Page 22 of Twelve Dates of Christmas

“Rylan,” she gasped. Her wide-eyed gaze turn to me, and I wished I could turn to look fully at her, but the damn roads demanded my attention.

“You're amazing even when life deals you some shit cards. I’ll bet your first thought wasn’t to call me for help or to ask me for anything? Right?”

“Right,” she murmured, sounding almost guilty.

I squeezed her hand. “I’m going to turn the tide for you. I’m going to be your life jacket until you’re a champion swimmer—as long as you never swim away from me. I love you, Holly. I know it’s soon, but I love you. I knew it in a flash. You’re everything to me.”

“My life is a mess, Rylan. Too messy. I thought I could…do this…I love you, too, but I've got too much going on. I can’t…”

“Do what? Be mine? You are mine. No matter what’s going on in that head of yours, you are mine. We will fix whatever the hell else is trying to mess things up. When we’re together, we can fix anything. I promise. First we’re going home. Then we’ll deal with everything else.”

We were almost to my place, and I was glad. I needed to get us safely home then hold her in my arms while we worked out everything. She didn’t think we could be together. That was one thing to work on first.

Holly didn’t say much as I drove down my drive and into the curve in front of my front steps. The heavy snow disguised the magnificence of the gated community and my own property. But when we got inside, she stared around with wide shocked eyes.

“You don’t just have your own business,” she said.

“No.”

“Mr. James,” my head housekeeper and cook greeted me, coming into the foyer. “You’re home early.”

“Elsa, good afternoon. This is my fiancée, Holly. Can you get us warm drinks and refreshments and bring them to the family room, please?”

“Of course, sir.” She disappeared toward the kitchen while I took Holly’s coat and the rest of her outerwear. I noted the name of her company from the logo above her left breast. I’d dealt with the owners of Radmusken before. They’d get an earful from me at the earliest opportunity. But first, Holly.

I guided her through the hallways toward the family room at the back of the house. I immediately, flipped the switch for the fireplace and brought it to life. Taking Holly’s chilly hand, I guided her toward the couch and pulled her onto my lap. Her whole body seemed frozen as she cuddled into me.

It was no more frozen than my blood, though. When I considered anything happening to her… It was too much to bear.

I pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and tucked it around us. Reaching to the side, I used a remote to turn on the lights on the Christmas tree that was placed in front of the triple-width windows. A lot of the mansion was stuffy and formal, but this was one of the places I’d ensured remained homey.

“Welcome home,” I whispered.

Holly curled her hand into my shirt and turned her face into mine. I kissed her lightly, knowing we weren’t really alone, and I couldn’t do more. Yet.

“Did you call me your fiancée?” she asked.

“Yes. Problem?”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Not going to, either. You’re mine, baby. As soon as I can get you down the aisle, it’s happening.”

“You’re…” She trailed off when Elsa brought in hot chocolates and homemade Christmas cookies, decorated with green and red sugar.

“Thank you,” I said. “We’ll be okay. If you and the rest of the staff want to head home, please feel free to go, and I’ll comp the rest of your day, as well as tomorrow. I don’t think the weather’s getting better. Of course, there’s room if you’d rather stay.”

“Thank you, sir. My husband will appreciate that.”

“Tell Kyle hello. Please drive carefully.”

She nodded and disappeared from the room. A few minutes later, she reported she was the last out the door, then Holly and I were alone.

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