Page 123 of One Foggy Christmas
I grab her foot and begin massaging it because I know she loves it, and my hands need something to do, or I’ll go mad. Feet aren’t sexy—they’re in the safe zone.
“We’ve been to a lot of cool places and done a lot of memorable things?—”
“Nottoo memorablesince I forgot them.” Her eyes glimmer.
“Yeah, poor word choice by me.” I smile. “But despite all the amazing things we’ve done, I have a feeling Switzerland at Christmas can’t be topped.”
“Then I’m glad it’s a new memory I can remember.”
“Me too.”
SADIE
After the most romanticbath known to man, Nash and I meet in our sweats in the middle of the bed. We lie down, facing one another instead of the windows above us. I guess the view of each other is more important than the Swiss Alps.
“You look cute.” He wiggles the messy bun on top of my head. “I’ve always loved you like this. Natural and makeup-less so your freckles stand out.”
I can’t help my goofy smile. “You like my freckles?”
“There are probably dissertations on how much I like your freckles.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“I think I told you all about my love of your freckles the first day we met at the Cubs game.”
My head falls back as I laugh. “You did not!”
“I’m embarrassed to say I did.” His fingers trace my lips, stealing my breath. “But I also love your smile and expressive brown eyes—especially when they look at me like I’m your everything. I’ve missed that since your accident.”
“Are you seeing it again?”
“I’m starting to.”
“Good.” My lips grow into a small smile. “Do you want to know what I like about you? I mean, you probably already know, but?—”
“No, no, no.” He shakes his head as much as he can while lying down. “Don’t just assume I know. I want the whole rundown.”
“I’m sure you do.” I laugh. “The first thing I noticed about you in the hospital was your smile.”
“Here I thought you were going to say my butt.”
“I mean, I did see a lot of your butt, but I’m sticking with your smile. Final answer.”
“You told me my smile was the first thing you noticed about me at the Cubs game too. I guess those four dental cleanings a year are paying off.”
“Must be.” I laugh again. “But after your smile, I noticed how kind and thoughtful you were. You took care of me without hesitation and let me be myself. You didn’t push too hard or pull away. You just loved me even though I wasn’t at my best.”
His lips lift. “I promised I would.”
That’s the kind of loyalty and dedication every woman dreams about.
I reach out, softly caressing his cheek. His eyes close as my fingers drift over his stubble.
Nash leans in, pressing his forehead against mine. “Is this real?” His words come out on a breath between us.
“Yes.”
I inch my body closer to his, wanting his arms around me. My fingers run through his hair as his hand goes to my back, drawing me to him. Our mouths hover close to each other but never touch. Instead, he presses small kisses to the corner of my mouth. My cheek. My crow’s feet. My want grows with each gentle kiss, making our deal of taking things slow the worst idea I’ve ever had.
