She gave me a sloppy kiss.
“We could just skip the party and go straight to the sex.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“So,you’re actually taking Merrie to meet your parents?” Eli asked me.
“Why not? She can be his buffer between all the women my mom is going to try to set me up with.”
Eli frowned. “Do you think you’re moving a little fast?”
“We’re just going to a Christmas party. I already went to her mom’s Christmas party.”
“Dude, what the fuck?” Eli said in shock. “You’re acting like her boyfriend, you know.”
I shrugged. “So?”
“So, you just got out of an engagement, not just a three-month-long relationship. You were going to marry someone.”
“And now I’m not,” I said sharply.
Eli shook his head. “I’m not trying to harsh your happiness vibe, but you were single, what, a week? Now this girl that you just met is the love of your life.”
“Maybe. Why?” I said defensively. “This is a small town. It’s not unheard of.”
He snorted. “I just think you should be a little cautious. Look what happened the last time. You were blinded to a lot of red flags.”
I was immediately suspicious. “What flags? Do you know something?” I demanded.
Eli held up his hands. “All I’m saying is maybe you should slow down. It’s the holidays. Emotions are high. Maybe you need a little breather.”
“We have work.”
“You also have a very expensive honeymoon booked,” he reminded me, “nonrefundable. Let’s go to the private island, hang out, ride jet skis, go sailing. The break will be good for you; you can come back and start the new year refreshed.”
I knew that the way I was feeling about Merrie was crazy. There had to be a catch. There was always a catch. But with her, our relationship felt natural.
Still…
“I suppose a few days wouldn’t hurt.”
Eli visibly relaxed and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “This will be good for you.”
But would it be good for Merrie and me? Would she be mad if I went off to the Caribbean for a few days?
Honestly, if I had to bet money on it, she would probably be perfectly fine with it and pack me a snack.
But what if she didn’t? What if she was pissed? What if I lost her?
I needed to do something to show I was serious.
I searched through my email and found the number for the architect that had been working on the house. Merrie seemed to love the Wynter Estate, and her reindeer currently lived there. She had been badgering me about having it ready for Christmas. I bet she would love seeing the Wynter estate with decked halls.
Olivia seemed surprised to hear from me.
“Mr. Frost. How can I help you?”
“I decided I’m not going to sell the house after all,” I informed her.
