Page 11 of Holiday Temptation

After eating, we make our way to Dominic's sleek black car. He holds the passenger door open, and I slide into the plush leather seat. He takes the driver's seat, and the engine purrs to life, filling the quiet night with its soft rumble.

With the gentle hum of the car surrounding us and the subdued streetlights casting a muted glow, I hesitantly voice a suggestion. "There's a neighborhood not too far from here, Maplewood Drive. They're known for their holiday displays. Let’s drive through and take a look before heading home."

Dominic looks over, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You really are determined to immerse me in the holiday spirit, aren't you?"

I laugh softly, feeling a bit sheepish. "Guilty as charged. But I promise, it's truly a sight to see. The entire community comes together to create something magical."

He smiles, the corner of his lips curling up. "Well, since I've already experienced a few magical moments tonight thanks to you, why not? Let's go to Maplewood Drive."

My heart flutters at his response, and I settle deeper into my seat.

It isn’t long before we turn onto Maplewood Drive, and almost instantly, a transformation unfolds. Rows of houses twinkle under the spell of thousands of lights. Trees wrapped in white luminescence stand tall beside driveways, their branches shimmering. Yards are adorned with inflated Santas, reindeer in mid-flight, and frosty snowmen, their presence rendered surreal under the velvety blanket of the night sky.

Dominic slows the car to a near crawl, allowing us to soak in every radiant detail. Colorful string lights drape elegantly from rooftops, cascading down in graceful waves. Windows showcase miniature winter wonderlands, with toy trains chugging around snow-covered villages. Every corner, every home tells a story of celebration and joy.

From one house, the soft melodies of a Christmas carol float towards us, mingling with the cool night air. Another home has a synchronized light show, the bulbs flashing brilliantly in rhythm with a cheerful tune.

"Look at that one," I point out, drawing Dominic's attention to a particularly grand display. A life-sized and beautifully detailed nativity scene occupies a house's front yard. The soft glow of a spotlight illuminates the scene, casting ethereal shadows on the surrounding snow.

"I must admit," he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the enchanting hum of Maplewood Drive, "this is damn spectacular."

"It reminds me of what my dad and I would do," I say softly, the weight of nostalgia pressing on my chest.

He glances at me, one eyebrow raised in that way of his. "How so?"

Drawing in a deep breath, I venture into memories that feel both distant and piercingly fresh. "After my parents divorced, Christmas became a challenge. It wasn't about the big family gatherings anymore. It was about making both houses feel like home during the holidays."

Dominic’s grip tightens on the steering wheel, indicating his attention despite his casual demeanor.

"My mom and I would spend hours on the inside of her house. Every ornament had a history, and she loved to recount the tales. With my dad, it was different. We'd tackle the outside, scaling the roof, stringing lights. One year, we built a North Pole scene in the yard. Rudolph's placement became a point of debate."

I chuckle, the sound laced with a hint of melancholy. "Those moments with him made the holidays bearable. Splitting time between two homes could've been a nightmare, but we turned it into an adventure."

Dominic looks over, the light from the displays reflecting in his eyes. "Sounds like you made the best out of a tough situation."

I nod. "I tried. And now, seeing Maplewood, it reminds me of the importance of tradition and creating memories."

He smirks slightly, a touch of his usual playfulness returning. "You're making me feel like a Grinch for not having climbed a rooftop before."

I laugh, happy to see his lighter side. "There's a first time for everything. Maybe this year?"

We drive in companionable silence for a few moments, just absorbing the magic around us. I can't help but steal glances at Dominic. The glow from the lights paints his face in hues of reds, blues, and greens, highlighting the contours of his chiseled features.

Dominic takes a deep breath, looking out at the festive displays. "Hearing all this about your family and how you navigated the holidays... you shouldn't have had to go through that."

Surprised, I turn to him, "It wasn't that bad. I mean, it wasn't ideal, but both my parents tried."

He nods curtly, jaw set. "I get that. But still, someone like you deserves an uncomplicated, full-out joyous holiday. Not just a 'making it work' one."

I raise an eyebrow. "You're unexpectedly protective tonight. Not that I mind."

Without warning, Dominic abruptly pulls the car over to the side of the road. The unexpected motion leaves me startled, and I turn to face him. The ambient glow of the holiday lights casts shadows on his face, but his eyes are intense, locked onto mine.

His expression softens a bit, and he clears his throat. "Sorry for that sudden move. Just... needed a moment." He takes a deep breath, searching my face as if looking for the right words, or maybe the courage to say them. "I guess I'm not great at hiding my feelings tonight. The truth is, Emily," he hesitates, taking another deep breath before fixing his gaze on me, "I've come to like you. More than I thought possible in such a short time."

My heart races, and the cozy warmth from before turns into a blazing heat. A flurry of emotions swirls within me—shock, elation, nervousness. I bite my lip, mustering the courage to voice my own feelings.

"Dominic, I... I feel the same. There's something about you beyond the physical attraction—though there's definitely that," I add with a teasing grin, "that's pulled me in."

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