Page 11 of 27 Kisses

“I’ve got a few things in motion, lass.”

She returns to her seat. Progress. “What things?”

I swallow. “We’re gonna have a real tree.” Not sure how, since there isn’t much room and the stairs are difficult tomaneuver. But that’s a problem for another day. “And family. Family will be here.” I scramble to think who I can get. Has everyone made Christmas plans already?

“Even Uncle Garrett?”

His eyes widen. “Oh, um?—”

I ignore the panic in his voice. “Of course Uncle Garrett will be here.” In for a penny, right? “In fact, this year, he’s helping me host.”

After Lanie leaves for her room to do her homework, I gather the mostly empty plates and take them to the kitchen.

Garrett follows. “Aidyn?—”

“I panicked, okay? I know you don’t do Christmas for some stupid reason—” I stop and take a deep breath. “Sorry.”

“Let me help you clean up.”

“I’ve got it.” I put the dishes in the sink and lean against it, trying to keep from spiraling.

“You’re a stubborn ass, Aidyn.” His hand lands in the center of my back. “What were you thinking? You know I don’t?—”

“Do I? Up until last year, you lived in New York and were too busy to come home. And then last Christmas—” But thinking about that couple and the accident reminds me too much of Emily. “Maybe I thought you’d join us this year.”

He doesn’t respond, so I focus on cleaning. After the dishwasher is loaded and everything is clean, I turn to face Garrett.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Do you want me to leave?”

“It’s just…” I scrub my face. “Why is it harder now? When you used to visit from New York, you stayed with me. In my bed.”

“Now, it would look suspicious.”

I sigh. “It would.”

He touches my face, and I don’t pull away. “Aidyn…I don’t want to fight.”

“You sure?” A smile slips out. “I remember a time when you loved to slam me against the refrigerator. And you ruined some of my favorite shirts.”

He slides a glance over my button-up like he’s considering it. “Come here,” he says, grabbing my shirt and pulling me closer. I laugh, letting him capture me in his arms.

“I fucking miss you so much.”

“Same, love.”

He crushes our mouths together, and the anticipation, the need, bursts into this all-consuming want that’s difficult to contain. “Garrett, fuck.” I cling to him as he kisses me harder.

I pull back and rest our heads together. “We can’t. Lanie.”

“Sorry. That’s on me. I got carried away.” His next kiss is softer but more restrained.

We make out like it’s been years since we’ve kissed. Never taking it too far. And always listening for my daughter’s footsteps.

And then I reluctantly pull away. “I have something for you.”

He tilts his head, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Aidyn…”

“Don’t start complaining just yet. It’s nothing big.” Better to just give it to him.