Page 31 of The Enemy's Daughter

“You’re really going to decorate your apartment?”

“Yes. This is my favorite time of the year, and it was also my mom’s. I know she’d still want me to dig right in, and enjoy it. Also, I’ve got a bit of baking planned for this weekend. What do you say?” she asked.

His arms were folded, and he looked a little grumpy. “Will anyone be joining us?”

“Like who?”

“Like your dad or Rebecca?”

“Oh, no. Rebecca has a date this weekend, and my father is away. I think he’s gone to China—or is it Japan? It’s somewhere, and I’m alone. What do you say? Come on, I’d have done it every single day this week, but you’ve been meeting me like you have done tonight,” she said.

It was Thursday evening. Blue had been there every single night, waiting for her. She was loving his attention, there was no denying it. Most of the time he took them to her place, and she cooked them dinner, which led into sex. Hot smoking sex, which she loved. There was no complaint from her.

“Okay. We’ll go shopping, and I’ll help.”

She clapped her hands. “Yay. I’m so glad.” Running to him, she jumped into his arms, giving a little squeal as he lifted her up, and placed her on the hood of the car. “Well, well, well, I didn’t expect that,” she said.

“I aim to please, babe. Now, where do you want to go today?” he asked.

“Today I’ve got to head to the mall. I ordered a gift for Rebecca, and seeing as she’s not with me, I’ve got time to collect and wrap it. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. My car or yours?” he asked.

“How about we both take our cars, and that way you can shop.”

He paused, frowning.

“You do shop for people, right? You have friends that you want to give gifts to? It’s the season for, you know, offering.”

“Oh, yeah, I know what you mean. Of course. I’ve got lots of plans. I’m just not used to talking about it, you know?” he asked.

She stared at him, and couldn’t help but wonder if he was lying.

“If you’re really uncomfortable with this, tell me. I don’t want you to do something you hate.”

“It’s nothing,” he said. “Honestly. Come on, let’s go.”

She stepped up to him, and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Thank you.”

Before he could say or do anything, she went to her car, climbing inside. Starting up the motor, she put a call through to Rebecca.

“Did you ask him?” Rebecca asked.

“Yeah, I did. How is your date going?”

“It’s going good. So far no axe murderer, and everything seems a little boring. Go, and enjoy this guy. He sounds awesome, and I hope to meet him soon.”

“I hope you can as well. I think …”

“What, Bella?” Rebecca asked.

“I think I like him, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.”

She heard her friend sigh across the line. “Embrace it. We’re entering the season of goodwill and all. This is what you need, and he’s what you need right now. Enjoy it. Life is too damn short, and you know that.”

Bella thought of her mother. “You’re right.”

“So, what did you get me for Christmas?”

---