Page 69 of Naughty Heart

I pulled back from his chest to look up at him. “Tell me what?”

Malcolm used the pads of his thumbs to swipe at my tears. “We’d like you to spend Christmas with us this year.”

My bottom lip quivered. “Really?” I whispered.

He smiled and nodded at me, his features softening as he did.

All I could do was bury my face in his chest again.

“Is that a yes?” he asked.

I nodded after I pulled my head back. “Santa must really like me this year.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

And for the first time in years, I finally felt like I had a real chance at getting my happy ending.

* * *

MALCOLM - FOUR DAYS LATER

She was going to lose her mind.

It was Friday, the last day of work for the year. That meant Evelyn and I were going to be exchanging our Secret Santa gifts, as the rest of the staff in departments all across the company would be doing the same.

I hoped she wouldn’t get upset about the gift I’d gotten her. For a while, I’d wracked my brain about it, feeling like any idea I’d come up with wasn’t good enough, but the minute things changed between us last weekend, I didn’t hesitate to do what I’d really wanted to do for her.

I hadn’t exactly followed the rules, so I was praying Evelyn could find a way to be happy about what I’d decided to get for her. I didn’t think that was going to happen without some sweet talking, unfortunately.

The moment I heard her heels on the floor as she made her way down the hall, I stood from my desk and rounded it. When I stepped outside my office, her eyes met mine. A gorgeous smile lit up her face as she made a beeline for me.

Coming to a stop in front of me, she tipped her chin up, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to my lips.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, darling.”

Her features softened. “I love when you call me that, especially first thing in the morning.”

If only I could have convinced her to spend every night with me, I could have made sure she heard it hours before she arrived at work. “You could have spent the night with me last night, you know?”

She nodded. “Yes, but I needed to take some time to catch up with Pam and Cheryl last night. The three of us haven’t had much of an opportunity to spend time with each other, and I missed them.”

“How was girls’ night in?”

Evelyn smiled brightly at me. “It was wonderful. I let them both have their moments, filling me in on all things holidays and wedding planning. Then I gave them the news about the recent updates in my life. They’re so happy for me, and I had a lot of fun with them last night. Of course, we also did our gift exchange, even though we no longer work together.”

With my arm wrapped firmly around her, I gave her a squeeze. “I’m glad you had a great time. But speaking of gifts, are you ready to look under your tree?”

Excitement washed over her. “Yes. I’ve been so excited about this all week long.”

I jerked my head toward her office. “Let’s go see just how nice you’ve been this year.”

“Mmm. I bet there’s going to be something really good there, because I was extra nice this year. I mean, I know what you’re getting, and it’s fantastic. And considering you were naughty for a good chunk of the year, I can only assume Santa’s going to be really good to me.”

“I’m getting something fantastic?” I questioned her, even though I’d already seen the gift wrapped beneath the tree early this morning when I put her gift there.

She nodded. “Yep.”