He pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against mine. “I’ve been wanting to do that again for a while,” he whispers, his voice just for me.
“Same.”
John’s lips curve into a smile against mine. “I know. You wanted to kiss me out on the back porch.”
My mouth drops open. I pull back slightly. “Was I that obvious?”
He brushes his thumb across my jawline. “To me? Yeah. But I’m glad you were.”
His lips find mine once more. This kiss is slower, more certain, as if we’re both finally giving in to our growing feelings. I melt into him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. This feels so right—like coming home.
When we finally pull apart, I’m breathless. John’s eyes are dark, his pupils dilated, and his heart beats rapidly under my palm. We stare at each other.
John’s family erupts in cheers and whistles, jolting me back to reality. The noise crashes over me, and heat floods my cheeks. I bury my face into John’s chest, caught between mortification and elation. His laughter rumbles through his chest, vibrating under my cheek, and his arm tightens around me protectively.
“Now that’s a Christmas kiss.” George slaps John on the back. Someone else whistles, and Maggie’s teasing voice chimes in about young love.
An idea hits me like a wave—maybe I’ve misjudged John all this time. Maybe he wasn’t hard on me because he disliked me—maybe he cared. Maybe those critiques were meant to push me because he believed in me. Warmth surges through me as I remember the moments leading to this one, building toward something I wasn’t able to see because of how my family treats me.
As the family heads off in different directions, John keeps his arm around me, his hand resting comfortably on my shoulder. He leans down, his breath warm against my ear. “You okay?”
I nod, not trusting my voice. The kiss has shaken me, but in the best way.
I glance up at John, his eyes soft as he looks at me, and I realize, in his arms, surrounded by his noisy, loving family, I’m not pretending anymore. But that terrifies me because feelings can get messy, and I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Abby
The only things missing in John’s grandparents’ backyard are fireflies to make the day completely magical. That won’t happen in December, but the dancing flames in the fire pit are cozy and festive. I feel bad not being inside to help put the finishing touches on dinner, but no one wanted my help. I offered three times, until Maggie nearly pushed me out the back door.
So, here I sit. The flames keep me comfortably warm, and my ears appreciate the crackling wood over the usual noisy cheer of the house. I love John’s family, but boy, they’re loud.
“Grandma sent me out with something warm to drink.” John drops into the chair next to mine and hands me a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Even though dinner is soon, there’s still a tower of whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a candy cane sticking out.
“Thanks.” I lick some whipped cream that’s about to slide down the side of the mug. “This must be the drink of the day.”
I’ve lost count of how many cups of cocoa I’ve consumed today. Enough to tide me over the rest of the year. Although, I do love chocolate, so maybe not.
“The choice was hot cocoa or Grandma’s spiked eggnog. But trust me, one glass of that will give you a buzz.”
I’m already lightheaded around John. I don’t need to be tipsy, too. “Hot chocolate is definitely my jam.”
“Careful, it’s hot.” His soft voice wraps around me, leaving me feeling warm and fuzzy.
I hold on to the mug’s handle but can still feel the heat. “Thanks for inviting me here today. Everything has been surprisingly amazing.”
John laughs. “Surprisingly? Should I be offended?”
“No. Of course not.” Heat rushes to my cheeks. Is blushing around your boss a skill or a flaw? “I meant given how the day started at my parents’ house.”
He nods, but his expression shifts, turning serious. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Every muscle tenses. My heart feels like it’s on pause, waiting. Is this when he reminds me it’s all pretend? After we pick up Powerfluff, we go back to being boss and employee?
“Okay.” I force my voice to stay steady. “I’m listening.”
John draws in a deep breath, focusing on the flames. “I’ve been less than honest with you. For a while now, actually.”
