Page 56 of Tinsel Time Treasure
“Really?”
I nodded. “She seems to be less angry for not telling them about all that shit.”
Max smiled. “Honestly, I would have been upset too, if I were them. I had no idea that you hadn’t told them.”
“It’s not as if they could have done anything from the other side of the country.”
“I don’t think that was the point. They care, and want to know you’re safe.
But I was safe… I was with you.
“I guess that’s true,” I agreed. “They want to meet you though, to thank you for looking out for me. They’ll be visiting for Christmas.”
“Tell me when and where.”
“Ok.”
I smiled, even as I wished that I could introduce Max as my mate instead.
Chapter 24 - Max
Ipulled my Christmas tree from the guest bedroom closet and carried it into the living room, then returned for my box of ornaments. The final box, full of garland, stockings, and other non-tree decorations was the last to be taken out before I started setting up the tree.
Christmas music filled the room, and I had a fireplace video on the television. However, something was missing.
I’d always been more excited for the holidays than Linden, but he’d participated nonetheless—sharing hot chocolate and being playful while we decorated the apartment.
I sighed and walked to the front window. I peered out to Justin’s apartment, where his friend Kaleb had decorated the windows the day before. Then I realized that one of the lights was on.
He was home.
I grinned and pulled my phone free.
“Hey,” Justin answered. “What’s up? Or… what’s for dinner?”
I smiled. “Actually… I’m setting up my Christmas decorations, and I was wondering if you might want to come over and have hot chocolate with me. We can put on a cheesy movie too.”
Justin laughed. “You know what? Sure. I’ll be right over.”
“Great! I’ll get the hot chocolate started.”
I hummed along with the music as I strode to the kitchen and added my ingredients to a saucepan. The milk was just starting to warm when there was a knock at the door.
I grinned when I opened it to see Justin wearing a Santa hat and with a huge smile on his face.
“What are you so happy about?” I asked as I ushered him in. “Good day at work?”
He laughed. “Average day at work.”
“Good news about your case?” I asked, referring to the pending trial against his stalker.
He shook his head. “No, I just love the holidays, especially all the colors.”
I chuckled. “Me too.” Then I noticed that his hand was wrapped around something. “What ya got?”
He grinned and held up an ornament that looked like a frog on a rocket. “Missile toad!”
I stared for a few seconds, then burst into laughter. “I know just where to put it, if you don’t mind it being here.”
