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A chuckle rumbled in my chest, even though I didn’t much feel like smiling yet. “A bat man? Actually, it suits you, being a billionaire and all. And I guess you were a hero saving me from the fire…and protecting me from being named the one responsible for all of this mess.”

“I’m partly responsible, too, because I suck at relationships and being a boyfriend. If I were better at it, I’d have brought you with me tonight, and said screw off to Mom about Marlena.”

“Wait. Could you rewind a little? Boyfriend? Relationship?” My eyebrows arched at him.

“Uh, yeah. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. Look, it’s going to be a long night with Mom dealing with this. So, tell you what. Come over to my place tomorrow night, and I’ll cook us dinner.”

“You cook?”

“I can heat things up in the kitchen.” The corner of his mouth lifted.

“Hm. This I have to see. I’ll bring dessert. Or…I can cook us breakfast the next morning.” My coy smile was back, ready to be with Rex again, ready to forget this entire ordeal and put this night behind us.

“How about both?”

“Hm. Tough negotiator,” I quipped. A strange look crossed his face I hadn’t noticed before.

“Yeah, um, so I’ll send my driver to pick you up about seven. Okay?”

I nodded, and he brought me into his chest for a hug. “I really am sorry, Rex.”

“Me, too.” His hand threaded through my hair, pulling gently back so my head lifted to him. And finally, our lips reunited in soft, sweet kisses. I wanted more, but knew for tonight, this had to be enough.

When he pulled away, I reached up and removed my makeup smudges from his lips and chin. “For the record, I’ve never been a fan of Halloween, and tonight just solidified that once and for all,” I chuckled. “Christmas is my favorite holiday, and it’ll be here before we know it. What?”

His face scrunched up at what I said. “It’s just…Christmas hasn’t been my favorite time of year for a while.” His phone broke into the conversation before he could expand upon that.

He peeked at the caller id and sighed. “It’s Mom again. I have to go. Will you be okay to get home?”

“Yes, I’ll catch up with Maisy and Sophie.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow night, at seven.” He peckedthe top of my head and rushed off, leaving me to worry about the bomb he just dropped.

What was happening right now? My…boyfriend…hated Christmas? Coming from Holly Creek, where everything revolved around the beloved holiday, that just wouldn’t do. Sounded like I needed to write a new bucket list for Rex with all the things to make him love Christmas again.

18

UP TO THE ROOFTOP

REX

Ipaced when nervous,and tonight was no exception. I also cut myself shaving, broke out in a cold sweat, and almost burned my hand, taking the baked brie out of the oven for our appetizer. But I’d chilled the champagne and everything was ready.

A glass of Macallan and a few deep breaths were in order before Chelsea arrived in about half an hour.

What was I so worried about? Oh, yeah. Ending my playboy days, committing to one woman, was kind of a big deal. Presenting her with a proposition for marriage was enormous.

With glass in hand, I strolled over to my penthouse windows, taking in the view, one of the best in New York. I could point out every building I owned through the glass. This was my world, and hopefully, it might become Chelsea’s, too. For a little while, at least.

I patted the little box in my pocket. She couldn’tpossibly say no to the deal I fashioned. She’d have everything she wanted. Like?—

A knock at my door interrupted my worries. Glancing at my watch, it was early; it couldn’t be Chelsea arriving yet. I peeked through the peephole, surprised to find my neighbor Stanley there. With only two penthouse apartments on this floor, he had the other.

“Hey, come in. I haven’t seen you in a while.” I opened the door and welcomed the TV producer. “Want a drink?”

“Sure, thanks. I just came by to tell you I’m listing my apartment. I’m retiring in January and moving to Florida.”

“No shit? Congratulations then.” I crossed the room to my bar and poured him a glass of Macallan, too. He took it and we clinked glasses, strolling over to the window.