Page 46 of Vixen's Guide to Christmas
“Slept together?”
“Yes. The last time we slept together,” she says in a huff, finally taking a few steps toward the bed. “I distinctly rememberyou being on the right side of the bed, which was great, because that’s not my side of the bed. But here you are, being on my side. So I’m going to need you to switch.”
I look to my right then back to her. “Nope. Sorry. Get comfy, roomie. It’s time for bed. Either that or the cot.”
It’s a bold move I just made, but I know for a fact how uncomfortable that thing is. If she chooses that over the bed, she’s more stubborn than I thought.
“Listen, Grayson, I’m honestly a pretty go-with-the-flow person. But there are a few things in my life that I need to happen. It always has to be Heinz Ketchup. Twizzlers over Red Vines. And I have to sleep on the left side of the bed.”
“Yeah…no,” I say, putting down my book and flipping off the light on my side.
“No?” she squawks, even though she does walk toherside of the bed and gets in. “Why are you being so difficult? What happened to the chivalry?”
I wait for her to fully lie down before I roll over the pillow fort, hovering on top of her. My move catches her by surprise, her brown eyes round and unblinking. And it takes all, and I mean all, the power in my body to not lean down and take those perfect lips with mine.
“I sleep closest to the door,” I begin. “That’s why I slept on the other side last time, and it’s why I’m going to sleep here now. This is a non-negotiable, Kat. Because I am chivalrous. Also, if we were walking, I’d be on the side closest to the street. I’ll always open a car door for you. Hold open a door. And always, I mean always, will I be the one sleeping closest to the door. Do you understand?”
Kat is silent, just nodding at my words. I take advantage of the situation, and lean down, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Another bold move? Absolutely. But frankly, I don’t know when I’ll be able to do it again, and I wasn’t going to waste that chance.
“Oh, and one last thing,” I say, lowering myself the closest I can get to her without touching. “I’m not going to kiss you. That is, until you ask me to. Because I am chivalrous. And I’m willing to wait however long it takes.”
guide to christmas (and love) rule #120
Grey sweatpants and glasses should be automatic qualifiers for the naughty list.
14
kat
I'm a chicken shit.
That and the pillow fort was as useful as a Zippo in hell.
Never in a million years did I think I’d describe myself as that. I'm pretty good at confrontation. I stand up for myself, and those I care about, when I need to. If I do something wrong, I fess up to it. All in all, I’ve never been one to back down or run away.
Except, apparently, when I wake up on the chest of the man I shouldn't be waking up on. Then I turn into a big old wussy and sprint from the hotel room like I just egged someone’s house.
Thanks for nothing, pillow fort…
When I started to wake up, I knew before even opening my eyes that I felt more refreshed than I had in days. Part of it was from the hot tub and my muscles being relaxed. But then I felt Grayson’s arms around me. His firm chest underneath me. That’s when I really knew why I slept like a baby. Because I felt safe. Protected. I had a man who went toe-to-toe with me to sleep on the side of the bed closest to a door in case of a hypothetical intruder.
Dammit…I’m all sorts of fucked.
Once I realized where I was, I didn’t move for more than a few minutes. And not because I was comfortable and warm and cozy—really, it wasn’t because of that. It was because I didn’t know how to get out of his hold without waking him up. Because I couldn’t be here when he opened his eyes. I couldn’t have the awkward morning talk. We didn’t have it that first night, and I loved it. It was part of the reason I knew I wanted to see him again. I hated yesterday, when we had our bouts of silence where no one knew what to say. And for a woman who is known for her crisis management skills, it’s baffling that I don’t know how to handle this situation. More specifically, these feelings.
I want him. I like him. I really, really, like him. Maybe more than anyone I’ve ever tried to date, or even considered in that avenue. Every time I see him, I want to kiss him. I didn’t want to leave a bed today, because being next to him was the best feeling in the world.
Which also made it be the worst feeling in the world. I can’t date him. I can’t be with him. I know it’s not fair to judge him against past experiences, but I don’t see a way our careers can coexist within a relationship. So why go into something when you know how it's gonna end? Especially when that ending is heartbreak.
So I got out of there. I stepped on pillows, almost tripped over the cot, poked my eye out when I put my contact lens in, but eventually, made it to the restaurant.
I’m shocked to even find a table. I think every guest is here, which isn’t surprising since we’re all pretty much stuck and this is one of our only options for food. Luckily, the waitress is on her game. and I order almost immediately. As she brings over my coffee and apple juice, I fire up the laptop to check some emails. Might as well. since the vacation isn’t happening.
On first glance, there’s nothing out of the ordinary. Emails from GameTech that I'm always included on as part of the seniorleadership team. A few specifically from Logan, asking me to look into a few things—though he did qualify his request by saying that I’m not to do a thing until after January 1. When I switch over to my freelance Katherine email, I’m pleased to see three asking if I’m taking on new clients. But most importantly, I’m not seeing the “thanks but no thanks” email from Declan and Howard. Granted, I doubt they made their decision on a day when their hotel got busier than they probably expected because of the snow. It would also be a little sticky if they let either Grayson or I down when we’re both staying here for the foreseeable future.
My breakfast comes out quicker than I expected for how busy the restaurant is, and I start doing a morning doom scroll while I eat my eggs and turkey sausage. I’m six videos in to an “Am I The Asshole?” story when movement catches my eye.
