He places the world’s sweetest, softest kiss on the side of my neck, and then he’s gone. In exchange, the tree flickers to life, lights burning impossibly bright. Emotion catches in my throat, choking me as I study every branch. Every bauble. Every frond dripped with color.
My breath hitches, my lungs seize, and though I try to blink my vision clear, desperate to see every detail, every flickering light, tears fill my eyes anyway and make it impossible.
Applause erupts from other festivalgoers, cheers and hoots of delight. Children squeal, and couples hug. Mel, being the most selfless, kindest friend I’ve ever known, peels herself out of Nick’s embrace and comes to stand on my right, taking my handin hers and twining our fingers together. And because Nick isn’t complete without her, he relocates to Mel’s side, effectively creating a barrier between me and Carter, cutting him off completely as he turns his broad back and provides a wall large enough to hide behind.
Dean’s warm breath hits my ear, startling me as a horrifying sob crawls along my throat and out to make me feel foolish.
“You look stunning under Christmas lights. And I’m not even saying that cos I wanna touch your butt.”
I choke out a snotty, ridiculous laugh.
“I’d say the same, even if you were my sister. Your tears are like diamonds on your skin.” He inches around and presses a kiss to my cheek, discreetly suckling a droplet onto his tongue. “Youarethe magic, Anna. That’s why the rest of us wanna be near you all the time.”
FOURTEEN
DEAN
It’s closing in on eleven o’clock. My toes are frozen, my ears sting from the icy wind, and my hand is toasty fucking warm, wrapped around Anna’s for the last three hours straight.
Even when Fuckface was looking. Even when his eyes fired with bitter jealousy and thick contempt.
For me, not her.
I’ve watched her laugh with her friends for hours. Watched her fall in love with a Christmas tree. Watched her thaw out, as each old pal dropped by to say hello or share kind thoughts about her dad.
What began asoh God, please don’t talk tome soon transformed intohe deserves to be talked about, dammit. I’m embracing this shit.
Awkward hugs became more genuine. Tears, while initially scoffed at, became a stunning accessory she wore like a crown.Hot chocolate was consumed, weddings were discussed, and even Nick’s little sister joined us.
Elena Ramos made six.
But Nick kept herfarfrom Carter’s side.
There was no chance he was allowing this to become a triple date.
Now as the park empties and we wander toward the Road Runner, dark circles shadowing Anna’s eyes, she cuddles into my side, her feet tangling with mine while we walk.
“You sure you’re ready to go, Counselor?” Nervous, I peek down and wait for her eyes. “We can stay out as long as you want. I don’t mind.”
“You call me Counselor when you’re less confident.” Grinning, she lays her cheek on the ball of my shoulder and beams under strung lights now that they’re on again. “I’ve figured you out.”
“You think so?” I draw her to a stop at the hood of her car, pulling her around and bringing her in until our toes touch. “I’m never not confident, so I’m not sure you’ve figured anything out.”
Snickering, she huddles into her coat and shivers, her red nose bright enough to compete with Rudolph’s. “Youactconfident, but I see you under the bravado. You’re pretty cute all the time though.”
“Yeah?” I sneak a look around to see who’s watching.Can I kiss you yet? “I told you I was handsome.”
“Because your mom said so?”
“She was only ever wrong about one thing in her life,” I tease. “Are you tired? We could?—”
“Anna?” Detective Dingleberry’s voice brings my shoulders up. His demand, dripping through each syllable of her name,brings my gaze around. Then his eyes locking onto mine spikes my temper.
I’ve seen that bullshit possession in a man’s eyes before. I’ve seen the repressed public appearance, theI’m a good guy, I swear I am, and I know for a damn fact that shit washes away just as soon as a door is closed.
Anna exhales a tired sigh, taking a step back and replacing the quiet contentment I felt ten minutes ago with desperation.
She takes a second step and shoves anxiety in to mix with the first.
