Chapter 16 Donovan
DONOVAN
Iwas an idiot. How I could think that one night with Emily would ever be enough was a mystery.
The moment I opened that door and saw those gold flecked eyes, every memory I had of her in my arms came back full force.
I wondered if she’d be upset with how I’d left things, and the glare she leveled at me the moment she saw my face answered that question.
I’d hurt her; that much was clear. What I was uncertain about was whether she’d ever forgive me.
The odds certainly weren’t in my favor considering I couldn’t even get her to talk to me.
On the rare occasion she looked my way, her narrow-eyed glare told me everything I needed to know. I was screwed.
“I think that just about does it,” Vance said, hopping down off the step ladder. He’d just finished hanging Charlie’s new pod swing in her room, and she was brimming with excitement.
“Can I get in it now?” she asked.
“Have at it, kid,” Vance said, and she squealed before climbing inside with a book. Her exuberance warmed my soul, and I chuckled. I had no plans for children of my own, but I could appreciate the joy they brought to one's life, and I was more than content to play the role of uncle.
Even though Charlie and Ellie weren’t my blood, Vance was like a brother to me.
He’d been my best friend for over twenty years along with Blaine and Garrett, our other two college classmates who rounded out our friend group.
Our tight-knit crew was one of the things that kept me from returning to Boston all these years.
Even now, doubt crept in when I considered my potential move.
I wasn’t sure I could leave behind the people who’d essentially become my family.
But this was the future of my career we were talking about.
It was the logical next step, a move in the right direction. It was what I’d always wanted.
And then a cute little brunette in an elf costume completely consumed me and made me second guess every plan I’d made.
I didn’t know what it was about that particular night that drew me to her like never before.
Maybe it was getting to see the lighthearted, silly side to her as she played the part of Santa’s elf.
Maybe it was the fact she no longer looked like a sorority girl and was all woman now.
Or maybe it was how she no longer tried to conceal her desire for me.
It had always been subtle, peeking out just beneath the surface.
But that night, a fire lit behind those hazel eyes, and she made it clear she wanted me.
Whatever it was, it had made something come to life inside me, and now there was no containing it.
Voices sounded from below when I reached the top of the stairs. Delilah and Emily came into view, the latter bundled up in her coat and scarf. She was leaving, and I hadn’t even gotten a chance to talk to her.
“You heading out?” Vance asked from behind me, and Emily’s eyes flicked up to me.
She quickly averted her gaze when Vance stepped around me.
I was frozen on the top step, just watching her, trying to ignore my aching need for her.
I wanted her so bad I could practically feel the silk of her skin beneath my palms. I curled my hands into fists to mute the sensation.
I had to forget about it, about all of it, if I was going to be able to make myself leave in a few months.
“Yeah, I’ll swing by tomorrow so Charlie and I can bake everyone some treats,” Emily said with a smile. My feet finally started to move as they all bid each other goodbye, but by the time I got to the bottom of the steps, she was out the door.
“I should probably head out as well,” I said, running a hand through my hair.
“Thanks for all your help,” Vance said and clapped me on the back.
“Anytime.” We wished each other Merry Christmas, and Delilah pulled me in for a hug.
I opened the door and stepped onto the porch only to have a blur of red wool slam into my chest. I let out a grunt as dark tendrils of hair flew about, slapping me in the face.
Delicate hands gripped my biceps, and that familiar zing of electricity raced up my arm.
Her breath whooshed out of her, and she stumbled.
“Emily? What’s wrong?” I reached out and gripped her waist to steady her.
“My car won’t start,” she explained breathlessly. We stared at each other for a moment, neither of us willing to let go of each other.
“Do you think it could be the battery?” Vance asked from behind me. Emily jumped and dropped her hands from my arms. I begrudgingly released her, wishing I could pull her in closer instead, and turned to find Vance shrugging on his coat.
“Maybe,” Emily replied, wringing her hands together. Her nervous gaze bounced between me and her brother-in-law.
“Got your jumper cables?” Vance asked, and I nodded. We set to work trying to jump start Emily’s car.
“Why isn’t it working?” Emily asked as I stepped out of my truck after several unsuccessful attempts to get her car running. Vance glanced at me above her head, looking for an answer.
“Alternator’s probably bad,” I answered, sidling up to them. She was visibly defeated, her shoulders slumping like they bared the weight of the world on them.
“Is that expensive to fix?” she asked, chewing on her bottom lip nervously.
“Not if you know someone who can fix it,” I replied a little smugly. I wasn’t only good with computers and could fix just about anything mechanical. I even dabbled in some automotive work here and there. A bad alternator was child’s play.
“Great,” Emily replied with a tight smile. Vance shot her a quizzical look, but didn’t comment. “In the meantime, I better call Mom and see if her and Dad can turn around and come get me.”
“Don’t bother Darla and Jim. I’ll run you home,” Vance said, turning to retrieve his keys from the house.
“I can take her home,” I offered, and Emily snapped her gaze to me. “It’s Christmas,” I explained, “you should be home with your family. I’ve got nowhere else to be.”
“You wouldn’t mind?” Vance asked hopefully.
“Not at all.” I shifted my focus to Emily. Ultimately it was up to her whether she allowed me to take her home or not, but I hoped she’d agree. We needed to talk. “That okay with you?”
Her mouth pinched in irritation for the briefest moment before she straightened her shoulders. “Fine with me,” she said, feigning nonchalance. Vance watched the exchange curiously as though there was something he was missing.
He had no idea.