Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

“This wasn’t truly a nightmare. We sat in clouds.”

“O-kay.”

“And so she has these two ex-lovers that are like powerful ghosts.”

“Yeah. We should definitely go inside. Have you slept?”

“That’s what I’m trying to say, Saint. When I sleep, my mother’s spirits come and show me things. Like the one spirit showed me my past and then the other showed me this month.”

A large truck barreled and parked in front of the SnowChapel. An illustration of flowers was painted on the side.

“Oh, that’s the florist.” I left his hold and headed that way. “We have to make sure everything is great. Did you know that Holly didn’t even want to have the wedding here?”

“Yeah.”

I stopped and turned to him. “You knew?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged.

“Why would you let her do that? This wedding is supposed to be about her. Not me.”

“Because loving you is one of her happiest duties in life. Nikolas and I couldn’t convince her to do otherwise.”

I wanted to cry. Instead, I stepped back as if her love was around and ready to grab me. “I. . .”

“Yes?”

Do I deserve her?

I sighed. “Does it seem like I love her too?”

“Of course, Ivy.”

My voice went weak. “Are you sure?”

“Why would you ask that? You’re one of the most loving people I know.”

I shook my head. “How could you say that? I do my best to not love you all. It hurts too much.”

“Still, you love us. If not for you, Nikolas and Holly wouldn’t be together.”

“I didn’t really have a hand in that.”

“If not for you, I wouldn’t be a chef or have my own restaurants and shows.”

“My grandmother was the one—”

“No, Ivy. It was you. Your Grandmother showed me around the kitchen and ignited the passion for food, but you kept it going. You were always encouraging me. Always telling me how my food tasted good even when I knew it might’ve sucked. You always sent me cookbooks and chef biographies. That was why I decided to be a chef.”

I held my hand over my heart. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. You’re always caring for us and pretending that it’s no big deal. Even with your charity. You dedicate your collections to helping single mothers. It costs you so much money and time. And every year you push yourself even more so that you can help more.”

I looked away. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

He took my chin and brought my view back to him. “It is a big deal. Say it.”

“What?”

“Repeat after me. You love people.”

“I don’t need to say it.”

“Come on.”

I frowned. “I love people.”

“And your charity is a big deal.”

My bottom lip quivered. “It’s a big deal.”

“You’re a good, loving person.”

“I’m a good, loving person.”

He gave me a wicked smile. “And you love me.”

“I do love you, Saint.”

“And you’re ready to make this work.”

I swallowed.

“That wasn’t a question, Ivy. You’re supposed to repeat after me.”

I nodded. “I’m ready to make this work. I just need us to take baby steps.”

“No way. I’ve waited several years. I’m grabbing you and we’re leaping forward. Enough with the baby steps.”

I edged back.

He closed the distance. “It’s too late for that.”

He was barely half an inch away from me.

I widened my eyes. “Too late for what?”

He moved in closer. “It’s too late to escape me, Ivy. Now that you’re going to try, I won’t let you back out of it.”

My knees went weak. I forced myself to remain standing. “Okay. I’m just. . .”

“Afraid.”

“Don’t leave me, Saint.”

“Have I left you all these years?” He kissed me before I could answer. And then those huge arms lifted me like I weighed nothing. And I melted in his arms, even though it was so cold and icy outside. I was warm in his embrace. Hot within that kiss.When the kiss ended, I immediately wanted to head back to the villa. A boom came from the truck. I turned. Men had begun carrying huge stacks of flowers out and heading into the SnowChapel.

I looked back at Saint.

The whole time he’d been watching me.

I cleared my throat. “We should check on the decorations.”

“Should we?” He licked his lips. “Holly has a wedding planner and my mother will be all over the place checking this and that. Perhaps we could do other things.”

I smiled, knowing the wicked thoughts spinning in his head. “I told her I would make sure everything went exactly as planned. Besides. . .she’s here because of me.”

“She has no regrets about it.”

“Doesn’t matter. I want to be there for her.” I let out a long breath. “I love her.”

He curved his lips into a smile. “Okay. Then I’ll help too.”

“Thank you.”

Saint offered me his arm. My body tingled when I took it. I’d just told him I would give him a chance. This was a huge step. Thankfully, he didn’t bring it up anymore. I was still mulling it over in my head.