Sawyer taped the final package and turned to me, palm outstretched. “C’mon.”
I took his hand, and he pulled me up. Instead of letting me go, he tugged me closer, his arms slipping around my waist. We were swaying, slow and unhurried, barefoot in a sea of discarded bows and paper.
“Sawyer…”
“Don’t stop singing,” he whispered.
So, I didn’t.
I rested my cheek against his chest, and the notes carried me. We moved slowly, the Christmas lights dancing across his face. The speaker rolled into the next song and then another, and we didn’t stop. Didn’t speak. Just held on.
I started to say something, and he shushed me. “We’re pretending. Practicing for later.”
We danced through four more songs, the world shrinking until it was him, me, and the music. Every time I felt myself slipping more into the moment, I let it happen.
His hand moved along my back, nudging me closer. I let out a breath as his lips brushed my temple. My body ached to tilt my face up to his, to see what would happen if I finally did.
When his phone buzzed on the counter, he threaded his fingers into my hair and pressed a kiss against my forehead. He pulled back enough to reach for his phone.
I knew the moment would pass, but this feeling wouldn't. Whatever was between us wouldn't last, and I wasn't naive enough to pretend otherwise. Still, I couldn't silence the small, reckless voice that whisperedwhat if.
TWENTY-TWO
Sawyer
I shiftedthe truck into park. “Last chance to fake a flat tire.”
Ellie gave me a sideways glance. “And have you miss out on the holiday you love so much? No way.”
I reached for her hand without thinking—not for the fake dating thing, but because I wanted to. We walked up to the ranch house, and the front door swung open before we got to the porch. Dotty appeared, wearing plaid pajamas and the expression of a woman who had been up since five, fueled entirely by Christmas spirit.
“There you are.” She launched a bag at my head. “Get your ass inside and change. Pajamas. Now.”
“I love the festive hostile energy,” I said, catching the bag walking inside.
Gracie came flying down the hallway like a caffeinated elf on a sugar high. “Uncle Sawyer!”
I barely got my arms out in time to catch her. “Hey, Trouble!”
“I missed you!”
“Missed you more, G.”
Behind her, Noah and Dorian appeared, both looking cozy and calm. Ellie gave them a small wave, and they nodded back. I could already feel Colt mentally cataloguing every single interaction we had, as if he was storing data for later.
Which, fair.
Trent yelled something from the kitchen that ended in, “No one touch the bacon!”
Dotty just rolled her eyes.
“Merry Christmas,” Ellie said softly beside me.
“Only the merriest,” I muttered, nodding upstairs.
“Your room is good for you two to change in, yeah?” Dotty asked.
“Um, yeah. Sure.” She gave me a cheeky, knowing smile and walked off.
