Page 22 of A Cuddly Christmas
“Now we have to get this donkey to fall in love with us too,” I tell her, and she purrs loudly, clearly knowing that’s an easy job for her. “You’ll have to teach me your tricks.”
I know I can be a little rough around the edges, and Paxton has only seen parts of me. What will he think after being stuck together for the next few days?
Looks like we’re about to find out.
Chapter Twelve
PAXTON
I give Dominick a stern talking-to about running away from home, then I hug him and thank him for coming to my rescue. The trick Tilly suggested was perfect, and I’m so glad she was here to help get my little guy back.
It takes some time to get him settled and warm inside, but once he’s dry, he gets in his bed and goes right to sleep. I’m sure after his big adventure in the snowstorm he was exhausted, but more than anything, I’m glad that he’s safe.
“You seriously made this?” Tilly says as she finishes her bowl of stew.
“Why are you so shocked by my excellent skills?” I shrug as I eat the last of mine. “I’m alone a lot.”
“So am I, but I still can’t cook. It’s why Gramps is always bringing me food. I’m pretty sure I’d starve otherwise.”
“Then I’m happy to take over feeding duties,” I tease, and she smiles at me.
“I’m just thinking if you can do this with a head injury then imagine what you’ll make me when you’re back to your old self.”
“Is that an order?” I say, and she laughs.
“That’s me saying I like to eat.”
Tilly sat on the kitchen counter while I made dinner, and we talked the entire time. It felt like a first date, which was strange after all we’ve been through. Especially with what happened in front of the fireplace. Maybe it’s good we take things slow and go from here. She was in a vulnerable state before, and I don’t want to make the mistake of going too fast ever again.
“Do you think you’ll be okay to sleep?” Tilly says as I load the dishwasher and hit start. “With your head injury, I mean. Are you supposed to stay awake all night?”
“Oh, I should be okay. But just in case, I'll set an alarm every couple of hours to wake me up.”
“That doesn’t seem like a reliable way to do it.” She frowns like she’s thinking it over. “What if you don’t wake up?”
“It’s only as a precaution. I feel fine. I didn’t even need stitches.” I’d cleaned up my forehead after we came back inside, and although it was a pretty good cut, it wasn’t deep.
“Paxton—”
“I’ll be fine," I reassure her. “Besides, I’ll need to check on Dominick and Paprika anyway tonight. Why don’t you go ahead and take the bed and I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Wait, aren’t there, like, ten rooms in this house?”
I laugh. “There are six bedrooms, but unfortunately there’s only one bed.”
“Then I should take the couch; this is your house.”
“Do you like to argue?” She pretends to scowl, and god, I love this. The back and forth with her is what gets me going. Maybe it’s wrong, but I like winding her up.
“Yes, Paxton, I do. In fact, I love it. I love it so much I make up scenarios in my head so we can fight about them.”
I can’t keep my straight face any longer, and neither can she. We both burst out laughing, and it’s the best I’ve felt since we were kissing earlier.
Being with Tilly makes something inside me settle. It’s like I’ve been waiting on her to come into my life so I could stop running. My heart and my soul have slowed down now that she’s here, and it feels like I can finally take a deep breath.
“Why don’t we both take the bed? That way I can wake you up every couple of hours and make sure you’re not dead.” There’s a seriousness in her joke, but I shake my head.
“No, I don't think that’s a good idea.”
