Chapter 19
SACHI
I stand for several long minutes with my back against the door, grinning like a loon.
I’m alone. Dean left after gifting me with the most sensual, reverent kiss I’ve ever experienced.
It was so spectacular that I’m still lost in the moment.
Still lost in the night that wasn’t supposed to be.
I was supposed to go to work, then spend my evening licking my wounds with mint chip ice cream and sitcom reruns.
Instead, I feel like my life’s been turned upside down in the best way possible.
What Dean did tonight was a grand gesture worthy of a Hollywood movie. I didn’t think that sort of thing happened in real life. But it does, and I’m living proof.
More grinning.
Lights.
It’s time to turn the lights back on.
I switch on every festive bulb in my apartment, then turn off the overhead light so that the twinkling colors are just as vibrant as the joy in my heart.
Once I’m comfy on the sofa, I call Dani because I can’t go to bed without telling her everything.
Aside from my need to share this excitement bubbling inside me, she’d skewer me with one of her paint brushes if I didn’t call.
She answers quickly because it’s later than I normally call.
After assuring her there are no problems, I walk her through the broad strokes of the night’s events.
I’ll just say this.
Every girl should have a best friend who squeals with delight on her behalf.
Dani is so giddy, her husband runs from the other room with his gun in hand, which I only know because she has to pause and assure him there isn’t a home invasion taking place.
“Speaking of men with guns,” I transition back to our conversation. “I want you to know I told Dean that you guys are nonnegotiable. I’m not giving up my friends for him, and he promised it wouldn’t be a problem.”
“I’m glad he thinks so, but nothing is ever guaranteed, and that’s okay. No need to borrow trouble. We can cross that bridge should we come to it. I’m just glad you’re willing to take a chance and see what happens.”
“True, but I don’t like taking chances when your lives are at risk.”
“It’s Tommy’s choice to do what he does. You’re not the one taking chances. He is. That’s on him. But I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate it. Just know that should something happen, you aren’t responsible for the consequences of his actions.”
Emotion thickens in my throat, making it hard to swallow. “Dang, Dani. When did you get so smart?” I tease to keep from bursting into tears.
“I’ve always been this smart. You’re just now catching up.” Her smug reply has me laughing out loud, as she intended.
“I appreciate your patience in the meantime.”
“Not a problem. You know I’m fond of charity.”
“You know what? I’m letting you off the hook for that one, but only because it reminded me that I haven’t told you everything yet.”
“There’s more?”
“Oh, yeah. You know how I said Dean was at a charity dinner?”
“Yeah?”
“He’s one of the founders of the charity.”
“I’m not following.”
“He’s rich, Dani. Like, I think he might be super rich,” I whisper into the phone. I’m not even sure why. I guess I don’t want the universe to hear me and think I’m in it for the money. I’m not, but holy crap, it’s a huge perk.
“He’s a detective,” Dani points out, still confused.
“Yes, but his parents left him a big estate. They were killed when he was young. He went into law enforcement because of them, but he doesn’t need the money. The man is a real-life Bruce Wayne when he’s not fighting crime.”
“Ohhh…”
“Yeahhh…” I agree.
Dani’s quiet for a breath before she continues in a choked voice. “I’m so happy for you, Sach.”
“Well, it’s early still, but I’m pretty freaking excited, myself.” I grin. “You should see the gown I’m wearing. It’s designer—all of them were. He made certain I felt like a princess tonight.”
“As he should,” she says in a voice strained with emotion. “You deserve to be cherished.”
Her tears are infectious, causing my eyes to burn. “Thanks, honey. Okay, I’m going to let you go before I end up sobbing.”
“I’m so glad you called. I have a really good feeling about this, Sach. It’s going to be good.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
“Hey, want to hang out tomorrow?” she interjects excitedly.
“I’m working at the gallery all afternoon, but I can stop by on my way in.”
“Perfect! See you then.”
“Bye!” I hang up and hold my phone to my chest, not sure how I’m ever going to calm down enough to sleep.
Regardless, I get ready for bed and curl up under the covers with The Grinch Who Stole Christmas playing on the TV. Not either of the newer ones. The old version. It’s my favorite.
By the time the Whos gather around their town square and are joyfully singing hand in hand, I drift into my own Whoville dreamland.
The next day, I open my front door in a rush for work and nearly collide with someone in the hallway.
“Sorry!” I cry, pulling up short.
