Page 9 of Christmas Agreement (Majestic Falls: Christmas Spice #3)

Katie

“That was the most amazing night of my life,” I told Rugar as he drove us back to my apartment after the show. “It was even better than I ever dreamed it could be.”

“You’re going to give me a complex,” he grumbled. “Are you telling me I have to live up to a performance like that?”

I rolled my head to the side and stuck out my tongue at him.

It really had been a wonderful evening. Rugar had taken me out to the nicest restaurant in town, though I’d assured him I would have been perfectly happy with fries and a shake. We’d encountered Clarence. We’d seen The Nutcracker .

When we’d gotten to the charity event, I’d quickly realized arriving together as we had was the social equivalent of becoming official.

I’d met his coach, then Rugar had introduced me to the hockey support staff, board chairs, and his team, all the while with his arm around my waist and his hand resting on my hip.

All was good until we’d seen Kyle.

My brother had eyed us with questions and murder on his face until his girlfriend had steered him away.

Mandy might have annoyed me before tonight, but after the knowing look she’d given me before redirecting Kyle, I knew I owed her.

I’d misjudged her and she was more in my corner than I’d thought.

It was fully her doing that Kyle hadn’t been able to corner us the rest of the night.

Still, I knew an interrogation was coming.

As promised, Rugar had kissed me every chance he could get. Including a few times during the performance when he’d leaned over and stolen a few while I’d tried to keep my gaze locked on the stage. That was a feat. I had the hottest man in the world beside me. The dancers dulled in comparison.

“You were a big hit with my friends,” he said, bringing me back to the present.

“They’re great people,” I told him. “Your coach’s wife is sweet.”

“She friends with my mom. I guarantee, she’s already called my mother and my mom is at a craft store buying yarn to start baby blankets for us,” he responded, and I could see him roll his eyes in the lights of an oncoming car.

“You know, my mother offered me my grandma’s ring when I visited them last summer. ”

“Why? We weren’t together,” I shook my head. “I mean… I’m assuming. Was there someone else?”

“God no! It’s always been you. I mentioned you to my parents—I mean, they know you, but I told them my feelings for you. Neither of them was surprised. They’ve known I’m in love you for years. I just…hadn’t told you you.”

Silence fell heavy in the Jeep as he kept his gaze locked on the road ahead and I stared at him.

Wait… what?

Rugar loved me?

And he told other people before he told me?

Rearing back, I punched him in the arm.

“What the hell?” he gasped, laughing as he flinched away. There wasn’t really anywhere for him to go, considering he was driving.

“You jerk!” I yelled. “You’re the worst! Do you know that?”

“Because I’m in love with you?”

“Because you told me like that! God…do you even know how to talk to women?”

“How the hell would I?” he challenged. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to talk to. It’s not like I’ve ever had a girlfriend to practice on. Of course, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

“Well, I haven’t had any experience with love, either, you moron! Because you been all alone in the corner apparently expecting me to know by osmosis or some shit! Argh!” I threw my hands into the air. “All this time… I can’t believe this!”

I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned against the door, shooting daggers at him with my gaze. “And I love you, too! A lot! Thank you!”

“Why are you still yelling at me, then?” he asked.

“Because you’re annoying! Because I’m angry. And I’m confused, and I love you even though you’re…a dumb man!”

Heavy silence fell again, and tears welled up in my eyes. Good lord, tonight had been amazing, and then it had turned into the weirdest disaster I could have ever imagined.

“Well…okay, then.” Rugar blew out a sigh as he turned onto Lake Main Street and headed toward my apartment. “I’m glad you love me, too.”

I didn’t answer, knowing I’d either start crying or start yelling at him again. I didn’t even know why I was so emotional and so angry.

“So, where does that leave us?” he ventured.

“I don’t know,” I admitted softly. I still wanted him. God, after being at his side, with him holding me close all evening, I ached for him. As much as I wanted to drag him upstairs to my place, I needed to figure this out first. “You’re taking me home. I’m going home. Alone.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, his tone clipped. “Alright.”

We rode the rest of the way to my place in silence. He pulled up to the curb, and I climbed out of the Jeep, not waiting for him to come around and open the door. I hesitated as we stared at each other across the passenger seat.

“I had a really nice time tonight,” I said. “Thank you for taking me.”

“You’re welcome,” he answered, his tone tinged with sadness and disappointment. “Can I still take you to the sorority party tomorrow?”

“Yes. And to your hockey thing,” I said. I’d agreed to that and I wasn’t going back on a promise. Beyond that? I didn’t know. Just the idea of no more time with him though was like a stab in my chest, and I couldn’t breathe.

I slammed the door shut before I sobbed, then I turned and ran into the building.

But the time I let myself into my apartment, tears streamed down my cheeks.

I leaned against the door, suddenly remembering how Rugar had said everyone needed luck.

Ugh! That was true but damn it. That stuff about Clarence being a good luck charm was clearly bullshit.