“Yo, baby,” Hawk said. “Brit’s upstairs getting ready. We’re going Christmas tree shopping before we take her to the airport. Here’s Addison.”
“Hey,” Addison said. “I understand where you’re coming from. You’ve been through a lot. So, off the record, Brit asked about you too.”
I like that.
“Thanks for tellin’ me.”
“She’s been leery,” Addison continued. “Her last boyfriend alienated her from her friends and was totally controlling.”
“Sounds like she’s solid when it comes to relationships.”
“One hundred percent. She’s independent, but she’s got friends, and me. We’re super close.”
“Has she been in Colorado for a while?”
“About a year,” Addison replied. “Before that, DC. She’s also lived in Miami and New York City. Hey, why don’t you come tree shopping with us?”
What a sweetheart.
“I’d love to, but my family’s celebrating Thanksgiving today.”
“Here she comes. I gotta go.” Addison hung up.
Rebel slid his phone into his pocket.
Maybe it’s time to move forward.
Then, reality rained down on him.
Didn’t matter that he wanted to get to know her. Didn’t matter that he hadn’t stopped thinking about her either. If she lived on the other side of the country, there was zero chance they’d see each other again.
It’s for the best.
Though he told himself that, Britain’s searing impression had left its mark. She wasn’t someone he’d easily forget.
Britain
Brit spentthe afternoon Christmas tree shopping with Addison and Hawk. She loved helping them pick out a tree for their townhome and one for their farmhouse.
Throughout the day, her thoughts kept jumping to Rebel. Just thinking about the passion in his kisses turned her inside out. She couldn’t get over the intensity in his eyes, and the way he looked at her when he held her in his arms.
A shiver of delight fluttered through her.
More than any of these, the calmness he showed during their bike ride soothed her soul. She felt completely safe with him and utterly excited to be around him.
Back at the townhouse she helped Addison and Hawk decorate their tree. As soon as they finished, she had to leave for the airport.
Her heart felt heavy. She loved being back in the DC area, especially loved being with her family.
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” Addison said they piled into Hawk’s SUV.
“Me too,” Brit replied. “This was the best holiday I’ve had in a while.” A sliver of a smile danced on her lips.
They got her to the airport at six-twenty for her seven-thirty flight.
At Departures, Addison swiped away a tear. “I’m so happy we got to spend time together, but I’m always so sad when you leave.”
“Same,” Brit replied, pulling her sister in for a bear hug. “I love you sooo much.”