“No problem. I have a delivery and was just about to knock. You Sachi?” The deliveryman holds a large bouquet so picturesque that it almost looks fake.
Red roses and holly berries pop with color amid a thick assortment of seasonal greenery—sprigs of pine, boxwood, and eucalyptus.
It’s a Christmas arrangement fit for a queen.
“Yeah, that’s me,” I say in awe.
The guy grins and hands over the glass vase. “Enjoy and have a happy holiday.”
“Thank you!” I take the flowers inside, and my stomach hosts an entire colony of butterflies. Tucked amid the greenery is a note that reads simply, "You promised," followed by a phone number.
Before Dean left last night, he made me promise I’d see him again. I hadn’t even realized I didn’t have his number.
You do now.
I grin and tuck the card into my back pocket.
If I don’t hurry, I won’t have time to see Dani before work.
I decide to text him once I’m at the gallery, which ends up being a supremely dumb choice.
I can hardly concentrate on a word Dani says while that card burns a hole in my favorite pair of jeans.
After what feels like a lifetime, I get settled at work and pull out my phone.
Me: The flowers are gorgeous, thank you
He answers immediately.
Dean: Glad you like them
Dean: You have Christmas plans?
Me: Nope. My parents weren’t able to make it this year.
As soon as I hit send, I worry if I shouldn’t have said the part about my parents. Dean’s an orphan, and I imagine this time of year is extra hard.
Dean: Me either
Oh my God. He’s joking about his dead parents.
Why do I think that’s so sweet? He’s trying to make me comfortable and let me know I don’t have to tiptoe around the subject.
Dean: I always volunteer to work Christmas Day so other guys can be with their families.
So. Freaking. Sweet.
Dean: But I’m free Christmas Eve
It’s a good thing there are no clients at the gallery because I’m staring at my phone with a grin the size of Rhode Island.
Me: My place isn’t big, but you’d be welcome to come by and hang out.
Is it too soon for Christmas together?
Our situation is too abnormal for me to know what’s reasonable. If neither of us has plans, why should it be different from having a date on any other day?
Dean: Your place is perfect—it’s way more festive
I should have known he’d be on the same page. He’s not the type to play dating games.
Dean: That’s still four days away
Dean: Can I see you before then?
More idiotic grinning.
No games here, just an honest desire to see me.
Me: When are you working?
Dean: Tell me when I can see you, and I’ll make it work.
Can a girl die from smiling too much?
I sure hope not.
Me: What about lunch tomorrow?
Dean: Perfect
Not only did Dean and I have lunch the next day but we did so for the three days that followed as well.
We even did a lap around Rockefeller Center and watched families ice skating under the giant Christmas tree.
I wasn’t dressed for skating, but he said he’d skate with me another day if I wanted to go.
I’m so taking him up on that.
But not today because it’s Christmas Eve, and the city is expecting two feet of snow.
But even more importantly, it’s the first time we’ve been alone together since the charity dinner.
I had to restrain myself when I opened the door to find him wearing a Santa hat.
It was a smidgen crooked. And did I mention he has dimples?
I’m surprised I didn’t strip him naked right then and there.
Christmas miracles do exist.
“Hey!”
“Hello, gorgeous. I hope you don’t mind that I brought an overnight bag. I didn’t want to look presumptuous—it’s this weather. It’s getting pretty bad out there, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it home before working tomorrow.”
“Not a problem at all. I’d rather you stay than go back out in that unnecessarily.”
Please, please, stay.
“I appreciate it.” He sets an overstuffed backpack by the door.
“Make yourself at home.” I motion to the sofa, then skip to the kitchen, which is technically just a corner of the living room. “I have homemade snack mix, homemade fudge, and … wait for it … homemade Babka bread. It’s delicious.”
“You made all this? I thought you said you carve food, not cook it.” He stands behind me to admire the spread over my shoulder as I make a plate for us to take to the sofa.
“Never said they were made in my home. All gifts.” I tear off a corner of Babka. “Try this. Dani’s Gran makes it. I think she must be a witch because this stuff’s magical.”
When his lips take my offering and make contact with my fingers, my girl bits swoon.
His eyes dilate as if he knows. I clear my throat.
“Ready to watch the movie?”
“Definitely.” He takes the plate and sets it on my small coffee table. Once he’s seated, I sit next to him then gasp when he hefts me closer until I’m tucked up against him. “That’s better.”
“Yeah,” I say in a dreamy tone. “Want me to turn the tree lights off?”
“No way. The lights are the best part of Christmas.”