Page 32 of One Night at Christmas

“Am I wrong for saying that?”

“You shouldn’t.”

“You’ve been fighting me this whole time, but I’m determined to make sure this is a happy Christmas for you and her.”

“I truly appreciate it, but it’s enough.”

“It’s never enough.”

Naomi dragged a box of her toys down the hall toward her room. They were left alone. Although Bryson sat across the room, Charon felt like he was right next to her within touching distance. And boy oh boy did she want to touch him. She couldn’t because he belonged to another.

“Charon.”

She jumped. “Yeah?”

“Why are you so nervous? I know it’s been a while, but I’m still the same man you knew.”

“You’re not the same.”

He gazed down at himself. “No? I’ve gained a little.”

“Lies,” she teased. “You’re not the same as before we had our night together.”

“You’re seeing me differently.”

She didn’t deny it. When he moved to the sofa where she sat, she resisted drawing her knees up and curling into a protective ball. The only furniture they had was a futon because it could double as a bed. Bryson hadn’t been able to furnish her apartment yet.

“I’m not,” she denied.

He sat down beside her. His thigh was too close. She imagined she felt the heat from his body, but it was more likely all in her head. A gentle thumb brushed over her cheek and made her tremble. She shut her eyes and turned her head. Temptation overwhelmed her.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

“Don’t, Bryson.”

“Should I lie? We talked every day. It was a heavy blow to have that disappear. I hated it. I missed you, Charon, and I’m going to be honest. It’s taking everything inside me not to take you into my arms right now. I want to kiss you—”

She popped up off the sofa, but he caught her wrist before she could get away. He gave a gentle tug, and she fell back down. Another pull had her against his chest and his arms around her.

“It’s wrong,” she mumbled.

His lips brushed her jawline. “It’s right. Charon, be mine.”

“You can’t talk like that!”

“Be mine.”

Tears filled her eyes. She tucked her chin into her chest, but it lasted for an instant. She drew closer, allowing her hands to be trapped between them. He smelled amazing, and the warmth of his breath on her face along with the rumble in his chest as he spoke, affected her far more than the chocolate.

“I’ve always been yours.”

His embrace tightened. They didn’t kiss, but the intimacy between them was still very real. It was as if they were one. Her entire being was so alive and aware of him. He satisfied something in her soul that only he could. Having Bryson hold her, seeing him, it made clear how empty her life had been with Morris. When she lost Bryson, the only thing that made her existence good was Naomi.

“I wish she was mine.”

Charon gasped and jerked back to look into his face. “You mean Naomi? You’re kidding?”

“She’s a part of you, and if she were mine, that would mean I gave you a child.”

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