Out on the ice, I lose myself skating around and around the rink.All I Want For Christmas Is Youis playing on repeat and I try out some of the jumps I remember from my competition days. All the elements that would normally fill me with joy are here; holiday music, twinkling lights, and twirling around on the ice. Except there’s an empty hollow in the pit of my stomach because Keaton rejected me, tossing me out of his home like he was ashamed of my presence. Just because of what my stupid brother might think.
Screw them both.
I slow down, skating back to the center of the ring and practicing my footwork. I’m so absorbed that I don’t notice a dark-haired, clumsy figure wearing a bright red Santa hat slowly skating across the ice until the last moment.
Keaton slides to an ungraceful stop.
We stare at each other as the music plays. I hate how handsome he is, even in that silly hat.
“Come for a secret meeting? Don’t worry, I’ll keep away from you since you’ve made it clear you don’t want me around.”
“Melody, look I–”
I put my hands on my hips and face him. “I know you have alotof secrets. And I’m not going to be one of them. I overheard Magnus talking to his wife, it’s not his fault, I was behind a Christmas tree, he didn’t know I was there. You’re the town’s Secret Santa. You have a bunch of money you don’t want anyone to know about and I guess you use it for sneakily helping people out. It’s very generous. But me? I’m nobody’s secret.”
“Of course–”
“Don’t ‘of course’ me. You’re grumpy one minute and kissing me the next. You make my head spin. If this whole grump thing is your cover, drop it now. And explain why you’re here.”
“I’m going to. I’m sorry, Melody. I wanted to tell Rhys when you weren’t there. I thought he’d freak out.”
“Why would he freak?”
“Because he told me seven years ago to stay away from you. That his best friend couldn’t date his sister. I had the biggest crush on you back then. I’ve had a crush on you since I saw you at the party seven years ago.” He looks down at me, his dark blue eyes sincere.
“Why the hell didn’t you say something? My brother isn’t my keeper, you know.” I shake my head.
“Yeah, well I’m an idiot. I’ve been an idiot about a lot of things. And I’m glad you know about the Secret Santa stuff. I would have told you anyway.”
“Told me when?”
“When and if you let me be a part of your life. This is it, Melody. I’ve wanted to be with you for years. I love you. Your smile, your talent, even the way you sing along to those cheesy Christmas songs…I want it all. If you’ll have me.” He slides a little closer, but he can’t stop properly so he keeps sliding until I put my hands out to stop him.
“And why would I want to do that, you big grump?” I move my hands from his chest up to around the back of his neck. He’s so tall that I have to stretch.
He puts his arms around my waist and pulls me closer. “If I kiss you, would you at least consider it?”
I nod and his lips meet mine. One of my favorite Christmas songs is playing in the background, but I don’t even know which one it is.
I break away for a second to look up at him. “I love you too, Keaton. Keep kissing me.”
He laughs, inclining his head to kiss me again. All I know is that his lips are moving on mine, his big, hard body pressed against me as he keeps me warm.
It’s going to be averyhappy holiday.
* * *
EPILOGUE - KEATON
One year later, Christmas Eve
I’ve been so deep in my work that the time has passed faster than I thought and it’s dark outside. Max comes into the room and puts his golden paw on my leg.
I laugh. “Time to go, buddy?”
He wags his tail and barks. Max loves it when there’s snow on the ground, and he’s keen to get outside and roll around in it. I put on my coat, then hunt around for my special hat.
In the truck, I turn up the radio. The DJ is interviewing Carl, the weird old guy who predicts the weather, and they’re both chuckling away. It sounds like more than a few alcoholic eggnogs have been consumed, judging by how they’re both giggling like little kids.
