Only Christmas

“The floor is all yours, son,” Edwin says, tucking Sophia under his arm as he steps back. I want to gush over all the sweetness happening right now, but it’s really not the time. Especially with everyone’s attention focusing on us.

Jacob is standing at the bar with Charlotte while his wife sits alone in one of the chairs. Frank and Marco are sitting in front of the fireplace together. Frank reaches out, running his hand up and down Marco’s thigh, probably trying to make sure he doesn’t get too worked up.

“I want to make it very clear to everyone, family or not, that my marriage and how I handle it is no one’s fucking business unless it’s for concern over my wife. Then you need to bring that to me. If I for one second think someone is trying to come between us, you’ll be out on your ass before you even know what’s happening.”

“This isn’t your house, Hunter.” Charlotte is the first to push back. I’m not completely shocked at her outburst. But she does have balls. I know Hunter loves me, and I find his tone intimidating. The coldness laced to his words.

“If I find out anyone is tangling themselves in someone’s marriage in Sophia’s and my home, then yes, they will be out on their asses.” Edwin is quick to jump in and back Hunter up. I can’t help but adore him for that. I know no one will ever replace Hunter’s father, but I think Edwin could almost be like an uncle to Hunter if he let him.

“This is bullshit,” Charlotte spits. Her fair skin starts to redden.

“Charlotte.” The warning is clear in Edwin’s tone.

“She’s fucking my husband. Isn’t that tangling in someone's marriage?” Anna says almost offhandedly before taking a sip of her champagne.

“Holy shit.” Frank gasps.

“Anna, don’t,” Jacob snaps at his wife.

“It was only a question. I don’t want to be kicked out. The snow is really coming down, and it’s Christmas Eve. Probably be hell to find a hotel.” She shrugs. If I wasn’t so shocked, I might laugh.

Frank and I lock eyes, having a silent conversation. This is fucking insane. We’re so going to be gossiping about this later.

“Okay, everyone, let's take a breath.” Sophia steps forward. If anyone can get this under control, it’s her. “Now, Hunter, what have people been doing, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“For starters, the talk over whether or not there is a prenup. That shit ends now.” Hunter glares at Jacob. “So does you eye-fucking my wife. I don’t even understand why you’re here.”

“He and Charlotte are trying to get the board to vote you out,” Anna says. “They have all these stupid ideas. It’s laughable. I’d know because I laugh when I see the texts and emails they send back and forth.” Damn, she’s full of information.

“Anna!” Jacob shouts as he starts to head toward his wife across the great room. Marco is on his feet within seconds, his hand going to Jacob’s chest to stop him from going anywhere.

“Don’t even think about it.” He shoves at Jacob, causing him to stumble backwards and fall on his ass. A giggle pops from me, making Hunter’s lips twitch.

“What the hell is wrong with you people?” Charlotte rushes over to help Jacob up, but he swats her away, making her look pathetic.

“What’s wrong with us? You’re the one who wants to fuck her stepbrother. You made this mess and pulled me into it with you,” he accuses her. This is getting good.

“Me! You’re the one who reached out to me, asshole. If anyone wants to fuck Hunter, it’s you. You’re obsessed with the man.” Damn, why the heck does everyone want my husband?

“You told me he was in love with you.” Jacob comes to his feet. He pulls at the stupid red bowtie he has on. He didn’t need anything extra to make him look more like a clown than he already is.

“And that’s why you were all over me. Always wanting what Hunter has. It’s pathetic.” Charlotte rolls her eyes overdramatically.

“What does that make you?” Anna asks with a straight face.

Fair point. I might like her if she hadn’t spent last night eye-fucking my husband. Hunter hadn’t been kidding when he told me people are always wanting a piece of him when he’s at events. Though I think he does well on his own scaring them away for the most part. It was one of the many things he used as a reason to get me to marry him when really he only wanted me. Gosh, I love that man. He was willing to do anything to make sure I didn’t slip through his fingers.

“That’s enough, Charlotte,” Edwin cuts in, pulling me back from my thoughts that can so easily drift when I think of my husband.