Page 15 of A Jolly Christmas Disaster

She just shakes her head, smirk growing as she stares at me.

“Don’t be a brat,” I snap, wincing at my harsh tone. “Sorry. I don’t know what that was about.”

“Sure, you do. You like them, and you don’t want me teasing you about them. I get it.” Tali shrugs. “Which one was that?”

“Cy. The four of them want to take me out on individual dates this week. He wouldn’t tell me what we’re going to be doing, but I’m excited, Tali.” I shake my head. “I’m too excited. What if it all blows up in my face.”

Tali is across the room, pulling me into her arms. “You can’t think like that, babe. You went through hell for years, so it’s understandable why you think that way. You’re not there anymore. Not everything is going to go horribly. You deserve this—you deserve them. I’m still not sure they deserve you, but for now, I’ve accepted they’re at least trying. Sure, if you never give anyone a chance, they’ll never hurt you. But if you don’t, how will you ever be happy?”

I know she’s right, but I just shrug. “I’ll keep trying. I’m just scared.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that. Just don’t give up. That’s all I’m asking of you.”

I give her a small smile as I extract myself from her hold and get back to working on dinner.

I’ll keep trying, and not because Tali is asking me to, but because I want to. I want to see where this can go. I just hope I can keep my fears under wraps while I get to know these four men. I like them a lot more than I ever thought I could or would. All I can do is hope that they don’t hurt me. I guess only time will tell.

The next day, I’m surprised at how well I’m able to focus on my work even with as excited as I am about my date tonight. I’m surprised when my alarm goes off, telling me it’s time to get ready.

I managed to get all of my promo posting done for my authors, and finish a cover I should’ve finished the day before. Not to mention, I started a second one that will only take another hour or so tomorrow. All in all, it’s been a productive day.

I quickly shut down my computer as I’ve let all my authors know I have a date tonight. They were all super happy for me. I wonder what they would think if they knew I was actually dating not one, but FOUR men just like in the books some of them write. I think I’ll keep that little tidbit to myself for now.

The doorbell chimes, and I frown. I know it’s not Cypian. There’s no way he’d show up an hour early, right? Oh, gods... I hope it’s not him. I’m still in my pajamas. I didn’t feel like putting in the effort to look presentable when I knew I’d have to get all gussied up tonight.

I scamper to the door and peek through the peephole. I sigh with relief when I see Laoise standing on the other side of the door.

“Lee? What are you doing here?” I ask as I throw the door open.

“I’m here to help you get ready for your date, obviously.” She holds up a garment bag and a box that I’m sure holds makeup and other beauty products. She’s always bringing us new products to try.

“Come on in then.” I step back to allow her inside. “How did you even know...”

I trail off at the look on her face and snort. “Of course. Tali told you. The three of you know I am capable of getting myself ready for a date, right?”

Laoise laughs, a tinkling sound I’ve always been jealous of. “We are aware, but why should you have to when you have us?”

Rolling my eyes, I follow my friend to my room. She quickly points to the bathroom. “Go shower. Make it quick. We only have an hour.”

“Yes, mistress,” I joke as I duck into my bathroom, Laoise’s laughter following me.

Like the good girl I am, I’m in and out of the shower in ten minutes. I head back to my room wrapped in nothing more than a towel. I’m surprised to find that Laoise has laid out not one, but four different outfits on my bed.

She grins when she spins around to see me standing there. “Good girl. Now, sit down so I can blow dry your hair.”

I sit on the vanity stool and shake my head. My three friends like to call me a good girl ever since I told them I think I might have a praise kink. They’re lucky I love them, because they’re kind of assholes sometimes. But I know they only do it because they love me.

Twenty minutes later, Laoise has finished my hair. I can never make it look this good with my curls falling perfectly over my shoulders. It’s one of the many reasons I’ll never turn down Laoise doing my hair. Maybe one day I’ll get the hang of it. Until then, at least I have her.

“Before I do your makeup, you need to pick an outfit.” Laoise gestures to the bed. “I had a new designer reach out to me about trying some of their clothes. I agreed, but only if I could get some for my besties as well. Of course, they said yes. I brought over enough outfits for all of your dates so you won’t freak out too much about what to wear.”

I laugh because she knows me so well. “Yes, four outfits are much less overwhelming than an entire closet full of clothes. These are gorgeous, Lee.”

“They are. I think this designer is going to be one of my favorites. She’s going to blow up fast, I think.”

I run my hand over one of the sweaters, finding it super soft. Deciding it’s just what I need, I choose that outfit for my date tonight. I love that Laoise has brought over dress and skirt options because I prefer them to pants. The girls like to make fun of me for it, but I find pants confining. It does mean I have to wear a lot of tights during the winter, but I’m okay with that.

“I think this is the one,” I tell Laoise as I lift the soft lavender sweater.

---