Page 81 of Bragg's Christmas

“I promise my family will behave.”

“I know.”

They behaved today, after all. The only side eye they gave me was related to Damon touching me. Their curiosity is practically palpable in the air. If they find out we’re in this bathroom together, we won’t be able to hold back their questions any longer.

“I should go.”

He smiles. “You’ll be my date tomorrow?”

“No, I mean I should leave. It’s my night off, after all.”

“I…” He cuts himself off before stepping away. “I won’t force you. It’s your choice.”

“Thank you.” I skirt around him and rush to the door.

“But I won’t stop asking.”

I flip the lock. “Yeah, you will.”

Everyone gets tired of me eventually. I have enough experience to know this is true. I can wait for Damon to give up.

But he needs to give up soon. Before I give in again. I can’t give in. It’s bad enough I’m in love with him and his entire family. If we start to date and he gives me a glimpse of how wonderful life with him could be and then pulls away, I won’t survive.

It’s better to keep my distance.

Chapter 27

Stay out of my supply closet! ~ Message from the owner of Electric Vibes on the Winter Falls Facebook page

Love Hill

“This isn’t your seat, Love,” Soleil says as I settle at a table in the corner ofNaked Falls Brewing.

The guests from Daisy and Lennon’s wedding are gathering at the brewery for dinner following the ceremony and before returning toElectric Vibesfor the party. I’m supposed to be watching Skye and keeping her out of trouble. But the gossip gals have kidnapped her. And by kidnapped, I mean offered her candy.

I scan the room, but I don’t notice a seating chart. “I didn’t think there were assigned seats.”

She grasps my elbow and urges me toward the front of the room.Since she’s pregnant, I don’t wrench my elbow away and allow her to lead me to the main table.

“Here we go.” She tries to push me into a chair.

“I’m not sitting here, Soleil. This table is for the wedding party.”

“And their partners.” She winks.

I scowl. “I’m not Damon’s partner. I’m his nanny.”

“He wasn’t looking at you the way a man should look at his nanny when he dragged you to the restroom last night.”

I bury my face in my hands. I knew someone would see us. You can’t do anything in this town without someone finding out.

“Damon and I are not a couple.” No matter how much I love the man.

She smirks. “But you want to be.”

“No, no. I’m his nanny. Nothing more.”

“The lady doth protest too much.”

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