to hide my cheesy smile. “Are you blushing?”

“Nope,” I held back a laugh.

“Uh-huh. Right,” he chuckled before sitting up and taking hold of my chin gently. I looked at him and he smiled. “You like hiding from me.”

“I wouldn’t say hiding, per se.”

“What would you call it then?”

“Depriving you of your view of me,” I smirked. Colton rolled his eyes and laughed wholeheartedly.

“Well, please,” he leaned down and kissed me gently, “don’tdepriveme of my view.”

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