His words are twisting my stomach into knots, and the idea of someone caring for me is an unexpected aphrodisiac. There are few people in my life I trust as much as the man leaning over me with fire in his eyes.
“Emanuele.”
“I’ve watched this go on for long enough. The rest of the night is mine.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Fighting is my default setting. As the youngest of three girls in a busy family, I’ve always had to work hard to be seen, heard, and valued. Letting go feels wrong.
“Stop overthinking.” He smooths his thumb down the center of my forehead, easing the flexed muscle. “Breathe.”
Eye fluttering shut, I inhale and exhale.
“That’s my girl. Keep breathing. I’ll be right back.”
Centering myself, I take a moment to reconnect and relax. I roll my neck and shoulders. The scent of pine assaults my nostrils as I hear his boots on the entryway. I turn to him and gasp at the large netted evergreen tree being wrestled inside.
“I come bearing gifts.”
“You got us a tree?” I rise from my seat on the couch.
“It’s tradition.” He grins as he props the tree against the wall. “And that’s not all.”
Shrugging the backpack off his shoulder, he opens it and presents a dark green Coleman Thermos.
“Nana’s hot chocolate.”
“Give me.” I shuffle across the floor in my elf shoe slippers, and he laughs, holding it high above my head.
“Only if you promise you’ll enjoy the rest of the evening. No more work.”
I scowl. “Blackmailer.”
“I’m not opposed to stacking the deck in my favor.” He shrugs and makes the canister dance.
My mouth waters at the thought of the rich, creamy chocolate goodness with hints of vanilla.
“Fine. No more work.” I reach for it, and he dodges, earning my growl.
“In thoughts or deed.”
“Agreed.”
He hands me the canister, and I grab it like Golem with the one ring. “Mine.”
He grins. “Of course. I had a fresh mug already.”
“Brat.” I unscrew the top, releasing the fragrant aroma of childhood. Triggered memories flood my mind as I breathe deep. Bringing the metal lid to my lips, I enjoy the drink as he hefts the six-foot tree inside to its place of honor, the alcove by the stairs.
“You did the heavy lifting, so I’ll get the decorations and the stand.” Draining the last of the drink, I twist the cap back on and set it on an end table.
Excitement gives my feet wings as I hurry to the back storage closet and dig out the hunter-green bins marked Christmas. I lacked the holiday spirit as I battled busy work shifts, travel arrangements for guests, and question answering.
This is exactly what I needed to, remember, why I love this season so much. The holidays have been a huge part of my life with my family running a Christmas Tree Farm. I lug the totes back to the main room with the stand on top.
He takes the bundle from me, and I smile.
“Thank you for this. It’s just what I needed.”
“I know you, Dec.”