Page 56

“It’s adorable. Admit it.” Her cheeks flush and I quietly ask anyone who’ll listen to never take that innocence away from her. “I’ve got a spare if you want to wear it.”

She bites back an infectious grin and I’m quick to shake my head. “It is adorable, but I’ll pass. I’m quite comfortable as I am.”

“In your very Christmassy black tee and jean combo?”

“Exactly.”

“So…circling back.” She bites her lip nervously as she glances away, her hand lifting to her neck before her fingers delicately brush across her skin. I swallow a lump in my throat as my eyes follow the movement, and I can’t remember a time I was ever more desperate to touch someone.

“What are you doing here?” Lily asks again and I jolt, her words ripping me from my thoughts. The air leaves my lungs as her bewildered eyes meet with mine.

“I thought that was obvious. I’m here for you. I couldn’t stay away knowing I was so close.”

Chapter Sixteen

LILY

Of course he’s here for me.

Considering it’s only three p.m., he must have left lunch with his mom and Henley, meaning he’s not looking for her.

I take in a quiet breath, hoping to still my rapid heartbeat.

Try as I might, I haven’t been able to get this incredible man out of my head since Halloween and having him here is wreaking havoc on my chest.

I’ve been an emotional mess for the past two weeks, making plans for Ava’s Christmas in New York, telling myself over and over that it’s just a day. Yet when I woke up this morning, my world felt askew.

And I saw it coming a mile away.

I’m ashamed to say, I came close to lying to Travis, telling him that Ava wanted to stay, before even asking her. Only I’d never take that decision away from her. And I’m glad I didn’t, because when I finally mentioned it, her face lit up brighter than our Christmas tree.

I should be happy for her, but I can’t help wondering if her excitement stems from spending Christmas with her dad, or the fact that he wants to. Since he’s previously avoided all holidays other than the Fourth of July.

Today has been difficult to say the least, and I’ve spent countless hours asking for a distraction.

And here it is.

My knight in shining armor.

Kissing my troubles away.

While I’m lost in my head, Beckett’s confidence wavers, and a rushed apology slips from his mouth. “I’m sorry. I know you’re the one who said it was goodbye. But⁠—”

“God, no,” I cut him off, waving a hand in front of him. “Please don’t be sorry. In case me running into your arms didn’t clue you in, I’m happy you’re here.”

My chest heats as I recall the moment, and once again I’m shocked by my forwardness.

Meanwhile, Beckett nods, unaware of the thoughts running through my mind. “Have you had a busy day?”

I glance around the room, breathing in the cinnamon scent from our Christmas candles. “Not really.” My lips curl into a soft grin. “But I’ve had more customers than I thought I would.”

“That’s good. So, it was worth it? Is this the first year you’ve opened on Christmas Day?”

It’s Beckett’s turn to survey the room, and while he’s distracted, I consider formulating a lie, telling him it was something we were trying to catch the last-minute shoppers. Only something in the warmth of his smile cracks my shield wide open, and I find myself wanting him to know everything about me.

“I’m only here because I couldn’t face celebrating Christmas without Ava. It’s the first year we’ve opened the store and it wasn’t planned.”

Beckett spins back to face me, his gentle eyes full of understanding. “Did it help?” The sympathy in his smile threatens to open the floodgates, and the words catch in my throat.