I let her drag me into the line to get our photo with Santa.Normally, I would find this silly, but for her, I’ll do anything.
Things are becoming more complicated by the second.I need to be honest with her.But the truth could shatter everything.All the trust I’ve built could be gone in a flash.
I can’t keep pretending.I need to be honest with her.
“Jemma, there’s something I need to tell you,” I muster the courage to say, my voice barely breaking through the noise of the crowd.
She doesn’t hear me.
I clear my throat to start again, but the line shuffles forward.
“Jemma, there’s something I want to tell you,” I say again.
This time, she hears me.She whips around, her hair brushing against my face, and her blueish-green eyes clock onto mine, wide and questioning.
“Entrer,” a lady calls out, motioning for us to step forward.
We step up and into the cozy wooden chalet adorned with over-the-top festive décor, where Santa sits regally in the center on a large chair.Jemma and I take our places beside him, ready for our photo.
Just as the photographer shouts, “Souriez,” I spotherin the crowd.
My chest tightens.
She sees me too.
I’m not ready to deal with this right here, and especially not in front of Jemma.I need time to explain.
This can’t be happening.
Her eyes are wildly trained on me, coming forth with rage.
The photographer snaps another photo.
My worlds are colliding.There’s no stopping it now.
Colette is about to ruin everything.
ChapterTwenty-Five
JEMMA
Luca’s face turns to stone as we step down from the chalet.I follow his gaze, and my stomach sinks.
My pulse quickens.This is it.I’m a homewrecker.Why did I sleep with him?I’m a horrible person.
I step back, leaning into the wooden hut, bracing for the worst.I’m about to cover my face when Colette comes in hot, screaming at Luca in rapid-fire French.There’s no way I can keep up.The words roll fast and hot off her tongue.Luca interjects with his hands wildly flailing in the air.
Colette pauses, eyeing me up and down.
Luca takes a sharp breath.“Jemma.”He pauses, and I wait for the words,this is my girlfriend.
I swallow hard, ready for my whirlwind romance with my French hottie to blow up at one of the most magical places in the world.I’m already planning my exit strategy, hoping they’ll allow me enough time to pack in peace.
Her emerald eyes narrow as they dart over to me, making my stomach flip again.
“This is”—he hesitates, his expression souring”—Colette.My Sister.”
Sister?
