Page 141 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

“You’re fired, Sebastian!” Clark shouts, his face red.

Flora and Willow roll their eyes, then they give us their congratulations. Soon, all the women swarm us. My heart feels light as Sebastian and I leave the Back Bay brownstone to my own apartment for our very first Christmas together.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

Sebastian

Luke grabs my hand, and we rush into the inky night. Snowflakes flutter down, settling on the snow-covered sidewalk and somewhat less snow-covered street.

“Stop!” Clark shouts, appearing at the door.

I swing around. “I am no longer employed withSeeking Mr. Right.”

“I’ll make sure you’re no longer employed anywhere!” Clark’s face is red, and he looks like he’s trying to form his own type of energy.

Luke’s steps falter, and his look is anguished.

“Totally worth it,” I say to Luke, and I slink my arms around his neck.

“Are you sure?”

I give him my most solemn nod, though I’m pretty sure my eyes are dancing. The only thing I feel in my heart is happiness and calm.

“I’ll figure it out,” I say, and I’m certain I will. The money I earned as host helps, and I have a feeling I’ll have new opportunities.

“Besides, I’m not really looking for a job in Hollywood,” I say.

He turns to me, and his eyes glisten. “Oh yeah?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Maybe something in Massachusetts?” His voice is hopeful.

I give a casual shrug. “I mean I do really like Lobster Benedict.”

“I have an excellent recipe,” he says. “I haven’t written it down though, so you’ll need to stay here.”

“Guess I better do that.”

We stare at each other.

And smile.

“I think we better walk faster,” Luke says.

“Smart man.”

Luke snorts, and we fly down the sidewalk, hand in hand. A few cars glide slowly down the street, but Christmas Eve isn’t a high traffic time. The air is still as snowflakes flutter around us, filling the air with their sparkling shimmer.

We arrive at Luke’s townhouse and walk up the stairs to his apartment. Christmas music wafts into the hallway, and Luke grins.

“Guess it’s party time. Ready, Sebastian?” He extends his hand, and I take it.

“Anywhere with you.”

His eyes flare, then he sweeps me into his arms, and kisses me. He pushes me against the wall, or perhaps the door, because the texture changes. Then the door swings open, and cheering sounds.

“It’s the happy couple,” Troy’s voice says. “Congratulations.”