Page 24

Sevyn was pissed.Face flushed red from a combination of anger and wine, she fought the urge to smack Dallas’ smile from his face as he sat across the table from her laughing his ass off.

“It’s not funny.”

“The fuck if it’s not. You’ve been so busy talking shit all night and now look at you. Raggedy ass gingerbread house won’t stay up for more than five minutes.”

Dallas had unintentionally ended up being tied up with his family for most of the day, leaving them only a few hours to spend together that evening. Sevyn didn’t mind it. She’d returned the favor of cooking and then challenged him to a wine and gingerbread building contest. What she hadn’t been expecting was for him to win.

“Fuck you, Dallas!”

Grabbing a handful of candy, Sevyn launched it at his laughing face.

Ducking, Dallas reached for his wine glass, taking a sip. “Alright now, you’re in here throwing shit like it’s not your dining room to clean up.”

Fuming, Sevyn sat back in her seat, folding her arms over her chest. “While you’re talking shit, you’re lucky that yours is still standing and I haven’t knocked it over yet.”

“You know better.”

“Keep laughing and I’ll forget that I do.”

“Act an ass if you want to,” he smirked. “People on the naughty list don’t get gifts for Christmas.”

Sevyn perked up almost immediately. “Are you trying to hint that you got me a gift?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you should slide into the living room and see.”

She didn’t need to be told twice. Leaping up with the excitement of a child, Sevyn darted into the living room as quickly as her legs would carry her. There was a square, neatly-wrapped box resting there that she hadn’t seen before.

Squealing, she picked it up, shaking it to see if she could hear anything.

Bouncing back into the dining area, she grinned at him. “Can I open it now?”

“No ma’am,” Dallas immediately denied her request, shaking his head. “Only on Christmas and only when you’re with me.”

Sevyn’s face fell almost immediately. “Seriously!?”

“Yes,” he sat back in his chair, tucking his arms behind his head.

She narrowed her eyes, slipping back into her seat. Placing the gift down on the table, she fought the urge to open it anyway. “Now, that’s just hateful.”

“You always were a—” breaking off, Dallas’ eyes narrowed, focusing on the window facing Sevyn’s backyard. Lowering his arms, he questioned, “What the fuck?”

“What?” Placing a hand on the back of her chair, she spun around in her seat.

Dallas stood, making his way to her back door.

Fear trickled through her as she watched his careful movements.

“Dallas, what are you doing?” she half-whispered, slowly standing up.

Pulling the back door open, he glanced over his shoulder. “Stay there.”

“Stay here?” Her words were barely audible. “Are you crazy? Come back here right now!” Dallas ignored her, stepping outside into the snow. Sevyn wrapped her arms around her body, trying not to panic. She tried to do as he asked and stay put, but worry took over her common sense. Slowly creeping to the back door, Sevyn peered outside. “Dallas?” He didn’t answer. “Dal?”

When he didn’t answer the second time, she let out a groan.

“Lord, please don’t let it be an ax murderer out here killing people before Christmas.”

Sucking in a deep breath, Sevyn took a tentative step outside, peering into the darkness. “Dallas?” She took another step when he didn’t answer. The frigid air already had her shivering while squinting, looking for any sign of him.