He just knew it.
Inside, the whole place had been decked out in Christmas decorations. Garlands covered in lights and berries were draped on railings. They could be found embellishing counter edges as well as coiled around banisters. A larger-than-life Christmas tree was in the center of the dance floor. It was decorated tastefully in white lights, berries, and rustic wooden ornaments. Christmas music played from speakers and people were already dancing. There were others seated at various tables eating the refreshments being offered, even though there was a restaurant in the other part of the building.
It was as if they’d entered another dimension. One where Christmas wishes could come true. Marcus tugged at Wynter’s hand, pulling her around to face him. She released a surprised laugh, and both of her hands came to rest on his chest. Her curious gaze questioned him, demanding answers to questions he wasn’t sure he could give her yet.
Not without scaring her.
“Dance with me,” he demanded in a whisper.
She nodded. “I’d love to.”
Marcus slipped his arms around her waist, and they swayed. He didn’t know any fancy moves. He’d never been interested in impressing a woman on the dance floor. At least not until tonight. But holding her like this? He was content with how it had all panned out.
Wynter rested her cheek against his shoulder, and so many unspoken words seemed to hang in the air between them. But he wouldn’t be the first to break the silence.
Nope. He was going to be on his best behavior.
“Did you know that I had a crush on you in high school?” she whispered.
Well, shoot.
She let out a sad-sounding laugh. “So cliché, right? The nerdy girl having a crush on her football player best friend. But itwas okay. Because I knew that no matter what happened, you’d always be my friend.”
He went stiff. Was this actually happening? Was she finally willing to confide in him about what happened all those years ago?
Marcus held his breath, waiting. Wishing?
Wynter pulled back, her eyes shining. “I didn’t want to lose you.”
He pressed his palm to her cheek, his heart crumbling even though he hadn’t thought it possible. “You weren’t going to lose me.”
“After that kiss…” She shook her head. “You don’t know. We could have…”
“Listen to me,” Marcus urged. “The only reason you might lose me is by running. And even then, I’m not sure I wouldn’t chase you.”
She laughed. It was weak and a little sad, but it waseverythingto him. In that moment, he wanted for nothing.
Nothing but her.
Without second-guessing himself, he framed her face with both of his hands and brushed a kiss to her lips. This one was so different from the one they’d shared before and yet so similar. Within it, he told her all his hopes and dreams. A plan they could have for the future. There was so much he wanted as long as she was by his side.
But then she pulled back, her hands gripping his wrists. “I don’t want you to think this can be anything but short term.”
And just like that, he was knocked to his knees. “What?” he rasped.
“I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want our friendship to suffer. If we can come up with a set of rules—something we can both agree on…”
The lump in his throat grew to painful proportions. Something they could both agree on? That was ridiculous, right?
But wasn’t this what he’d been hoping for? It was another step in the right direction. He was getting closer and closer to her. She was letting him in. Even if she was telling him that she didn’t want anything more, they’d already crossed a line she’d previously drawn in the sand.
This was good. And while he hated her request, he could appreciate what she was offering him.
“I’ll be leaving,” she whispered as a tear slipped down her cheek. He swiped it with his thumb, waiting for her to continue. “That’s the biggest reason. I will be going back. My life is in California. I don’t want to walk away from what I’ve built there.”
He had so many arguments to her way of thinking, but he bit his tongue.
She rolled her lower lip between her teeth and stared up at him with those pleading eyes. Eyes that could make him promise anything. “Do you think you can agree to that? I want to keep spending time with you. Like this. I know it’s selfish, and if you don’t want to?—”
