Best Man Under the Mistletoe

Trust. Hadn’t that been the entire theme of their relationship? No matter if they were enemies, then friends, then lovers, everything surrounding them always circled back to trust.

He’d pursued her and she’d backed away, but now that she was fully on board, he was backing away. The dance they continued to perform was confusing, frustrating, and she wished like hell they were doing the same steps.

Chelsea pulled up her spreadsheet and attempted to get the new system up and running for the accounting department. That was her goal today, not to focus on the fact she’d enjoyed two days at Gabe’s loft. The weekend had flown by in a blur of sex and time spent doing nothing but enjoying each other.

Monday was even harsher to handle after such an amazing few days with the man she loved.

She seriously needed to stop using that word. Love wasn’t a good idea. Admitting her feelings this close to the end game...damn it. None of this was a game. Every single moment she’d spent with him had been real, had been amazing, and something she wanted forever.

A gentle tap on her door had Chelsea glancing across her office. Before she could mutter a reply, the door eased open and Daniel stepped in. She figured he’d be making his presence known. She’d known he was spending the holidays in Royal as opposed to Dallas, especially with the wedding coming up. Erin wanted to be at Crescent Moon, the Hunt family ranch, for Christmas. Chelsea made a mental note to swing by to see her soon-to-be sister-in-law and take her Christmas present. Well, she’d take the present just as soon as it was delivered, because she’d purchased nearly everything online.

Chelsea offered her brother a smile. Surprisingly he hadn’t contacted her since she and Gabe had left the party abruptly the other night. Well, he’d texted her, but she’d been preoccupied.

“Your assistant said you don’t hav

e a meeting for another hour.” Daniel closed the distance between them and took a seat opposite her desk. He crossed one ankle over his knee and settled in. “Hope this isn’t a bad time.”

“You wouldn’t care if it was,” she replied, turning her chair to fully face him. “You’re here to question me about Gabe, so let’s have it.”

Daniel blew out a breath as he removed his cowboy hat and placed it over the arm of the chair. “What are you thinking, Chels? The guy is a loner and you’re going to get your heart broken.”

She’d expected nothing less from her big brother. “Did you rehearse that or just decide to wing it?”

“I’m winging it, so have pity on me when I’m trying to play the concerned older brother.”

“You’re not playing anything. You are the concerned older brother.” Chelsea offered him a smile as she folded her arms across her desktop and carefully thought of what to say next. “Listen, I know you care about me and I get that you don’t want me hurt. I’m not a fan of heartache myself, but Gabe and I know what we’re doing. We have no preconceived notion that this is long-term.”

No notions, but wishes...definitely.

“That’s not like you.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “And you know about my sex life? Is that really where you want to go?”

Daniel cringed. “Definitely not, but you’re going to get hurt.”

Most likely, but she couldn’t live her life worrying about the future. If things were going to end with Gabe—no, when they ended—she at least wanted to enjoy the here and now. And she’d enjoyed the hell out of their weekend together.

“Daniel, I realize over this past year Royal has been overrun with happily-ever-afters and you and Erin want everyone to be as blissful as you guys, but right now I’m not looking for love.”

Yet it had found her, anyway. She’d have to worry about that later. She vowed that she’d enjoy Gabe until the very last minute, and then she’d stock her fridge with her favorite ice cream and allow herself the pity party she would no doubt deserve. What a way to ring in the New Year.

“I swear, Gabe and I are fine, and at the end of the day, we’re just friends.”

Who give each other toe-curling orgasms and spend weekends together.

“Friends, huh?” Daniel asked with a grunt. “The man looked like he wanted to strangle that guy the other night and then he kissed you like he was staking his claim.”

“Maybe he was,” she replied simply. This was not a conversation she wanted to have with Daniel. And the truth was, he wouldn’t want her honest opinion or feelings on the matter. It was best to keep him as far away from this as possible. “Was there something else you wanted to discuss?”

Daniel pursed his lips as if he were contemplating his next move.

Chelsea arched her brow, silently daring him to circle back to the topic she’d just closed.

“Erin and I wanted to have you over for dinner.”

“That sounds great. When were you thinking?”

Daniel came to his feet and tapped his fingers on the edge of her desk. “Tonight, actually. We have something we want to discuss with you.”