If Charlie was an emoji, she would be the heart-eyes one. “I love it. So, what’s the problem? If you can handle friends with benefits, then you should go for it.”
“I don’t think I can because now I want more than that. I wanteverything.”
“In other words, arealrelationship?”
Rosie couldn’t miss the sarcasm in her friend’s voice. “Yep. You were right. Go ahead and say ‘I told you so’ because I can’t pretend anymore. I’m falling in love with him.” She couldn’t believe she was admitting it, but it felt good to get the words out.
“Why is that a bad thing?” Charlie asked.
“Because it’s not what we agreed on. I’m breaking all the rules.”
“I think you blew past the rules when you had sex. Which is totally okay. Who says things have to stay as they are?” Charlie placed her hand on Rosie’s shoulder. “It’s only December fourteenth. Why not enjoy your time with Drew and see how the rest of the month plays out? Isn’t this agreement supposed to last until Epiphany? By then, he might feel the same way you do.”
“I wish, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
He’d never acted like he wanted more. But if he did, she’d be willing to work for it. Even if she’d gone into this ruse insisting she was too busy for romance, this past week had proved otherwise. With Drew, she could carve out time for her jobandher love life.
“You don’t know yet,” Charlie said. “But right now, you’ve got more than enough to deal with. Why not take things one day at a time?”
Rosie nodded. What other choice did she have?
She couldn’t push Drew. But she could at least admit the truth to herself. She was in love with him. And if she could have one wish this Christmas, it would be for him to reciprocate her feelings before their time together was over.
That wasn’t too much to ask, was it?
Twenty-One
3 Days UntilChristmas
Two weeks ago, when Drew had picked up Rosie in her elf costume, he’d thought she looked sexy. But that outfit was nothing compared to tonight’s dress.
She greeted him at the door wearing a figure-hugging dark green velvet gown that showed off her curves. A strand of pearls drew attention to her generous cleavage. And her hairdo was far more elaborate than the tight bun she usually wore at work. It made her look like a goddess, her hair twisted up in an elaborate arrangement, with a few soft curls framing her face.
“Damn,” he said. “Rosie, you’re unbelievable.”
“In a good way, right?” She smoothed her hands against the side of her dress, revealing polished crimson nails.
“In the best possible way.” He moved in closer and twisted a curl between his fingers. Up close, he caught the scent of her jasmine perfume. Placing a soft kiss beneath her ear, it was all he could do not to pull her tight against him. “You’re utterly irresistible.”
She laughed. “Well, you’ll just have to resist me for now because I’m not taking off this dress until I get the chance to display it properly.”
He stepped back and let his gaze roam over her figure again. “Your dress is stunning. I’ll be very careful when I remove it tonight.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Is that a promise?”
“Definitely, but we’ll save it for later.” The thought of unwrapping her like a Christmas present filled him with a surge of desire, but he’d wait until after the wedding to act on it.
“Hang on a sec, and I’ll get my things.” She dashed back into her apartment and returned with a beaded black clutch and a fringed shawl.
“I parked outside but called us a ride-share. That way, we can take advantage of the open bar. The wedding’s downtown, right across from the Inner Harbour.” Up until now, he hadn’t revealed the location for fear of her reaction.
She tugged on his tie. “As much as I love ogling you in workout gear, you look extremely hot in a suit.”
“Thanks. It’s my only one.” He’d bought it shortly after graduating from university but rarely used it. He couldn’t imagine working at a job where a suit and tie were mandatory, but dressing up for one night was a fun change of pace.
As they headed outside, she took his arm. “Are youfinallygoing to tell me where this wedding reception is taking place? What’s the big secret?”
“You’re not going to like it.”
