Page 107 of A Very Merry Enemy
“You, too.”
She climbs into her car and starts the engine. Her headlights come on as she backs out of the driveway with a wave. I watch her taillights disappear and go into my dark house.
I add logs to the fireplace and start it. When flames are licking up the side, my phone dings.
Holiday
Made it home safely. And just so you know, I’m not mad that you dated my friends. I’m jealous that you gave yourself to them.
Lucas
We don’t want to talk about jealousy, sweetheart. It killed me seeing you plan a wedding with someone else.
Holiday
You know, I have to confess something. All those years I didn’t come home, it was because I was scared I’d see you and give it all up. What if I just need to get you out of my system?
Lucas
Oh, that will never happen. I’ll linger under your skin for eternity.
Holiday
That’s what I’m afraid of. You ruined me, Lucas Jolly. For anyone else.
Lucas
More proof my wishes always come true.
I set my phone down and lean back on the couch, grinning.
Holiday Patterson wants me, and she’s making damn sure I know it.
Now I just have to make it five days without breaking my own rules by going to see her.
I want her to be absolutely sure that I am what she wants.
CHAPTER 22
LUCAS
I’m standing in front of the mirror in Jake’s old bedroom at our parents’ house, adjusting my tie for the third time. It’s been five days since I’ve seen Holiday, and I’m losing my mind.
We’ve texted short and sweet messages that feel like breadcrumbs when what I really want is the whole damn meal. There were severalgood morningandhow’s your day goingtexts.
The bakery is insane.
The farm is chaos.
Black Friday nearly killed me.
Hope you’re surviving.
There was nothing substantial. Nothing that crossed any lines that we agreed not to cross right now. But every time my phone buzzes, my heart jumps, hoping it’s her.
I almost broke twice. Wednesday night, I was in my truck with the engine running, ready to drive to her house. Friday afternoon, I found myself standing outside the bakery like a creep, watching her laugh through the window before I forced myself to leave.
Five days felt like years.
