“I’m sorry,” they both said at the same time.
For a moment, they only stared at each other, and then Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh. Her laughter only got more intense as Sutton’s light chuckle joined hers.
“What areyousorry for?” she asked after she’d caught her breath.
Sutton fidgeted, her expression tight. “For any comments Layla might have made before I came in the room. I didn’t, I mean, I didn’t even know you were coming. What are you doing here? And what areyousorry for?”
“I know you intended to be alone today, so first, I’m sorry for potentially disrupting that. I can go, if you’d like,” she offered quickly, hating this uncertainty inside of her. “I just have a Christmas gift for you, and I wanted you to have it before rather than after the big day.” She paused before tilting her head in the direction of the door. “I’m also sorry for potentially making that situation any more difficult for you.”
Sutton’s eyes rolled as she shook her head, clearly frustrated. “You didn’t do anything, really.” She rolled her lips, clearly debating expounding on something, before she let out a sigh and refocused. “What did Lucy mean, that you didn’t celebrate Christmas? As far as I’m aware, you weren’t a non-Christmas-celebrator.”
Charlotte let out a slightly embarrassed laugh, sifting her hand through her hair at Sutton’s curious gaze. “I mean, I’m notnota Christmas celebrant. But she mentioned doing things like Christmas movies and Santa cookies, and I told her the truth, that I didn’t do those things.” As Sutton’s imploring eyes that always saw so much of Charlotte looked so intently at her, she felt the discomfort of sharing bubble up.
She changed the subject. “So, yes, I thought I would come here and give you a little gift and a check-in. I mean, I don’t have any other plans this evening; I usually spend Christmas Eve alone, so if you wanted to spend some time together, I’d love that. I just…” She looked back at Sutton as she confessed, “Honestly, I couldn’t stand the idea of you being alone.”
“Youusually spend Christmas Eve alone,” Sutton gently echoed Charlotte’s own words, with the sweetest little smile on her face, one that featured a cross between exasperation and bafflement.
“I’m… me,” she offered simply. She only explained herself when Sutton’s look deepened into offense and confusion. “I just mean I’m used to that. You, on the other hand...” She trailed off, searching for the right way to explain herself. “Darling, you sounded sosadon the phone. I couldn’t not check in with you. Couldn’t not offer you company, right here and in your own space, to do something to make you feel better.”
There. It was the simplest and most honest answer. Charlotte wanted Sutton to be happy, to not feel lonely. And she wanted to be the person who provided Sutton with that happiness.
Sutton took in a deep breath, then blew it out through her nose and closed her eyes.
Which made that uncomfortable, anxious feeling slash through Charlotte’s stomach. It didn’t seemgood. “I can go,” she muttered.
Sutton slowly shook her head as she opened her eyes. “Don’t.”
The single word was so soft.
“Don’t go. Please,” Sutton repeated, louder, as she stepped toward Charlotte. “I—I’m glad you’re here.”
The words were exactly what Charlotte had wanted to hear, but she couldn’t for the life of her figure out why Sutton said them as if they weren’t a positive thing.
For Charlotte, they were themostpositive thing in the world.
“Thank you for coming. For knowing what I needed,” Sutton whispered as she came even closer. Closer than she’d been all day, close enough for Charlotte to feel her body warmth.
Her gratitude sounded genuine, but it also sounded confusingly exasperated.
Charlotte didn’t—couldn’t—think too much about that, not when Sutton leaned in against her and pressed their lips together.
She sighed into the gentle contact. It was a simple kiss, but Charlotte loved it. It spoke of familiarity and consistency. Just ahelloor agoodbyeor athanks.
Sutton smiled at her, arching an eyebrow. “I can’t send you away, anyway. Not after what Lucy said.” She bumped her shoulder against Charlotte’s. “Santa cookies and Christmas movies?” She paused, studying Charlotte. “Only if you wan?—”
“I want to,” she blurted out, and she didn’t care just how rushed she’d said it.
She had nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide anymore. Not when it came to wanting to be with Sutton.
Sutton’s smile grew. “Great.” Slowly, she dipped her gaze down Charlotte’s body, making her shiver as she drew her eyes back up to lock onto Charlotte’s. “Not dressed like that, though.”
Confused, Charlotte looked down at herself and wondered if she should be offended. “I think this might be the first time in my adult life anyone has ever criticized my fashion choices?”
Sutton laughed, reaching down and taking Charlotte’s hand in hers. “No! No, not that. You look—I mean…” Her laughter faded, her voice falling into that deliciously husky tone. “You look really good. You always do.” She cleared her throat and brought deep blue eyes back to Charlotte’s as her cheeks flushed. “I just meant, in this house, on Christmas Eve, you have to wear the uniform.”
She gestured at herself, and for the first time, Charlotte actually took in her outfit.
She didn’t know what it was; maybe she’d been too distracted by Layla when Sutton had first walked in.
