Page 20 of I Choose You
“It’s an ornament.”
“No. You didn’t have to get that for me. I was going to buy it myself.”
“Who said it was for you?” Reid smirked.
“Reid,” I chided, my arms crossed over my chest.
“What?” He feigned ignorance before he sent me a disarming smile. “It’s just an ornament, Claire. I’m trying to be nice. Just let me.”
He passed me the small white paper bag, a tissue-paper-wrapped bundle tucked inside, as we made our way back into the throng of people meandering through the town center.
“Thank you, but you didn’t have to. You’ve been weirdly nice all evening.”
“Weirdly nice?” he laughed. “Yeah, I guess that tracks. I told you before, I’m not always a grumpy asshole.”
“Of course not. Just usually when I’m around.”
I bumped my shoulder into him, making absolutely zero impact on him. He chuckled softly and threw his arm over my shoulder. “My favorite unwanted partner in crime.”
My head tipped back as I laughed. “Hey, I’ll take it. That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
At 7:00 p.m., a church bell sounded, and everyone started to make their way over to the large Christmas tree that was displayed on the town green.
“Don’t go that way. You’ll get swallowed up by the crowd,” Reid said. He took my hand and led me around the back. As we were coming around the corner, Wyatt, Maeve—with baby Jane—and Wes were also making their way over.
“Luke has our spot saved,” Wyatt said, his eyes caught on where my hand was still in Reid’s. Reid dropped my hand so fast it was like I had burned him.
We met up with Luke and Seb, Juliet having gone home with a headache, and I watched as the townspeople all huddled around the tree. Families, young and old, had come out to enjoy the festivities and each other’s company. I had been to tree lighting events in the past, but they’d never felt like this. Those were always for the press to witness and report on. Interviews were lined up directly after, or even during, the lighting to get as much exposure as possible. This felt different. It felt like a community, a home.
After the lighting and speeches were finished, everyone started dispersing, the event coming to an end.
“You still coming by after this, or do you need to get home?” Wes asked Wyatt.
“You’re sure you don’t mind, doll?” Wyatt wrapped his arms around Maeve, sandwiching Jane between them. Reid had told me earlier that their relationship was still relatively new, and by the enamored look on both their faces, it was obviously going well.
“Not at all. Go. Have fun.”
“You fuckers can come too, obviously,” Wyatt said to the group.
“Can’t. I’ve got to get back to Jules,” Luke said.
“Yeah, I’m in,” Reid said.
“I think I see someone I know.” Seb wiggled his brows. “I’ll talk to you guys later. Claire, it was very nice meeting you,” he said, his eyes sparkling with charm and mischief. “You ever want to get that drink, you let me know.” He winked. I almost thought I heard Reid growl next to me. Seb made his way toward a woman who was looking at him like he was a piece of meat.
“Well, thanks so much for inviting me tonight. I had a really good time,” I said. It was true. Reid had been friendly and engaging all night. His family was great. They were all so funny and nice, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived.
Reid’s eyes searched my face for a long moment. He opened his mouth but then clamped it shut before trying again. “Okay, let me walk you to your car.”
“I’m fine. It’s Calla Bay. What devious criminal is lurking in your streets?” I laughed.
“I’m still going to walk you to your car, Claire,” he said, shaking his head.
A fluttering sensation erupted in my belly when he put his hand on the small of my back.
“Bye, guys. Thanks for letting me crash your night.”
A chorus of “Have a good night” and “Nice to meet you” went around the group. Luke clocked Reid’s hand on my back, but Reid didn’t move to withdraw it this time.
