“Yeah. I do virtual visits now. It was hard for me to leave my house much when I first started, and I had to bypass too many people just to get in front of another almost stranger.”
“I’m sorry you went through that. Do you find it’s helping?”
“In some ways, yes.” I take a breath. “But then I get bad days that turn to weeks and the sleepwalking comes back. I think my family is less afraid of me now, though, so that’s one good thing. I can’t say the same for my ex, though.”
He frowns. “Want to talk about it some more?”
“Not today. Eventually, but not today. I like how we’re doing right now, and I want to keep it that way.”
“I like it too . . .” He gives me a small smile. “And just to let you know, I don’t find you the least bit scary.”
“That’s good.” And it would be better if it stayed that way, but with me being the way I am now, I highly doubt it will. I thought I’d come to terms with it, that I’d accepted I’d spend the rest of my days alone and not ever again have what I once had with another person. Then I met him and it turned my whole world on its axis. Too bad it hasn’t changed everything. Not the bad sides of me. He keeps them away longer, though. At least I like to think that’s what’s happening when I spend most of my days here awake with him.
We go down another path, chatting for a bit before enjoying the quiet together the rest of the way back to the cabin. Standing in front of the door, he searches for his key, and I unhook Huey from his leash as soon as we walk inside. After sliding off his jacket, he hangs it on a hook by the door, and I add mine beside it before kicking off my shoes. Huey settles himself on the couch, burying his face in the blanket.
“Hey,” I call to him, turning my eyes downward. “We aren’t at home, bud. Not everyone’s okay with a pig on their couch.”
Henry chuckles, placing a hand on my arm as I walk forward. “Good thing I’m not everyone, then, huh? Let him stay where he is. He’s not hurting anything.”
“Yeah, until he starts biting holes in your throw pillows.”
“And it’ll give me an excuse to replace those.”
“Careful, you may have a lot of redecorating to do in your future.”
“Hopefully,” he says with his smile widening.
“If you need help, you know who to call.”
“I do.” His fingers search out mine. “Your hands are as freezing as mine. How about some hot chocolate?”
“Want to make it together?” I suggest, nipping at his ear.
“Yes. This time we can, and then I’ll make us some all by myself tomorrow.”
“Then we can find something new to do together, like hang lights outside and around the fireplace.”
“I’m not sure if any of the ones in the attic still work.” His lips turn down and I tug at one of the corners.
“That’s okay. I have plenty I can bring from home. I love Christmas, remember? So I tend to go overboard.”
“The man loves Christmas but hates snow,” he sing-songs as he tugs me to the kitchen.
“I told you, I don’t hate it. I’m indifferent to it.”
“Same difference.” He lets go of my hand to wave me off and pulls down two mugs from one of the cabinets. After asking where the hot chocolate mix is, he turns up his nose and points me to where there are several bars of chocolate.
“Oh, we’re making the good stuff, I see.”
“Only the best when having new company,” he says pointedly, taking out a pot and wooden spoon.
“I’m totally down with that.” I grab the chocolate, sugar, and everything else I remember my grandma using when she used to make me hot chocolate from scratch. It really was the best.Topping it with cinnamon and marshmallows made it feel like comfort in a mug. The perfect winter drink. Now I get to have it with the perfect guy.
He hums a Christmas tune, his head swaying back and forth as he heats the milk. Standing behind him, I rest my hands on his hips and join in with him, singing the words to the song he’s humming.
“You have a nice voice,” he says, resting his body against mine. It fits so perfectly against me too, like he was always meant to be where he is. Yeah, I’m way beyond letting him go. He makes me feel so greedy and selfish. I want to fight it, but I also don’t. If he doesn’t mind having me around, then I’ll stay until he does. Until he pushes me away. My stomach knots at the thought.
“And you have a nice humming sound.”
