ELAINE
I must have a fever again because I’m hallucinating.
ME
No, I’m just in a good mood. I don’t expect it to last, but who knows.
ELAINE
Do you need me to come to the office on the 26th?
ME
I don’t. I might not even be working on the 26th.
ELAINE
Well, then I might not recover until the 29th.
ME
That works. Happy holidays, Elaine.
ELAINE
Happy holidays, kid.
I check my watch and then look out one of the windows, even though I can’t see the street or the parking area from here. Eight years ago, when I was waiting for Cleo in that penthouse suite in Hollywood, I paced around so much I practically wore out the carpet. I didn’t call her because I didn’t want to seem needy. When I finally sent her a text to ask where she was, about ten minutes after I got Cleo’s response, I got the call from Alyssa saying she was looking for me at the lounge by the pool because she had something important to tell me.
I didn’t tell her to come up to the room because I didn’t want to explain why I’d booked the room, but I also didn’t want her to be there in case Cleo changed her mind and showed up. So I met Alyssa down in the lobby. She sat me down in a quiet corner and told me she was pregnant, that I was the only guy she had been with in half a year, and that she wanted to have this baby.
It was literally the opposite of how I saw that night going, but some part of me wanted to be a dad, even then.
I didn’t think I was ready to be a parent yet, but I don’t know that many people feel ready when it happens. I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about Alyssa as a possibility off and on—we were basically raised to think about each other that way. We just didn’t have much in the way of chemistry. But we had enough love for each other to make getting married and having a baby together work for a little while. I think we both realized about a year in that we didn’t have what it took as a couple to make it for the long haul. We just did what was best for Paxton for as long as we could.
And as busy as we were around the holidays, that was always when I could feel it the most—that we wouldn’t be married forever. I guess that’s why I wanted Paxton to believe that Santa was bringing him presents for as long as he could. But that kid knows what’s up. He brought me the best Christmas present of all—Miss Cleo. In an elf costume. And sexy boots.
I pick up the TV remote and switch to a channel that plays Christmas songs. Wouldn’t normally be my first choice when I’ve invited a woman over. Nor would it be anywhere in my top one hundred choices for a music channel to set the mood. But I have a feeling this woman will appreciate it. And I have a feeling I’ll bein the moodno matter what music is playing in the background.
There’s a knock at the door. While twenty-five-year-old me would have taken his sweet time opening it because he wanted to appear cool—thirty-three-year-old me has already ejaculated into Cleo’s hand in a supply closet and woken up on the floor with her, so…I do not take my time.
I fucking sprint to the door and open it to find Cleo standing there, leaning against the door frame with one hand. I’m shirtless, so the way she bites her lower lip as she looks me up and down…it’s intoxicating and worth all the cookies I didn’t eat this year. Even more intoxicating is the fact that she is wearing a black trench coat that hits above the knee, and her legs appear to be bare, which is excellent. She is also wearing yellow rainboots.
“I didn’t bring my sexy boots to my parents’ house, but I did borrow my mom’s sexiest galoshes. You like?”
“I kinda do, actually.” Grabbing her hand, I pull her inside and kiss her. “You’re here.”
“You’rehere.”
With my arms around her, I say into her ear, “There are two things I need to say to you. The first is—that must have been so difficult for you that night, and I’m sorry. But you are an exquisite, gracious human being, and you did the very best, right thing. I mean, I would have fallen head over heels in love with you if I’d slept with you that night. But if I’d found out Alyssa was pregnant after that…it would have hurt you so much worse because even though I would have wanted to go with you to New York, I would have done right by Alyssa no matter what. And asmelancholy as I was that you and I never had a chance together, I have never regretted being there for Paxton.”
“I know. It all worked out for the best, though, didn’t it?”
“It’s a fucking Christmas miracle, babe.”
“What’s the second thing?”
“I want you to strip for me and then get on that bed so I can fuck you.”
