“I decided,” I simply state, my tongue feeling like it’s going numb in my mouth.
Her shoulders tense up. “Decided…about our holidays?”
I nod, thinning my lips. There’s noactualdecision in my mind, but I know what I should do. Whatever words leave my lips, well, that’ll be it.
“Everyone can be off Christmas Eve,” I say, and her shoulders slump with defeat. “And won’t return until January second.”
Her eyes light up like fireworks, and she straightens instantly. “Really?”
I cross my arms in front of me, and my eyebrows furrow. “Yes. Paid, of course.”
“Are you—wow. Thank you, boss, really. Everyone will bethrilled,” she squeals, clasping her hands together.
She literally jumps with joy, but it’s very graceful as her wings keep her steady. If anyone can compete with Felix on having the most Christmas cheer, it’s her.
Nodding, I lift a hand, giving her a motion to leave the room. She nods, still grinning from ear to ear.
Just as her hand grasps the doorknob, she pauses. “If I may ask, boss…what changed your mind?”
“Nothing in particular.”
The words are a lie, though. I wonder if she can tell.
Something did change my mind.
Someone.
Felix has made me see a light in the darkness, a joy in the holiday I forgot was there. It feels harder and harder to cling to my hatred as each day passes.
It’s a loss of control, and I hate it.
Yet, it somehow feels…right.
CHAPTER 12
FELIX
“Where are we going this time?” Holly asks, sitting in the passenger seat with her arms crossed.
Hasn’t she learned to trust me yet? I’m definitely taking her on another wonderful Christmas-themed date that she’ll learn to love.
Nothing she shouldn’t expect at this point.
As the stars twinkle above us, I watch the road carefully. There’s a light snowfall coming down, one that’s perfect for tonight.
“You don’t have to get out of the car, don’t worry.” I make a turn into a residential neighborhood.
In my peripheral vision, I see her head turn toward me, her eyebrows furrowed and lips curved down. “What date doesn’t require getting out of the car?”
“This one.” I briefly look over at her to give her a wink.
She lets out a scoff. “It isnotthe weather for a drive-in, Felix.”
Shaking my head, I tell her, “Have some patience, dollface. I’m not taking you to the drive-in.”
She stares at me a moment, her eyes sparkling. I could get lost in them normally, but especially when they shine like this.
To my surprise, she settles into the seat with little grumbling. Still some, but minimal. It’s an improvement and shows her tolerance of my favorite Christmas activities is growing.
