Page 7 of Naughty & Nice
Chapter Four
Josie
Oliver talks with his hands and shows his emotions in his eyes, even when he does his best to do neither.
Over a delicious meal and a bottle of wine, we chat about the build, the weather, the coming holidays, and other mundane topics. What we do not talk about is what brought us both here tonight. It’s not about the build for me, I should be clear about that with him. He does not order dessert and a second bottle because he cares about the build, either.
Walking away from him was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. One I’ve regretted every moment since. What I regret the most isn’t turning down his proposal. No, I hate myself for not just walking away but staying away.
He offered me everything I swore I would never want—unless it was from him—but turning him down was not enough. I was cold and cruel as I cut him out of my life completely. I ended it as if it didn’t cut me so deeply, I nearly bled out.
It was just after Thanksgiving when he whisked me off to a cabin in the mountains for a romantic weekend.It was perfect.Spontaneous, romantic, and totally wild—just as I hoped we’d always be.Beside a roaring fire with snow falling outside and soft Christmas music filling the cabin, he got down on one knee.
Even as he asked, he knew I would say no. I saw it in his eyes and the tremble of his hand. He knew I was not ready, but he was. I refused his beautiful ring and his beautiful heart, leaving him on that mountain. We went up that mountain as lovers and came down it as strangers.
“Why North Pole?” he asks now over coffee and sweet tiramisu.
“Why not? Work brought me here, of course,” I sigh around a bite of rum soaked goodness, “I thought...Christmas is such a magical time of the year, why not ask for a fresh start right where they believe in miracles,” my words rush out because I am anxious and excited for a second chance.
I want more than to make amends for how I broke his heart—and mine—I want to start again. With no idea of where he is in his life or what he feels about me, I am taking a huge risk. I know for a fact the reward of a life with him is worth that risk. He always said I look before I leap. This is the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken.
“You know you say things you shouldn’t,” his voice is rough as he catches my gaze, “I always liked that but sometimes, sunshine...” he sighs when he calls me that and I feel a shudder go through me.
“Once you said you like to say it how you see it. This is me, saying it how I feel it. Not tonight though,” I argue with my own words on a sigh.
“Maybe when you come to Harmony Hollow, we can talk about what you clearly want to talk about. Until then, why don’t we talk about the build, yeah?” He clears his throat as he pulls away from me and I sigh.
Over dinner we talked about our lives a little, but few details were discussed. He seemed eager to catch up but cautious about what he shared. I can’t blame him, I suppose. After the hurt I caused him and how long I kept my distance I can’t expect him to trust me. Or trust what I want.
Before I said I chose to meet here because of the magic this little village holds. I meant it more than he can understand. When I turned his proposal down, it was after a wonderful Thanksgiving together. We’d been talking about going to the mountains for Christmas. When he took me early as a surprise, I ruined the surprise and the holiday for us both.
While I don’t plan to propose to him here—though what would I have to lose—I am hoping to rekindle our love this holiday season. I will do whatever it takes to make up for my foolish mistake and the pain it caused us both.
Starting with making him love Christmas again.
North Pole is the perfect place to be reminded of how special a holiday it is. People here embrace the magic and wonder of Christmas with such vigor and light it’s impossible not to be taken in by it. I was here during this past Thanksgiving when Keegan called me about the build in Harmony Hollow—I believe fate is telling me it’s time to try again.
“We have plenty to discuss. I am sorry I did not come prepared. I was a bit nervous if I am being honest,” I admit as I brush a hand through my hair, both of us shoving our deserts aside.
“Truth is, I was a wreck coming here tonight. I’ve been miserable lately, so I was seeking out work to take my mind off it. I never expected to walk in to find you here waiting for me,” his voice is unsteady the way I’ve only heard it get when he lost his father just after we met.
“You were disappointed,” I supply the words he won’t say.
“No,” he sits forward, his eyes flashing in the darkness as he reaches out to cover my hand with his, “No, I wasn’t at all, sunshine. It might make more sense if I were disappointed. Or angry or indifferent. I figured if I ever saw you again after everything...the last thing I would feel is what I feel,” his voice is low and soft, as if he is telling me a secret for just the two of us.
“Whatdoyou feel, Oliver?” I ask on a breathy whisper.
His head lifts and those eyes—eyes that have haunted me for five years—are sparking with something beautiful. Hope. Just like the hope I sat here feeling as I waited for him, hell the hope I felt the minute Keegan called me. I don’t know why right now feels like the right time and place in our lives for this, whatever it is. It feels so right to be sitting here with him again, his stunning eyes holding mine as his rough hands stroke my skin.
“Everything. I am feeling it all at once and it’s.... it’s a lot right now, Josie. I don’t know if it’s because my head is in a bad place or because it’s you. Or because it’s the holidays. I can’t be sure.”
Something dangerous dances through me when he closes his fingers around mine. It’s been so long since I’ve felt his touch. Only his touch makes me feel reckless this way. His touch always felt like the striking of a match. It led to an inferno of heat and want unlike I ever felt before him—or since.
“Will there be anything else tonight?”
An unfamiliar voice startles us both. It also ruins the moment because we realize we are not alone—although we are the last patrons in the place. We stayed later than I think either of us realized or intended. I pay the tab—against his wishes—and head out into the night.
It’s late now but the town square is lit up with colorful lights and holiday songs play up and down the main streets. Snow is coming down heavy from the dark skies, making for a breathtaking view of the mountains in the distance. I take a moment to take it all in, awed by the beauty of the season.
