“I guess I’m no longer the favorite Hoffman.”
She cocked her head. “You’ll always be my favorite Hoffman.”
His lips tipped up.
Mom spun around, finally landing on the item Nina held. Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags. She smirked and snatched it.
“Christmas dinner will be a cinch.” She winked and then cackled all the way back to her seat.
After the Whitleys determined Finn had once again won for choosing the best gift, Isabella went into the kitchen for a refill of apple cider. She was staying clear of Mom’s eggnog tonight.
Leo swooped in and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She rested her head against his chest.
“Hey, you.” She turned in his arms, facing him, tethering her hands at the nape of his neck.
“Can I steal you for a few minutes?”
She glanced over his shoulder toward the hall. “What did you have in mind?”
“You’ll need your jacket and boots. And probably a hat.”
Her brows pinched together. “Where are we going?”
“Just outside. I promise, I only need a few minutes.”
“Okay, but we have to hurry. I don’t want anyone getting suspicious. We will never hear the end of it, and I have other plans for the night.”
He arched a brow and drew her close. “Oh yeah? Am I involved in these plans?”
She couldn’t hold back her smile. He could see her trying. “Maybe.”
He winked, and she followed him down the hall and into the entryway where they both quickly bundled up in their winter gear and snuck out the front door, her family too busy arguing to notice.
Once outside, Leo took her hand and pulled her along the shoveled path and around the side of the house where he pressed her against the siding and kissed her.
“I’ve been dying to do that all night.” He dragged a long look up the length of her. “You look amazing.”
“If you wanted to get me alone so you could kiss me, why didn’t you just say so? I’m a very willing participant.”
He smiled, pressing one more soft kiss to her lips before taking her hand again. “That wasn’t the only reason.”
“Okay, now I’m intrigued.”
He pulled her along behind him, stopping in front of his truck parked in the Hoffman driveway. “I have your Christmas gift. And I wanted to give it to you tonight.”
“You got me a gift?” Her voice went up as she smiled.
“Of course, I did. And I really hope you like it.” He let go of her and reached into his truck to grab a box wrapped in Christmas tree-and snowman-printed paper, complete with a big red bow.
He hesitated before handing it over to her. What if shedidn’tlike it?
She snatched the box from his grip, her smile so bright it made his heart squeeze. “Are you sure you want to give it to me?”
“Yes. I’m sure…I think so, at least.”
“Should I take my time? Is it breakable?”
“Hmm…why don’t I hold it and you tear off the wrapping paper,” he suggested.
