“Oh, I was,” I agree. “My poor grandparents didn’t know what hit them. I was often the ringleader since I was the oldest. They raised me and my cousins after our parents were killed in a plane crash.”
She touches my arm, her eyes full of sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks,” I say, shrugging. “Christmases were tough for a while, but my grandparents made sure we still had joy in our lives. I’d love for you to meet them someday.”
“I’d like that.” Her voice cracks. “Losing my grandpa isn’t like losing your parents, but he was the one who made everything magical. Holidays haven’t been the same without him.”
“Loss changes everything.”
“Yeah, it does. But you know what?” Her gaze meets mine. “Sharing these memories and talking to you helps.”
“It does.”
Abby squeezes my hand. “Thank you, John. For listening. For being here. And for being my fake boyfriend.”
I smile at her. The warmth in my chest has nothing to do with our cozy fort or the cat next to me. “That’s what partners in crime are for.”
She returns my smile, and I know that, whatever happens next, this Christmas will be one I’ll never forget.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Abby
I wake, and I’m so nice and cozy and warm I forget where I am. Nothing seems familiar. I blink once, twice…
Reality crashes down on me like one of Mom’s fruitcake loaves. My gaze focuses on the ivory-painted walls with no artwork or anything to give it personality. I’m at my parents’ house, which I used to call home. Although the more time I’m away from here, the more I realize it was never my home. Not really what I believe defines the word.
Something is missing, however, and I’m not talking about the popstar and mathematician posters that used to hang on the walls. My feet feel much lighter than usual. I glance at them, expecting to see Powerfluff, but she’s not there. That’s strange, given that’s where she usually sleeps.
Is she next to me?
Turning, I bump into something large—rather someone, and not a cat. What happened yesterday hits me like a runaway semitruck.
Mr. Barrington.
My boss.
John.
My fake boyfriend.
Oh my. It wasn’t a nightmare.
That means it’s Christmas morning. And I’m sharing a bed with him to save myself from family embarrassment. Oh, and we’re both wearing matching reindeer pajamas. Because apparently, the universe has a twisted sense of humor.
I consider how to get out of bed without waking him. Maybe I should have stayed awake in case Santa appeared and hitched a ride home on his sleigh. If only I didn’t live an hour and a halfaway and could get to my apartment on my own. But nope. I’m stuck with my boss, whom I slept with in the same bed.
Slept as in snooze and wake rested.
The last thing I need are rumors flying around the office about us.
Again, why did I want us to pretend to be dating? Oh, yeah. My family.
If I get a new job offer, can I use my remaining vacation as my notice period and never have to face John again? That seems my best bet.
John stirs beside me. I face him to see Powerfluff asleep on his chest. Now I’ve seen everything. It’s odd to see my picky cat so comfortable with him. Maybe it’s the season. It’s not like this could ever be real, right?
Of course not. He’s my boss.
