Page 55 of Playing A Risk
“There. That should do it.” Hunter steps back from the tree and checks it out. He points to a ladder. “We’re going to need that.”
Jonah assesses the height of the pine. “Yeah, I’d say.”
Melanie and I pull out decorations and line them up, making a plan for how we want it to turn out. She likes blue and white decor, whereas I want a mixture of colors.
“What do you want?” I turn to Hunter.
“The smile on your face is enough for me.” He sucks in a shaky breath and quickly hides his waning expression.
He’s been a little somber today since he got home from another therapy appointment. From what I can tell, he’s gone every day since I’ve been here, except for yesterday. I’m proud of him.
While he’s done some bad things, he’s taking responsibility and trying to be a better man. How can I stayangry with him when he’s working so hard on himself for me?
His action proves he still loves me and wants to make things right. I sink into that and allow myself to enjoy the festivities.
As Mel and Jonah take the lights out of the box, Hunter raises his head and catches me staring.
He winks and goes into the bar area. “Can I get anyone an eggnog?”
“I love those.” Mel skips to the boxes of decorations. “It’s stupid it’s only a Christmas drink.”
I shrug and nod. “I’d like one.”
Mel hands me a package. “What’s the verdict? My way or Dori’s?”
“I vote for your way, Mel.” Jonah tears open a container of white balls.
They’re not just any kind of Christmas balls. They’re large and have fancy designs carved around them. Hunter didn’t skimp on anything.
I look to Hunter for his vote. He’s taking us in with a gentle twinkle in his eyes.
“Well, it’s up to you, Hunter.” I shimmy my way to the bar. “Does Melanie get her way, or do I?”
He laughs. “What kind of dance move was that?”
“The cool kind.” I slide onto a stool. “Please say we can do it my way.”
“You know better than I do, so it’s your call.” He grabs four short glasses off the shelf and makes us our cocktails.
Jonah joins me, but Mel stays back. I glance over my shoulder. She’s counting how many boxes of blue and white balls we have and assessing the tree.
“Damn you, Hunter.” She tosses a package onto the sofa and joins us at the bar. “We don’t have enough balls for a tree that size.”
He smirks. “I guess we have your answer.”
I bounce up and down in my seat. “Yay, I win.”
Melanie gives Hunter a dirty look. “By default. I think he cheated.”
“How was I supposed to know you wanted all blue and white?” He shakes the eggnog carton. “Next time, I’ll be sure to ask.”
“That’s a big assumption.” Jonah raises his eyebrows at Hunter.
Hunter tips his head in acknowledgment and turns away. It takes me a few seconds to realize what Jonah meant.
There might not be a next time. My shoulders slump, and I face the tree. I shouldn’t be letting this take place when I don’t know where things will go with Hunter. I twist in that thought while they discuss the perfect amount of cognac to mix with eggnog.
Hunter clears his throat and steals my attention back. “Before we toast to a night of fun, Jonah and I have something we want to ask you ladies.”
