Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 59022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
I look at his larger than normal piece of luggage. Ethan lives in Miami so he’s back and forth a lot. But this visit is a surprise.
“I thought we could spend Christmas together, like when we were kids.”
He looks at the tree and smiles.
“I can’t believe you put a tree up,” he says.
I shrug.
“It felt right this year,” I say.
“It’s perfect, Char Char,” he smiles at me. “I have a feeling this is going to be the best Christmas ever.”
“Why is that?” I ask him with a smile even though I already feel a shift in energy from his presence.
“I have some news,” he looks sheepish and shy suddenly.
He grabs the box of eggnog, reads the almond milk label, and puts it down.
“What is it?”
“I’m engaged.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS…”
Ethan shoots down a glass of champagne then reaches out and grabs the voluptuous red-head that is about to become my sister-in-law.
I like her.
A lot.
Her name is Annie and honestly, given the fact that both her parents have that fiery red hair like her makes them assholes like mine for giving her such a heavy name. It means we get each other perfectly. Leave it to my brother to find someone actually capable of putting up with his bullshit in a loving way.
Annie and red hair will be synonymous for life and I’m here for it.
In addition to having incredible hair and this sexy boho style that I love and wish I could pull off without looking ridiculous, she’s pretty damn awesome. She’s been staying with us for the past week and her presence has livened up everything up. I can’t afford to be depressed in front of her.
I’m still trying to make a good impression.
“God, I love him!” She says to me as he kisses her on the mouth again and leaves the room to check on the vegan Christmas dinner he’s been preparing.
He made me replace almost all the sweets with healthy alternatives, citing worry over my cholesterol. I don’t have the heart, no pun intended, to argue with him, so I’m letting him have his way while he’s here.
Afterall, he’s five years younger than me and engaged.
Wonderful.
“Since I’m buzzed, I’m going to have to ask you a question that I’ll probably regret in the morning,” Annie says as she moves over to plop next to me on my couch.
“What’s that?” I smile.
She stares at me long and hard.
“Who is he?”
My breath hitches.
“No one,” I shake my head and speak in that small voice you use when you’re lying and Annie’s no dummy.
“Charlie. I’ve seen you mope around when you think no one’s looking and sometimes your eyes get all watery for no reason. When Ethan notices, you say it’s allergies, but I’m a woman, I know.”
Fine.
“He was just a guy that I met and knew I shouldn’t expect anything from, but I did, because I’m me. And then he hurt me by just being who he told me he was.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s over.”
Talk about optimism. I’m not near drunk enough to have this conversation.
“Trust me,” I hold my hand up with authority. “If you knew the whole story, you’d know it’s over.”
“Tell me,” she pleads.
“I can’t,” I shake my head.
“Come on!”
“I really can’t,” I think about the clause I signed and then I think about all the things I can say but I don’t know if I have the energy for it.
“Maybe another time,” I say. “Not on Christmas Eve.”
The doorbell rings.
Annie’s eyes light up as bright as the tree.
“Thank God!” She squeals in delight. “It’s the pizza I ordered!”
“Pizza?” I look at her in confusion. “I thought you and Ethan were vegan?”
“I’m going to cheat tonight,” she says. “He’s a terrible cook and I want pizza. I felt the need after that third drink. Nothing will hit the spot like it.”
I’m not mad about it.
“I’ll be right back!” she rushes off to the door and I sit back and stare at the tree. Mine is definitely lacking the flair of Stetson’s or anything I saw in Christmas Village, but something about it feels cozy.
I hear heavy footsteps in the room.
“I definitely want some,” I say over my shoulder, grateful that Annie ordered because I’ve never had a vegan Christmas before, and I’m all for it, but what if I’m still hungry?
“I definitely want some too,” his sweet, velvety voice moves around the room and my body like a dream come true.
My heart drops and I close my eyes.
Am I imagining this?
“No, baby,” he says. “I’m here.” As if reading my thoughts.
I turn around and stare at him with wide eyes, not caring that I said the words out loud, just hyper focused on the gorgeous man standing in front of me.
He looks exhausted.
His hair is mussed, and his beard is perfect, but his eyes… he looks like he’s been through a lot, the circles underneath his perfect lashes could tell tales. He’s dressed perfect for Naples, Florida in a t-shirt and jeans. Nothing remotely like something Santa would wear, but so hot.