Only Christmas

“It’s actually her husband's property. He bought it for her as a wedding gift.”

“That’s some wedding gift.”

“I truly think this one loves her. We’ll have to see if he can keep her.” He starts to lead us more toward the front doors. “Wrap your arm into mine. I enjoy it when you do that.” I let go of his hand at his request and tuck my arm into his.

“When did I do that?”

“When we left the hotel.” Right.

I had still been a bit worried about the hotel staff seeing me. I suggested we slip out the back door, but Hunter wasn’t having one bit of it. I clung to him, scared what someone might say. To my surprise, no one said a word, but I saw a few shocked stares from the valets when they spotted me. I can’t blame them, though. I’ve pretty much gone from rags to riches within twenty-four hours. I’m sure everyone is talking about it.

Hunter had growled at one and asked him if he was staring at his wife, and if he enjoyed working for him because it was about to come to an end. I had to calm him down, which was actually easier than I thought it would be. A few kisses in the back of the SUV had done the trick. Hunter was convinced the valet Joey wasn’t looking at me because I was with the owner of the hotel but because he wanted me for himself. I told him he was being ridiculous.

“If you don’t mind.” I’d love nothing more than to cling to him for the rest of the night.

He’s a shield for me. I have no clue how to act or what I’m supposed to do here tonight. I’m trying to act calm, but inside I’m panicking. I’ve never been to something this extravagant, and I’m afraid that everyone will be able to tell as much. Worse, embarrass Hunter. That’s the last thing I want to do.

“I never mind you pressing your body into mine, angel.” Desire swirls inside of me.

“Hunter.” I grip his arm tighter.

“I’ll try to make this quick. We need to finish what we started earlier.” He stops walking when we get to the top of the stairs that lead into the house. I peek up at him through my lashes. Not only are my cheeks heating up, but other parts of me are as well.

I want that.

I want him.

There is still this fear that this could all be taken from me. Every second I spend with him, the more I know how much I want this all to be real. I want to be his wife in every way.

“Fuck, you’re beautiful, angel.” He leans down, pressing his mouth to mine.

This man loves to kiss me. Like every other time his mouth meets mine, I forget about the rest of the world. Until I hear a familiar voice—the one belonging to Hunter’s stepsister and also my boss.

13

Hunter

This is growing old rather quickly and I sure as fuck do not mean anything to do with my wife. I reluctantly lift my head to not only see Charlotte but my mom too. Both of their eyes are wide with surprise. I smirk because it can be hard to shock my mom, but I think this will be something she enjoys once she gets to know Aspen.

After all, she's been begging me to find a girl. A good one, as she would say. And I’d hit the goddamn jackpot when I found Aspen sleeping in my bed. My very own Goldilocks.

“Mom.” I keep my hand at Aspen’s back as I guide her toward my mother. “I want you to meet someone. This is Aspen, my wife.”

“Your wife!” Both my mom and Charlotte say at the same time. Both of their voices hold two totally different tones to them.

“Aspen, this is my mother, Sophia. Mom, this is my angel, Aspen.”

“You call her angel?” Mom asks, full of surprise. I think I could knock her over with a feather at the moment. “That’s so sweet. Don’t go calling me Sophia. If you’re married, it’s Mom now.” Mom engulfs Aspen in a hug the best she can without me letting her go. Charlotte stands back still in shock. “He’s got a death grip on you.” Mom laughs. “You’re beautiful. I can see why things might have happened rather quickly. I shouldn’t be surprised in the least. He is, after all, his father. The Hoffman men always go after what they want.”

“Mom, please don’t cry.”

“He hates women's tears.” Aspen finally speaks. I think she’s still a bit taken aback by my mom being so open to her.

“No, I hate to see you or my mother get upset,” I correct.

They’re different to me. They reach a space inside of me that no others can get to. How Aspen slipped in there so easily, I’ll never know, but what I do know is she’s there to stay forever. I’ve never believed in love at first sight or fate, but now I’m not so sure.