Page 135 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show
A smile stretches my lips upward, and my heart swells, growing larger in his presence.
But just as suddenly I remember that such a world is impossible.
“Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”
“Yeah.”
I don’t say he is going to have to make his selection then, but the air feels heavier.
Luke stares into my eyes, then kisses me. His lips are wet and cold and cucumber-flavored, like the iced water on the table in the interview room. “I’m sorry about Bryce.”
I close my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about him.”
“Do you think we could still...” He hesitates, more nervous than I’m accustomed to. “Do you think you could overlook him, and still, you know...”
I grin. “He doesn’t matter, Luke. You do. I don’t care who your family is. I mean, I guess sort of. But my family isn’t getting any awards, and that would be a shitty reason to not see you.”
“I’ll keep him in line,” Luke says. “I promise. I want to keep you in my life. I don’t want you to run away. And I don’t want to cause anything that will make you run away.”
“It’s a nice dream,” I agree, nestled against his suit.
“It won’t be a dream,” he says, then he leads me to one of the soft buttery couches in the VIP room. “Not just a dream. I promise. I don’t want to risk your position, but I’ll wait for you, I swear. Whenever you’re ready for me.”
I draw my head back. “Wait for me?”
“Your hosting job.”
“Oh. That.” I sigh.
“What is it, Sebastian?”
I look down. “It’s not important.”
Shame bubbles through me, and I close my eyes. I don’t want to think about my workplace. I don’t want to spend however little time we have complaining about my boss and my colleagues.
“Tell me, Sebastian.” Luke sits on the couch and pulls me onto his lap. He starts to lay kisses on my neck. “Tell me.”
“Or we can make out?” I ask hopefully.
He snorts. “Nope. Not happening.”
He stops kissing me.
“You’re serious,” I say.
“Uh-huh.” He chuckles.
“It’s not important,” I say.
“But...?”
“But I’m pretty sure tomorrow night will be my last episode as the host.”
“They can’t do that!”
“I’m not the first host on the program.”
“Well,” Luke muses, “I’m certainly very attached to a certain host.”
