Page 16 of Holiday Hookup

“He told me to write that too.”

I turn, tears once again glistening in my eyes as his stare turns from happiness to concern right before I launch myself into his arms, my lips molding to his. It doesn’t take him long to react, his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me even closer.

“You okay?” he asks, breaking the kiss as our breaths start to even out. Leaning my head against his chest as his arms wrap around me.

When I nod, he kisses the top of my head. “Where’s Jaxon?” I ask as his scent surrounds me, calming my racing heart.

“I made up the spare room, even went to your place, and got his spaceship comforter. You know, that thing looks so small in the middle of that queen bed.” We both laugh as the passion starts to defuse.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “Thank you for taking care of him, I really appreciate it.” The words get stuck in my throat because asking for his help wasn’t something I ever wanted to do.

“Anything you need, I’m here.” Our eyes meet and I know he means it.

Chapter 12

I’m done.

Gone.

Whipped beyond belief, because Nel standing in front of me, thanking me for taking care of her son and giving me those gorgeous brown eyes, causes my heart to stop. That woman could ask for anything and I would give it to her.

How did I go from fucking faceless groupies every other night to fantasizing about kissing one woman? I tried to keep my cool as we walked back into the apartment, my eyes following her down the hall and into the spare room as she closed the door behind her.

I don’t know how long I stand there, the feel of her lips still lingering as I clean up the mess Jaxon and I made making ornaments. The decorations are a bit much for my taste, but the kid seems to love them, and that’s all that matters. Once everything is put away, I head into the kitchen, stopping at the fridge and grabbing a beer.

“I thought you would be in bed by now.” Nellie’s voice breaks through my fog as I stare at the woman that has taken up every aspect of my life. “Jaxon can take a toll on most people. I’m surprised you’re still standing.” She chuckles at her own joke as I take her in. Black hair falling loosely across her shoulders, the old T-shirt that has definitely seen better days, and the pair of bright pink boy shorts that peak out with every step she takes toward me.

“Yeah, I just needed something a little stronger than Capri-Sun.” We both laugh, knowing that my fridge is now stocked with that shit, along with something called Go-Gurt and fruit snacks.

“I know this is probably so far from the life you’re used to.”

I tilt my head to the side, wondering what she means. “I saw the pictures scattered around the house again.”

Once again, my eyes must convey confusion because she just smiles and continues. “I also saw the platinum records and hit singles you hid in the closet.” She motions to the only closet I have down the hall as I close my eyes, remembering when I stashed them there hoping to forget about that life for a while.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were in a band? And by the looks of it, a very famous one at that?”

How do I answer this question when I don’t even know the answer myself? So I take a deep breath and give it a try.

“I didn’t want you to know that side of me.” The admission catches us both off guard as she walks closer, fitting herself against the island across from me.

“What’s so bad about that side of you?”

My eyes scan the ceiling, trying to think of a way to explain it to her without sounding like an egotistical jerk.

“There’s nothing really wrong with him per se. He was just used to living a certain way…” I trail off, hoping she gets it, but groan when I see the teasing look in her eyes.

“So what you’re saying is you were a manwhore and got whatever you wanted at a drop of a hat?”

For a second I take offense, wanting to defend my work ethic and the empire we created, but I know she didn’t mean to insult my career, just my sex life.

“It’s not my fault the ladies flocked to me no matter where I went.”

The sound that comes out of her is something between a groan and a surprised intake of breath.

“Wow, all that attention really did a number on you, didn’t it?”

That is not the reaction I was expecting.

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