Page 33

When he bends down to kiss me, I don’t stop him.

I give in.

To him.

To the possibility of us.

CHAPTER – 12

Twinkle

It was the right call to skip dessert at the restaurant Kingston and I had dinner. Because my stomach is close to bursting as we stroll along the residential street and glance one by one at the prettily decorated windows at each house.

It’s sort of like trick or treat.

Each family welcomes us and offers homemade cookies and cupcakes. They are so sweet and friendly that it’s hard to say no. Also, homemade desserts just hit different. The first four to five houses, I was eagerly gobbling the treats despite Kingston playful warning me to slow down.

Did I listen? Nope.

“Why is it so hard to be rude?” I whine in a low voice, while smiling at the crowd gathered around the second to last window, which was revealed yesterday. “I’m going to fall if I eat any more.”

Kingston rubs my back soothingly. “They won’t be offended if you say no, Twinkle.”

“Maybe I could politely ask them to pack a few so I can eat them in the morning.”

“Were they that delicious?”

“You know when your stomach is full but your heart isn’t, it’s one of those situations.”

“I get it,” he replies with a chuckle. “But don’t worry about tomorrow, our chef at the hotel bakes different breads and desserts for breakfast every day.”

“Can we give suggestions?” I ask hopefully. “I love banana bread.”

“I’ll let him know.”

“Thanks!”

“Come on, it’s time for the final window.”

Locking his hand with my gloved one, we cut through the lingering group of people chatting and laughing with each other. It’s very wholesome the way everyone is so close to one another. Some of them even know Kingston very well and came to chat with us. I didn’t miss how they gazed with pride at the man on my arm, almost like they idolized him.

When they realized I didn’t speak their native tongue, they were respectful to speak in English so I could be part of the conversation. I almost panicked when they asked how Kingston and I knew one another.

All night, we’ve been hanging, traipsing around the village and talking like a loved-up couple. So, I wasn’t sure how to answer. I was seconds away from blurting out that we were friends when Kingston stole the focus and proudly said, “We met six months ago and she had me hooked with her smile, but she slipped away from me. I finally got her to say yes and go out with me on a date tonight.”

To which a middle-aged lady whispered in my ear, “He’s a great catch, honey, and you both look gorgeous together.”

With a wink, she and her husband walked away, leaving me red from head to toe.

I jolt out of the memory when we slow down near a two-story brick house with a slanted roof and a long chimney. The window visible on the porch at the front of the house is covered with a black sheet. I immediately know it is the final house of the advent calendar.

But what I don’t expect is an elderly couple to walk down the porch steps and come straight for Kingston and me.

The moment they reach us, the short and willowy woman engulfs Kingston into her bony yet strong arms. He bends and sways with her, making her sigh.

“My big boy, we were just about to call you.”

Oh snap! I completely forgot he mentioned his grandparents were participating in the tradition every year. I was half sure he was kidding when he said we’ll meet them.