Page 46 of Booked for the Holidays
“Okay.”
He pulls me to my feet and his hands keep me stable until I’m back on two feet. His breath is scorching on my forehead, down my neck, and everywhere in between. Long fingers are still locked with mine, no urgency or rush to let go.
“How was the delivery?”
“A shit show, but bearable. You’re sure Mac wasn’t too much of a pain?”
I look over his shoulder, finding his daughter already digging into the pizza. She rips off a piece of crust and slyly hands it to Ziggy. “You’ve got a good kid, Gardner. She’s smart. Well-spoken. Kind. A bit of a meddler, but still awesome. I hope you know how special she is.”
Theo squeezes my palm before he lets go. “Yeah,” he says. “I do. I’m glad you get to see it, too.”
“Do you like pepperoni pizza?”
“It’s my favorite.”
“Green peppers?”
“I’m a fan.”
“Would you like to eat pizza with us?” I ask.
This time when Theo smiles, it’s a full-on grin. His whole body leans into it. Jovial eyes. Relaxed shoulders. It’s teeth and lips and puffed out cheeks. A cluster of leftover muffin crumbs. A magnet, a string, a yank and a tug trying to pull me closer.
“Yeah, Bridget,” he says. I like how my name sounds coming from him. “I’d love to.”
I raise on my toes, knock his shoulder with mine, and head to the counter with him by my side.
It’s silly how normal all of this feels. Spending time with his daughter. Throwing quips at him. Pulling apart stringy pizza and going through fifteen napkins. It’s like we’ve done it for years. Easy, effortless, fun. I look at Theo as I open the pastry display case to grab us dessert. There are three hundred colored lights reflecting in his glasses, but I notice he's only looking at me.
It’s silly how much I like it.
EIGHTEEN
BRIDGET
Bridget: Hi!
Theo: Hey. What’s up?
Bridget: I have a favor to ask.
Theo: Let’s hear it.
Bridget: How would you feel about accompanying me to a Christmas tree lot and watching me purchase six trees?
Theo: Six trees? What the hell are you going to do with that many?
Bridget: I have ideas.
Bridget: You could bring Mac!
Theo: She’s at a friend's house tonight.
Theo: But sure. I’ll go with you.
Bridget: Can we use your car?
Bridget: Before you say no, let me throw in the offer to buy you ice cream after.
