Only Christmas

It actually covers a lot of me. It has sleeves that go all the way down to my wrists. The dress does stop a few inches above my knees, but I have on these cute black boots that go almost up to my knees. I not only picked them because they matched perfectly, but the heels are thick, and I knew they wouldn’t kill my feet.

Some of the other boxes I’d opened had to die for shoes in them, but I knew they would have me making a fool of myself if I wore them. I’m not the most coordinated person in the world, and I’m guessing six-inch heels wouldn’t help that.

It had actually been a lot more fun than I thought it would be trying on the dresses for Hunter. We both went back and forth on questions getting to know each other better while I tried them on.

He might not care what others think, but I don’t want to look like a complete fool in front of his loved ones. Especially if someone went and asked me something as simple as where my new husband went to college and I didn’t have the answer. I think our little Q&A session helped me get the basics down.

“Any part of your skin showing is too much, in my opinion.” The smile on my face grows bigger with his answer. “There’s nothing funny about it.” I can’t help the giggle that escapes me at the small pout that’s formed on his face. “I do love that sound.”

He leans in and brushes his mouth against mine. My eyes fall closed, and I can’t help but think where else his mouth has been on me. It’s crazy that in such a short time I feel closer to him than anyone else. It’s actually a bit sad really.

“I was informed my mother invited some people from the board. I don’t know what she’s thinking. This party is bigger than I realized,” he tells me after breaking our kiss. Is that why he was irritated about the dress? It’s not only family now. I’m not sure how to feel about that. “You’ll be fine. My mother can be overbearing, but she will be kind to you. She always means well.”

“You really love her.”

“I do. I haven't been the best son lately. Not since we lost my father. I think I’ve pulled away.” I’m surprised by his admission. I think he is too from the expression on his face, but he doesn’t try to pull back from me, so I push for more.

“Think?”

“I know I have.”

“I get it. You’re scared. I do the same with my own mother but for different reasons. I don’t want to be hurt when she walks out again. I’m sure you’re scared of the feeling of losing a parent again. It’s hard. When I lost my grandma, it crushed me. She’s all I’ve ever had. She was the only stable person in my life.” I fight back the wave of emotion. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her.

“You have me now.” He cups my cheek. “Even if something takes me from this earth, you’ll be more than taken care of. You never have to worry again.”

“How about you don’t leave this earth anytime soon?” I force an awkward laugh, not loving the dark turn this conversation has taken.

“I just want you to be rest assured that your mother can’t swoop in and leave you with nothing again.” When I told him about my mother, he didn’t seem too shocked. I have a feeling he dug into me some. Not that I could blame him since we barely know each other and how he found me. Still, I could see the anger flash in his eyes when I spoke of her. “What’s mine is yours.”

“Wait. What?” I can’t even get my mind to try to wrap around what he is saying because it’s nuts. Maybe he is nuts. I might be too then because I keep going down this crazy path with him.

“We’re here.” He doesn’t answer my question; instead he slips out of the SUV, offering me his hand.

I take it, a small gasp leaving me when I step out of the vehicle and take in the property. I know Hunter is rich. The Hoffman last name is a very well-known one, but seeing it is something else altogether. This isn’t a house. It’s not even a mansion. I’m staring up at an entire estate that screams of money. I’ve never seen anything so grand in my life.

“This place could be a hotel,” I whisper to Hunter as he tucks me into his side.

I cling to him, spying the other expensive vehicles in the large stone driveway. Off to the side, there are a bunch of men dressed in all black that are clearly security. The door is flanked by waiters holding trays of champagne. As intimidating as it is, I can’t help but smile at how decked out the place is for Christmas.