Page 61 of Sweet Silver Bells
You’ve met Tom so many times.
Sadie 4:57 pm:
RIP Tom.
Nina: 4:57 pm:
NOT FUNNY!
Elaine 4:58 pm:
Calm down, Nina.
“I’ve got to get inside and shower for the holiday market,” Hunter said, wrapping his arm around Olivia’s waist and moving her inside with him.
17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
“There are so many lights,” Olivia said disapprovingly as Hunter circled around eight times, trying to find a parking spot.
“It’s a big decoration for the holidays,” he said, sliding into a tight spot, knowing he’d have to do some weird things with his hips to get his body out of the car.
“Did they even think to ask the trees?”
“You didn’t put lights everywhere when you celebrated?”
Olivia shook her head. “Garlands, yes, and candles were lit but generally not around greenery that would quickly kindle flame unless they were safe in a lantern.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think many people are considering whether the trees are okay with the Christmas lights.”
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest.
“Look, we don’t have to be here. You look incredible in these new clothes, but much as I’d love to show you off, I’d love to stay in our small bubble, our secret little world, for so much longer than we have.”
Her arms uncrossed as her hand reached out and was placed on his neck. His heartbeat rose as she moved her face closeto his, the fading twilight engulfing them in intimacy that he’d never predicted he would experience again.
“Our little bubble,” she let the words coat her tongue like luxurious champagne. “I love the way that sounds.”
He could feel her warm breath on his skin. Her teasing lips were just inches from his. He wanted to push forward, close their gap, but he waited. He rooted himself in self-control and lounged in the lusciousness of her essence until she spoke again.
“Let’s not disappoint your friends, Hunter. This is how I repay your kindness. I will participate in your life, add to it, and be a part of it.”
That wasn’t his love language. If anything, he would rather be around people less. He preferred less caring, less effort. That bubble would pop, and who knew if they could ever rebuild it. Who knew what could happen when others got involved in their relationship when it was so new?
“I’m always happy with just us, so you know,” he told her, his hand on her cheek. She bit her lip.
That damn beautiful bottom lip.
“Let’s go,” he sighed, realizing that no, she wouldn’t change her mind and they would likely spend the night discussing how angry the trees were. The teacher’s lounge after the break would surely be quiet when he walked into it since no one would know how to handle someone like Olivia, no one would understand why he held onto her so fast and so tight. He didn’t want to explain it to anyone.
They stepped out of the car into a winter wonderland, all of Market Street closed and blocked off, transformed in twenty-four hours. Tents and pop-up booths lined the sidewalks, all adorned with hanging lights and sparkling artificial snowflakes.
The air had a tinge of holiday magic, the cold kissing Hunter’s cheeks in welcome as he walked under hundreds offeet of green garland hanging with bright red ribbons between vintage copper light posts.
Olivia walked beside him, her gloved hand intertwined with his. He tried not to wince from the soreness of his missing thumbnail.
It’s nothing you can’t deal with.
