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Capturing her by the hand to help steady her, Dallas smiled. “You alright?”

Sevyn’s breath hitched at the feel of his skin on hers. Although he worked with his hands, they didn’t have the rough, weather-worn feel to them. They were soft, supple, and significantly larger than hers.

The warmth he radiated felt so familiar to her. Like home.

Licking her lips, Sevyn wiggled her hand out of his grip. “I—uh, I’m fine. Thanks.” Trying her hardest to focus on everything besides the man standing next to her, she kept her eyes glued to the ground while continuing to fight with her shoes. Sevyn didn’t glance up until she heard Dallas release a short chuckle. Straightening up, she asked. “What?”

He pointed up, and she groaned at the small batch of mistletoe hanging above them. Sevyn’s face transformed into stone as she glowered at him. “You better not even think about trying to kiss me.”

Laughing lightly, he replied. “I don’t recall mentioning kissing you at all.”

“You don’t have to. Everybody knows what mistletoe represents.”

Reaching out, Dallas brushed her cheek with his thumb. “Don’t worry, Sev. You’re safe. I won’t kiss you until you ask me to.”

“The use of until implies that you anticipate me asking for a kiss sometime soon.”

“A man can dream, can’t he?”

Sevyn frowned. “It’s funny how some people’s dreams sound like others’ nightmares,” she retorted, getting another laugh out of him.

Before he could respond, however, they were interrupted by a tiny human tornado barreling down the hallway towards them.

“Uncle Dallas!” his niece, Isis, bellowed, beelining for his legs.

Catching her underneath her arms just in time, he swept her up and into his arms, planting a kiss on her cheek. “What’s going on, baby girl?”

“Hi, Auntie Sev!” Her bright face turned to Sevyn, who was just as happy to see Isis.

“Hey love,” Sevyn grinned, reaching over to gently pinch her cheek. “You’re getting so big! Where’s your mommy?”

“In the kitchen with my nana. Did you bring Auntie Lorren and Auntie Avery with you?”

“Not this time kiddo,” she replied gently. “But I’m sure your uncle will make sure they see you soon, right?” Her elbow found its way into Dallas’ side.

He coughed, frowning at her for a split second before focusing on his niece. With a kiss against her temple, he replied, “Of course.”

Dallas began moving down the hall, listening intently as Isis filled him in on everything he’d missed in her five-year-old life. Sevyn reluctantly followed, admiring the elegant Christmas decorations scattered around the house.

There was an abundance of them, but each thing seemed to have a rightful spot that kept the décor from feeling too overwhelming. It created a comforting, cozy atmosphere that Sevyn found herself falling for the allure of.

They reached the kitchen, and Dallas’ mother looked up from the dough she was kneading, positively beaming when her eyes landed on him.

“You made it!” she exclaimed excitedly, eyes growing wider when they moved over to Sevyn. “Ah. And I see you brought a guest.”

“Hi, Mrs. Wallace,” Sevyn waved shyly as if she hadn’t known the woman forever.

“Girl, you better get out of my face with that formal mess and hug me. How have you been?”

Laughing, Sevyn did just as she asked. “I’ve been fine, the gym usually takes up a lot of my time but I took a break to spend the holidays with my family.”

“Had I known you were coming, I would have made the house a bit more presentable.”

“Ma, it’s not like she hasn’t been here before,” Dallas snorted.

“It’s fine, Mrs. Wallace,” Sevyn jumped in. “If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t know I was coming either. Somebody mentioned breakfast but somehow forgot to include the destination.” Her eyes cut to Dallas, who grinned.

“Somebody didn’t ask where she was going, either.”