Page 77 of The Jinglebell War
“It’s the thought that counts.”
We settle back on the couch, and I hand her a present from the top of the pile.
She smiles as she reads the small card attached to the top. “It’s from Maisey.” She digs in the gift bag, pulls out a book, and starts laughing.
“What’s so funny? Did she pick something totally off base?”
“Not at all.” Blue’s smile is bright even though she’s still looking sleepy. I like her looking sleepy in my house. “I got her the exact same book.”
“Have you already read it?”
“Nope. It’s a hugely popular romantasy that it seems like everyone is reading. I’ll have to text her to find out if she’s already read it.” She grabs a gift from the top of my pile and hands it over. “Your turn.”
Maisey got me a flannel shirt and a sweater. Always useful. We go through the rest of the gifts, taking turns. Everything’s pretty generic. Blue gets a lot of lotions and scarves. I get a lot of scarves and flashlights. Useful stuff, I guess, for people to give each other when they don’t know each other very well anymore.
We get to our presents for each other last.
I hand Blue mine, feeling oddly nervous. I was so confident when I picked it out, but having spent some time with her, I’m not at all sure it’s the right thing for her.
She unwraps it in a flurry of paper and gasps. “It’s beautiful.”
I wince as she twists and turns the snow globe with a miniature town office inside. “Is it too touristy?”
Her smile when she looks up at me seems genuine. “I love touristy stuff. It’s perfect.” She grabs the last two packages from my pile and hands me the smaller one first. “Open this.”
I do as she asks and hold up the bottle. “Window washer?”
She shrugs. “In case anyone else decides to write on the windows of your truck.”
I laugh. “Hopefully, I’ll never need this.”
She shoves the next present in my hands. “That was a joke. Open this one.”
This package is larger than the last, flat and wide. I’m prepared for another joke, but when I open it I find one of those fancy digital calendars. I’ve been wanting one for the office for ages, but they’re pricey and I couldn’t justify the expense. “Blue. This is too much.”
“It’s just right as a gift from a loving girlfriend.” She pats my arm and makes a kissy face before leaning back with a shrug. “If I’d known you wouldn’t be opening it in front of your family, though…”
“We can return it.” I slide the device back into its box. “And get you your money back.”
“Sorry,” she says in a sing-song voice. “It was on sale and you desperately need it. That dry-erase calendar you have is barely legible. Consider it a gift for your business if it makes you feel better.”
“I’ll pay you for it.” I really don’t like the way this gift is making me feel. It’s too thoughtful. Far more thoughtful than anything from my family.
She smiles and shakes her head. “Seriously, Garrick, it’s fine. It wasn’t that expensive, and it is my fault you can’t get your permits. Just accept the gift.”
I put the calendar on the coffee table and pull her into my arms for a hug. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She laughs and pushes out of my arms. “Stop making this awkward. It’s not a big deal.”
She gets up and picks up wrapping paper and gift bags. “Want to save any of this?”
“I don’t have space to store it in my house. Take whatever you want and pitch the rest.” I get up to help her, but she’s already got it all and is heading toward the kitchen. My sweats swallow her.
“Stay,” I say as she’s bent over in the kitchen, stuffing all the paper and bags in the trash.
She stands up fast and looks at me, eyes wide. “What?”
The way I want her to stay here with me feels like more than lust or friendship. It’s a new feeling and one I should be avoiding. I should push her out the door and keep my distance, but I don’t think I’d be able to stay away from her. “It’s snowing and cold out there. I don’t want to go back out to take you home. Why don’t you just stay?”
