Page 145 of Holiday Friend Zones
She bites down on her bottom lip.“Show me the way, Deputy Moore.”
That’s all I need to hear before I escort her out of the festival and into my truck.
ChapterEight
SAYLOR
On Christmas morning, a knock sounds on my bedroom window.I slide out of bed, open the curtains, and find Luke standing outside—still in his plaid pajamas, boots, an oversized winter jacket, and a hat.
I unlock and lift the window.“I told you this isn’t a good look for a Deputy.”
“Get your jacket, I’m spending Christmas morning with you.”
Since Luke’s parents are in town, and I’m at my mom’s we opted not to share his bedroom while they’re here.
Still groggy, I grab anything warm I can find.Luke helps me out the window, lifting me easily.Then he puts me on his back, since my boots are in the front hall and I’d probably wake my mom if I went to grab them.He closes the window then carries me across the snowy path toward our old tree house.
“I feel like this might result in me spending Christmas in the Emergency room.”I stare at the wobbled wooden stairs.
“It’s not going to break.Believe me, I’ve made sure it’s sturdy all these years.I always do repairs on it in the spring.”
I look at him over my shoulder.“Really?Why?”
“Because our kids are going to be using it one day.”
My heart soars at hearing how much he lays himself out for me.Something I’ve discovered I love and didn’t have with Tyler.
“You already have us with kids?”
“Believe me, we’re gonna go the distance.”
I haven’t seen Tyler since the festival, and I haven’t even looked toward his house.I’m sure he’s there, but I don’t care.I’ve spent every moment I can with Luke.
The snow has already been brushed from the rungs, proof he’s prepared something up there.I climb the ladder—the small steps nailed into the tree trunk—and pull myself through the chute.
“Oh my God.”
Inside, a small Christmas tree glows in the corner.A pot of hot cocoa with two cups sits beside a tray of cinnamon rolls, and a Christmas blanket is spread across the floor with pillows, while fairy lights twinkle overhead.The space is warmed by a small battery-operated heater in the corner.
“This is very romantic, Deputy Moore.”
“Gotta agree with you there.”He climbs in after me, pulls off his boots, and sits.“Merry Christmas, Saylor.”He inches forward for a kiss.
“Merry Christmas, Luke.”I kiss him, wanting more already.
We clink our mugs together and sip our hot chocolate.
I lean forward and kiss him again.“Thank you for this.”
“I wanted to spend a little time alone with you this morning since I have to work this afternoon.”
“I forgot you had to work.”I pretend to pout.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be home later.You sure you want to date a deputy?”
“I don’t want to date just any deputy.I want to date you.”
He kisses me once more, and then I tear into a cinnamon roll.He reaches under the tree and pulls out a small box, handing it over to me.
