“No.” I’d assumed as much from his empty ring finger, but I still feel a flicker of relief. Then Ivan looks at me, his eyes flashing with something I can’t decipher as he asks, “You? Got a husband…a boyfriend?”
“Nope. Nothing like that.”
Maybe I’m just imagining it—seeing what I want to see—but I swear Ivan’s shoulders relax a little. He says nothing. Just contemplates me, his gaze fixed on mine like I’m a puzzle he can’t figure out. The silence feels charged, thickening around me until I feel my breath catch. Then North lets out a loud yawn, and the moment is gone.
“Does it ever get…lonely out here?” I ask. “Living by yourself in the woods?”
Ivan shrugs, rubbing a hand over his beard. “Guess I’m used to it. Got North for company.”
“How long have you had him?”
“About five years. He was a stray. Used to leave out food and water for him. Took him a while to trust me, but we got there eventually.” Ivan’s grumpy façade seems to melt as he reaches down to pet North. It’s kind of adorable. Even his permanent scowl softens a little as he adds, “He’s a good boy. Good company.”
“That’s so sweet. I’m happy you found each other.”
I reach for North’s fluffy white head, and he pants delightedly as Ivan and I pet him. Then Ivan’s fingers brush mine. Electricity bolts up my arm, every nerve twitching. It’s the slightest touch, but it feels like my skin is burning as I pull my hand away and settle back in my chair.
God, I wish I could act normal around this man for five seconds.
“So, when you heading back to Miami?” Ivan asks. His eyes seem to darken despite the glow of the firelight. “Saw you’re checking out of here on Christmas morning.”
“Yep, I’m going to my brother’s for the day. My flight leaves on the 26th, so I’ll just crash on his couch.” Ivan makes a noise in his throat but doesn’t say anything, so I continue, “What about you? I know you’re a self-proclaimed Grinch, but…do you have any plans? Any family coming to visit?”
“No.”
My stomach sinks. I know Ivan’s not a fan of the holidays, but I was hoping he’d have some family to spend them with all the same.
“So, you’re going to be alone for Christmas?”
“Yeah.” Ivan shrugs, dropping his gaze to the fire. “Doesn’t matter. It’s just a regular day to me.”
I bite my lip. Ivan might think it doesn’t matter, but it still makes my heart ache.
“You’d be very welcome to spend Christmas with me and my brother,” I say. “We’re not doing anything fancy, just eating some food and maybe watching a few Christmas movies. It will be fun! And North can come too, of course.”
I know he’s going to decline before I’m even done speaking. I can see it written all over his face, but I still feel a stab of disappointment when he says, “It’s real sweet of you to offer. But the holidays aren’t for me, Candy Cane. I’ll be fine.”
Before I can protest, he’s already shifting in his chair, ready to leave. As he pushes himself to his feet, he winces, his face contorting in pain.
“Ivan? Are you okay?”
“Fine.” He grits out the words. “Just an old injury. Flares up sometimes. Anyway, I’ll get out of your hair.”
He pats his leg, calling North’s name, and the dog reluctantly gets up, leaving his place by the fire.
“Thanks for coming over,” I say, getting up to join them.
“No problem. Thanks for the hot chocolate.”
Ivan isn’t looking at me. It suddenly feels like a sheet of ice has risen between us.
Maybe I freaked him out by inviting him to my brother’s.
“Well…goodbye, Ivan.” I force myself to sound cheery as I add, “I hope you have a merry Christmas.”
“Yeah. You too, Candy Cane.”
He finally meets my gaze. It’s like there’s a storm raging in his eyes, some internal battle that I can’t understand. But before I can fathom it, he opens the door and disappears outside with North at his tail. I poke my head out to watch as they descend the stairs. Then the trees swallow them both, and Ivan is gone without so much as a backward glance.
