Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

The escalator drops me off at the bottom. I take two steps, and a high-pitched squeal I know very well captures my full attention.

Turning to the left, I see my friend’s round face filled with joy. Bundled in a massive black, goose down coat and a bright red scarf wound around her neck, she’s adorable. Shiny black hair falls around her face and shoulders in waves. Her almond-shaped brown eyes sparkle with excitement. Her middle has a prominent bump I can’t wait to get my hands on. Rushing forward, I embrace her as tightly as I dare.

“You’re finally here.”

“I’m here, Rosie.” I close my eyes, inhaling her sweet citrus scent. Glancing over her shoulder, I grin at the lanky, red-haired man who’d do anything to see her smile. “Hi, Duncan.”

“Welcome back, little sister.”

“I’m older than you by a month.”

“And far smaller,” he says, striking up our usual playful argument.

“It is no

t my fault you’re a giraffe.”

“How was your flight?” Rose steps away, looking me over with sharp eyes.

“Excellent.”

Rose narrows her eyes. “You seem different?”

“Maybe because I’m well-rested and finally home.” I squeeze her hand.

“That’s not it,” she says slowly.

“She just got in, don’t grill her yet, love.” Duncan steps forward and lifts me off my feet. I laugh, happy to be in the arms of the brother who always did his best to take care of me. “It’s good to have you back, Little Bit.”

“It’s good to be back.” I glance behind him, searching.

“He opted to wait for you at home. You know airports have never been his favorite place.”

“Yeah. I know.” I hate myself for the sigh of relief that escapes my lungs. I won’t be the reason our family stays separated. I have promises to keep. He sets me down, and I fall into place between the two of them.

“Are you ready to go home and be stuffed with good food to make up for yesterday at the airport?” Rose asks.

“You know, yesterday really wasn’t that bad after all.”

“Look at our brave, little soldier trying to downplay things,” Rose says.

“I’m serious.” I bite the inside of my cheek. We don’t keep secrets, but part of me really wants to protect the fragile beginnings I’ve started with Sam. They’ll figure it out when you leave after dinner.

“I met someone at the airport.”

Duncan stops and turns to me. “Haha.” I blink up at him. “Oh, you’re serious, aren’t you?”

“That’s incredibly dangerous! What if he’s a psycho?” Rose’s horrified expression hurts.

“You guys know I’ve always been good at reading people, and it’s not like I left the bar with him.”

“It isn’t like you to let your guard down so quickly,” Duncan says softly.

“I know.” He isn’t saying anything I haven’t thought of myself. “He helped me out. Then we got to talking, and I ... I think I could really like him once we got to know each other better.”

“Helped you how?” Duncan asks slowly.

“Nothing huge. Just some guy in the food line trying to put moves on me. I have no problem telling someone where to go, but it seemed smarter not to piss where I had to sleep, you know?” I arch my eyebrow.