Claiming His Christmas Tree Topper

“Well?” Rich prompts, but it wasn't really a question.

“I’m leaving.” I turn for the door and realize that there aren’t other men like my father out there. He would have done anything for my mom because he loved her so damn much. For them it had only been each other. Their lives might have been cut short, but they had something I don’t think many ever do.

I let out a small scream when Rich grabs me by the arm and pulls me back. He steps into me and I walk backwards, trying to get space between the two of us. Of course my heel catches on something, and I start to fall. When he grabs me, my body instantly rebels and I push at his chest, not caring if I take a tumble to the floor. The need to get away from him outweighs anything else.

“Damn, you’re fucking soft. I’ve never been with a girl with some meat on her bones. I’m really seeing the appeal.”

I push at Rich’s chest, and he goes flying across the room like a rag doll being tossed away. I’m shocked because there’s no way I’m that strong, but as I see Rich scramble to his feet, Dasher looms over him.

“You motherfucker,” Dasher growls, going for Rich.

Rich swings on Dasher, and I’d bet my life on it that Dasher lets him get the hit in. The look on Dasher’s face after the blow hits him in the jaw confirms my suspicions. A smirk pulls at Dasher’s mouth right before he swings on Rich fast. Two blows to the face and a third to the stomach. I cringe when I see Rich crumble.

People rush into the room, making a grab for Dasher to pull him off Rich. Dasher’s date stands there watching with a smile on her face. Now I’m the one wanting to punch, which is horrible. She didn't do anything, but she can be the one to make sure Dasher is okay. I steal the opportunity to make my escape.

Someone shouts my name, but I keep on moving, grabbing my bag and coat from where I’d tucked them away. When I exit the house I remember that I don’t have my car. Crap. I glance over my shoulder, wondering if I should call for an Uber.

“Miss Eve, are you ready to leave?”

“Thank you, yes.” I let out a sigh of relief when I see the driver from earlier standing outside with a couple of the valet men.

“I’ll grab the car. You stay under the heaters so you can keep warm.” He nods to one of the tall metal heaters they have set up outside in front of the house.

“I could use a walk.” I put on my coat. “Please,” I add when he opens his mouth to try and stop me.

“Take my arm.” He offers it to me. “I know they cleared the snow, but you can never be too safe.”

“Thank you.” I take his arm as he leads me to where he parked the SUV he brought me here in. I’m silent as we make our way back towards Dasher’s so I can get my things. How the heck am I going to handle tomorrow?

I start to realize I could be fired by tomorrow morning after what happened at the party. My heart starts to slow down from the rush of emotions I was having, and then there’s a hollow pit in my stomach.

The Mills party went to hell, and I’m right in the center of it all. This day started off as one of the best days I’ve had since losing my parents, but now I’ve made such a mess of things. This is why I told Jewels I shouldn't go on a date with a client. I’ve not only messed up one but two parties because of this.

I reach up and press my fingers to my lips, remembering the kiss Dasher gave me. It was everything I thought a first kiss would be and more. Now I’m wondering if that’s how all kisses are and I’m just naïve about the whole thing. The flood of emotions that hit me when his mouth met mine had me throwing all judgment out the window. I was ready to go all in with Dasher, that’s how much I believed in the kiss.

When we pull down Dasher’s driveway, I smile at the pink lights and all the decorations. My smile slips when I remember how all afternoon while I was at the Mills’ getting everything together for tonight I was thinking not only of Dasher but his family too.

My mind had begun playing out fantasies of what it would be like if Dasher and I did fall in love. I even imagined the Christmases we’d have with our children. Dasher would probably run from me if he knew I was already thinking about this stuff after only one kiss. I couldn't help myself, it meant that much to me.