Page 52 of All I Want For Christmas Is You

They didn’t even have to cross paths.

* * *

Beau had been unreasonably happy. The moment he’d gotten the news his flight was canceled he’d run back to Margot’s room. He’d knocked, but he heard the water running, so he’d let her shower in peace—instead of kicking down the door like he’d wanted.

He’d camped out in the lobby, handling work issues, checking in on his kids, and glancing up every few seconds in the hopes of catching her when she came to get her coffee.

So, when he finally saw her, he’d nearly jumped out of his chair.

Until he’d seen her expression, and the way she’d stiffened. What the fuck was that about?

So much for his plan to drag her back to her room and kiss her senseless.

She’d looked at him like he was the stalker who’d popped out of the stacks in the library.

No secret smile for what they’d done last night, and no promise of more.

He was gutted.

Sure, he wanted to spend Christmas with his son and grandson. Plus, the leak at the mine was only worsening. He needed to get home.

But another day with Margot was a gift.

What had gone wrong? Had he been too rough with her?

Dammit. She’d insisted he be real. She’d said she needed it.

And the more real he was, the wilder she’d become. He knew that because he’d gone down on her right after he’d come, and she’d lost her mind.

Did she regret it?

Did she feel demeaned? Hell, he’d shoved his cock down her throat.

Even though he’d given her what she’d asked for—his real self—she obviously hadn’t liked it.

The idea that he’d hurt her—taken things too far—sickened him.

Well, there was only one thing to do. He’d have to apologize.

Around him, people fretted over travel plans, bemoaning missing Christmas with family. The lobby smelled of coffee and cinnamon, reminding him he hadn’t eaten yet today. Maybe he should grab something from the coffee bar?

A text came in from his son.

Walker: Any idea when the airport will open?

Beau: No. But my assistant’s talking to the nearest private airstrip.

The forecasters had accurately predicted the storm, but what they hadn’t anticipated was that it would stall and dump eight more inches over the same region. At no point had there been hope of him getting out of here.

But he hadn’t known that when he’d awakened with a start and checked his phone. He’d realized he’d have to race to get to the airport on time. As he’d scrambled to find his clothes and get dressed, he’d argued with himself over how to leave.

He couldn’t imagine walking out the door without letting her know how amazing she was, what their time together had meant to him, so he’d tried writing a note. He couldn’t find the right words, so he’d wound up crumpling a dozen pieces of paper and stuffing them in his pockets. Finally, he’d run out of time, and he’d left.

Could that be why she’d avoided him? Because he hadn’t given her the courtesy of a goodbye? He tapped his pocket, still stuffed with balled-up notes. When he apologized, he’d hand them to her.

Walker: No worries. Colt doesn’t know what day it is, so we’ll wait till you get here to celebrate.

Beau: Sounds good. You hear anything from Lorelei?

---