Page 33 of One Night at Christmas

“Bryson.” Confusion had her mind spinning. “You talk like… no, I’m not going to fool myself. And what difference does it matter anyway? We made choices that led us here.”

“We were stupid!”

She blinked at him.

“I was a fool to choose money over you.”

Her heart went nuts, beating crazily.

“When I made love to you that night, it was right.”

“You’re talking about sex. That’s not the same as making a decision to be with someone. I get it. You’re a man, and you think that’s everything.” She couldn’t hide her disappointment. The way he was speaking a minute ago made her think he loved her. She was letting the tinsel and the lights go to her head. It was almost amusing if she didn’t feel like crying. Then again, what was the point of getting upset? He didn’t come to North Carolina to do anything other than to make her an offer she couldn’t accept.

“I’m talking about how much I love you, damn it!”

Her mouth fell open.

He released her and rose to pace. “I thought this would be easy. I’m finding it hard to book my flight. I was going to give you money and then get out of here. I ended up shopping with you. I haven’t even reserved a hotel for the night. I don’t want to leave.”

She couldn’t speak.

“Four years ago, I thought I would lose my mind. I hired a private investigator to look in on you, to be sure you were taken care of. I fully expected that guy to forgive you because I would have.”

“Bryson.”

“Let me finish before I change my mind about laying it out there.”

She nodded.

“I wasn’t planning to invade your privacy. I just needed to be sure you were safe, as I said. You decided to marry him, and even though it killed me, I let it be enough. Then a few days ago, the investigator came back to me. I had let him go when I knew you got married. He told me you left your husband and that you were in trouble. I came here to make sure you were okay. But now…”

“Now?”

He stooped in front of her and took her hands in his. “I don’t want to leave you alone, Charon. I’ll figure out what to do with my business. I’ll settle with Gretchen. I’m going to move here with you.”

“W-what?” It was what she had wanted years ago, to hear him say he would abandon his dreams to be with her. Now that she heard it, with him being established and living his dream, she felt selfish. What would she be giving up if she moved to New York? A wai

tressing job? She had already left her husband. It didn’t compare. “You can’t. You love New York and everything it has to offer. You remember you used to tell me about the hobnobbing parties you attended. That’s your scene. This tame life isn’t for you.”

“Are you saying you don’t want me as I want you? I don’t believe it. I see the love in your eyes.”

She covered her mouth. All that time, she thought she was hiding it. He knew how she felt. It was her own insecurity not to see he loved her too. She saw it now though. His eyes were brilliant with his love, and they gave her life. A man as sweet and wonderful as Bryson adored her.

“Here we are again.” She sniffled and shook her head. “Nope. I’m not letting you do it. I’ll come to New York.”

“No.”

“Bryson, don’t be difficult.”

He straightened and chuckled. “Are we really arguing about who gets to make the bigger sacrifice?”

“You would be if I let you.”

“You’re telling me you wouldn’t be miserable at those same parties?”

She gestured to the living room with its wild mess, bags everywhere, torn paper, an over-decorated tree, and mugs of hot chocolate. “No, you’re right. This is my speed. It’s the perfect night. But there are apartments in New York. Crud, I probably couldn’t afford one in a million years.”

“You don’t have to worry about bills.”

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