Sutton squeezes my hand. “Oh, so we are just casually living inside the North Pole now?”
“Do not hype him up,” I mutter. “He will start charging people to take pictures.”
Before Sutton can respond, Joan Evergreen steps out of her dark, unlit house across the street.
Her entire display is off. Completely burnt out the second ours lit up.
She rolls her eyes so hard her whole body moves. “Looks like someone has money to waste.”
I smile sweetly. “Merry Christmas, Joan.”
Sutton snorts loud enough for the universe to hear.
Joan shoots her a glare before storming back inside.
As soon as she is gone, Sutton bursts out laughing. “You did not have to say it like that.”
“I did,” I grin. “Her lights died the moment mine came on. That is divine timing.”
“They probably overheated from jealousy,” Sutton teases.
“Or from being old as hell.”
We stand back, taking it all in, the colors reflecting on the snow like a glowing rainbow.
Sutton leans into me, her forehead brushing my shoulder.
“So… about Italy,” I say, nudging her gently.
She bites her lip, pretending to think. “Do you want me to keep in touch?”
“I asked you first.”
“And I need information before I respond.”
“Information like what?” I smirk.
“Like… are you ready to be with someone else?” she says softly. “I do not want to be anyone’s rebound. If you still have feelings for your ex then?—”
I laugh under my breath. “Since I met you, I have thought about her less and less. Yeah, it is weird that I feel this happy after getting cheated on, but I do. And I am not saying we need to run into anything. We can take it slow. But I like you, Sutton.”
“You sure?” she asks softly.
“Yeah.” I hold her gaze. “I think this year might end up different.”
Her eyes soften, and she rises on her tiptoes, giving me a soft kiss.
Quick. Warm. Enough to set something loose in my chest.
“Then yeah,” she whispers, pulling back. “I will keep in touch.”
My hand slides to her hip, pulling her closer.
“Good,” I murmur.
“Since I am staying as your lover,” she says in a mocking little voice, “do I need to give the money back?”
I laugh under my breath and wrap my arm around her, pulling her head back to my chest.
