Page 27 of Clause & Effect
“…you know what this means.” He sobers a bit. “If you felt the ground shake it means she’s the real deal or she could be, it means a risk, that doesn’t?—”
“—I know.” I immediately feel like I’m going to be sick. “Imagine loving someone with so much force even magic has to acknowledge it.”
I leave out the rest of my thoughts as my brain reminds me. “Imagine losing it too.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” Jayson whispers. “Take it a day at a time.”
Time. As if we really have it. Once Christmas is finished my chances are gone. You only get one shot when you feel the earth shift that way, one Christmas to make things right. Christmas gives chances, but if it gave you one each Christmas would it really be special?
I have a choice to make.
And I have until midnight Christmas Day to make it.
CHAPTER TEN
“Was that a reindeer we saw on the second level?” Devon asks Stetson as soon as we join him and Jayson in the living room. The floor to ceiling windows showcase an incredible view of the fjord, even in the dark that is the North Pole in Christmas.
“Yes, it was.” Stetson says.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I believe Christmas is a big holiday for you?” Devon smiles amiably.
I gaze out the windows. It’s clear today, surprisingly, the snow just stopped and the sky is lit up brightly with all the stars.
Just like my heart when I set eyes on Stetson.
His dirty blonde hair looks like he was rolling around in bed doing all the naughty things he keeps teasing. His ruggedly handsome face is guarded, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. I can only tell what I’m thinking and it’s simple: this guy is an arctic cowboy sex god.
I’m convinced.
He’s wearing blue jeans and a black t-shirt, and he couldn’t look more delicious. I played it casual too—blue jeans and a white t-shirt. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. I did do my hair and put some make-up on, and Grace said I lookedgreat. Trust me, if she didn’t like my vibe, she’d be more than thrilled to tell me.
“You might say it’s a family tradition,” he replies cordially.
“I imagine it must be,” Devon looks around at the impossibly gorgeous view. “You parked in the perfect spot.”
“We know the area well,” Stetson explains. “Now can I offer you all a drink?”
He motions to one of the servers who comes over.
Grace surprises both Devon and I and orders us a gin martini.
And by us, I mean her and I.
“Go big or go home,” she tells me with a smile.
“I’d prefer if I didn’t have to carry you both home,” Devon pins his wife with his gaze.
“I’ll take care of Charlie.” Stetson says this with such force and knowing that my legs immediately turn to Jell-o.
“I’m sure you will,” Grace cocks a brow at him.
He folds his arms across his chest and smiles at her.
“She’s in good hands.”
Grace stares at him with the intensity of a mama polar bear defending her cub.
“That remains to be seen.”
