Page 50 of All I Want For Christmas Is You

Her arm lowered, searching for him, but landed on the mattress.

Where is he?

She sat up and looked around the room.

He was gone.

She threw off the covers and got out of bed, looking for a note or something. She knew him. He wouldn’t just walk out the door without saying goodbye. Her small room didn’t have many flat surfaces, though. The nightstand held the Christmas tree he’d given her, and her dresser had a jewelry box, a bag of yarn, and two boxes of clear glass globes.

She glanced inside the bathroom. Looking for what, though?

Do you think he’d write on the mirror in red lipstick?

Come on. You’re being ridiculous.

This was the plan all along. How many times had she reminded herself it was one night? A perfect night.

She’d known they’d never see each other again. Obviously. She was okay with that.

But to leave without saying goodbye made her feel… What?

I don’t know.

Maybe like it hadn’t meant as much to him as it had to her? But that’s not fair. He’d been nothing but honest about his feelings for her.

You need to stop it. He didn’t do anything wrong.

Still, nothing she told herself eased the sickening feeling.

And this is why I don’t do hookups. I get emotionally attached.

Rationally, she knew she was overreacting. But she was so much more than a rational human being. She had feelings and wounds, and right now, she felt stupid standing there naked, her body sore.

And cold. It was unusually chilly this morning.

I need a hot shower. Then, I’ll brush my teeth, grab some breakfast, and get to work. Because her life was all about forward motion. She headed into the bathroom and turned on the faucet, testing until the water warmed.

She wanted hot. Scorching hot, but it wasn’t getting beyond tepid.

Fine. Warm, it is.

As the water ran down her body, she reminded herself how much she hated goodbyes. It would’ve been so forced, chitchatting while he picked up his clothes and got dressed. He would’ve felt like he had to make false promises.

Maybe I can fly you out for a visit.

Let’s keep in touch.

Ick. That would’ve ruined everything.

The lodge had a special deal with a new luxury toiletry brand, and Margot loved the smell of its products. She poured shampoo from the sleek black and gold container into her hand and lathered up her hair.

He had a big, full life, and he’d forget all about her. Sure, on the way out of town, he’d remember their hot sex and the fun times. Might get a little wood when he thought of the way he’d taken her from behind that last time.

But by the time he got to the airport and got to his gate, their time together would be replaced with work emails and family issues. His real life.

And that’s okay.

It’s fine.

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