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“Fox.”

“Yeah?”

“You’d tell me if something was going on with you, right?”

I don’t look at him, just keep flagging the post.

“What do you mean?”

“You arrived after everyone, and you’ve been quiet lately.”

“I’m always quiet.”

“Quieter than usual.”

“I’m fine.” I think about turning the conversation back on him by asking what’s the deal with Taylen, but I’m living in a glass house.

It’s dark by the time we finish. Sylvie’s made a huge dinner, and everyone eats together. I go to bed at ten after watching some game show Henry is into, but I don’t sleep.

At eleven-thirty, I’m still too restless.

The house is quiet and everyone’s asleep.

I get out of bed, pull on jeans and a sweater, and grab my coat.

The sprig of mistletoe is in the outside pocket of my duffel bag. I don’t know why I’m hanging on to it, but I take it with me.

The drive to Winterberry is quiet. The streets are empty and snow is falling lightly. I park in the semi-hidden spot behind Finn’s building.

Twelve hours ago, he asked me to stay away, but at this time, no one is watching.

I knock on his door.

There’s a pause and then footsteps.

He opens it in the sweatpants and threadbare T-shirt he was wearing the first night I showed up.

I hold up the mistletoe.

He laughs, steps back, and lets me in without saying anything.

I drop the mistletoe on the side table and close the door behind me.

“What are you doing here, Fox?” The smile on his face tells me he’s not unhappy that I’ve shown up this late.

“I couldn’t sleep.” I take a step closer to him and drop my coat on a chair.

“Have you heard of chamomile tea? I heard it’s good for that.”

“I have something better.”

He comes the rest of the way to me and kisses me. It starts soft and tender, but the chemistry between us is so strong that it soon becomes heated.

I back him toward the couch and push him until he sits down. I go to my knees between his legs.

“Fuck. Fox⁠—”

“I want to suck you.”