Page 20 of The Santas Who Stole Me

Calum studies the phone before turning to her. “How did he get this phone number?”

“I don’t know. This is what he does, finds me when I leave. I didn’t text him anything.”

Calum doesn’t respond, and Keeper scoffs.

Georgia curls into herself tighter and sinks into the couch trying to get away from him.

“Georgia, if you want to go back with him and leave us, tell me now.” His gaze searches her face for an answer.

Desperation, fear, and concern. I assume he’s feeling those based on the lines around his mouth and eyes.

Calum and I stare at her, waiting for her answer. Please don’t go yet.

“I don’t want Chad. That text wasn’t from me, I swear.” She’s being honest, but at the same time she’s holding something back.

“Do you want to leave?” Keeper drops to his knees in front of her.

She reaches out and traces the side of his face, and his eyes close at her touch.

“I won’t be locked up again. I agreed to it at first because I was worried about what it meant to be a liability to you all.”

He nods his head, and I feel this all slipping away, the glimpse of her with us. I knew she would never pick me. Yet, when she curled up next to me on the couch, I had the tiniest hope she might.

“We won’t keep you locked up.” Calum takes her hand into his and squeezes it. Keeper looks at her and nods his approval. I shrug as if I’m indifferent in an attempt to hide the heaviness in my chest. He’s right, we can’t make her stay. Calum said it earlier, but we simply didn’t listen.

“So I can leave? You won’t come after me? What about Chad?”

“We won’t, you can go. He’s already a dead man. I swear to it at our first chance. We can give you money, help you run and stay hidden. Is that what you want?” Keeper says.

She agrees with a head nod, and Keeper walks away. I can’t help but notice her lower lip sticking out at his dismissal. I don’t see any eagerness on her face to leave. Sure, we have been together a short time, but I’m getting attached to her.

“Well, thanks for letting me stay here. I’ll be fine; I’ve made it this far on my own.” She drags her feet to the front door.

We follow her, and I can’t help but wonder how things went from baking to being this shitty. Keeper returns with her guitar case, a pair of her jeans, and holds out her boots that were neatly placed near the bottom of the stairs. I noticed she likes to leave them close to her, and she slips them on in silence.

“I’ll give you a ride.” Grabbing the keys off the table, I slink to the garage, allowing her to wait on the front porch with the guys. Being with Georgia might have been the closest I’ve ever been to feeling, and it all went to hell in a matter of minutes. The quiet hum of the car fills the air around me, and I park in the front drive and watch them. Calum hugs her hard and gives a rough but quick kiss on the lips. Keeper grabs her next and drops a kiss on her head before releasing her and she stretches her hand out for the car handle.

Before I know what I’m doing my feet have me rounding the car and dragging her to my chest. I should give her a hug and let her go like Calum and Keeper did, but fuck it. I never claimed to be as good of a man as either of them. I grip her jaw, and she opens her mouth. My tongue winds against hers, and I palm the back of her head tight, so she can’t get free.

To my surprise Georgia doesn’t try to get away but opens her lips wider for me. Squeezing the soft flesh of her ass, I slip out of her mouth and start to lift her. Her little heels dig into my back when she climbs me, and she drops her guitar case. Sapphire eyes find mine, and when her tongue wets her bottom lip, I know she isn’t leaving. I’m not letting her go. Fucking period.

Chapter Sixteen

GEORGIE

I wrap my arms around Zeke like a baby monkey and climb him like a tree. I should definitely be embarrassed at how much I want him. I’m not. He’s so fucking hot, and he baked with me and watched Christmas movies. With all those warm fuzzy feelings Zeke gave me, I completely forgot about Chad and every terrible thing, only remembering him. I don’t want to leave, but I wanted the choice. More than that right now, I want Calum, Keeper, and Zeke. I don’t know if they will feel the same. It feels selfish to want all three of them. My desire for them overrides my inner guilt, and I lean into Zeke.

We move through the door. I hear it slam, and I’m suddenly dropped on the couch. The three of them crowd me. Calum looks hungry, Keeper looks pleased, and Zeke looks like he wants to worship me. Fuck.

“Stay,” Zeke says.

“You choose us,” Calum adds.

“I’m not letting you leave,” Keeper tells me.

I hold my breath. This is my choice, even with Keeper’s words. They are waiting for my answer. I realize we just met, and this is completely insane. What is even more insane is that I want them all. “I want to stay. I want to choose you. I want all of you.”

Calum and Keeper have a silent conversation, then look at Zeke. I remember Keeper’s words, and I decide to be brave and ask for what I want.