Page 3 of One Night at Christmas

She scoffed. “You made that.”

“But I’m imagining it was you.”

“I don’t know how to take you sometimes.”

“Well, I am a big guy, so that’s understandable.”

“Bryson!”

“Okay, I haven’t told her because she’d not interested in knowing about you or knowing you personally.”

“Meaning I’m nobody.”

His beautiful eyes narrowed. She could tell she had offended him, even though the insult was aimed at her. “You’re far from nobody. Don’t say that again.”

She concentrated on her plate, shifting the food around needlessly so he wouldn’t see how pleased she was at his emotion.

“You’re my best friend,” he admitted. “We’ve been through a lot together, even though we’ve never met in person. Sounds nuts but true.”

“I agree.”

“Gretchen is marrying me because it poses an advantage for her, nothing more.”

“That’s what you think.”

“She’s not interested in my friends unless that friend can get her what she wants. She’s cutthroat with business, the same way that I am. You don’t believe me.”

“I believe you. I just know there’s another side to you. And if you let that guy out in public, he could change the world.”

He made a gagging noise.

“Okay, you’re also an ass.”

He grinned and then grew serious. “I wouldn’t want her to meet you. She would devour you as a potential threat, and that can’t happen.”

“I’m not a threat.” Her heart ached. “You’re not willing to let go of your ambitions.”

“And neither are you.”

They were silent for a few minutes. She sighed. He was right, but she didn’t have any special dreams. All she desired in life was to have a simple and peaceful one. Her tiny apartment was enough, although she dreamed of having a house. The house probably wasn’t forthcoming while she worked at a pizza joint and hadn’t learned to be more disciplined in the money department.

When she shared her ideas for life with Bryson, he had truly gagged in disgust. His reaction mirrored her own when he flat out said he would be rich and powerful no matter what. He’d even said he would do anything to reach that goal. By thirty-five, he wanted to be president of a big corporation. The marriage to Gretchen would put him right where he wanted to be. Charon couldn’t even imagine such a goal.

“I’m glad I see you like this,” she said.

“How?” He was fishing.

“Sweet, kind, funny, playful…”

He gestured for her to continue, grinning.

“Too into yourself…”

“Hey!”

She laughed. “How can you be such a contradiction?”

“It’s a skill.”

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