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“Just one more weekend,” she said emphatically. “Then I have to get back to my office in London, and my own Christmas decorating.”

“You haven’t done it already?”

“Have you ever heard the expression that a builder’s home is never finished?” she said, curling her legs up beneath her. “It’s a bit the same, I’m afraid. I spend so much time and energy on everyone else’s homes that mine only gets seen to a few days before Christmas. Every year I vow to be better…”

“But you’re too busy spreading the magic to everyone you can,” Dimitrios interrupted, voice doing strange things to Chloe’s insides. He shifted his gaze to Ellie. “Bed.”

“Yep.” She pushed back the blanket and stood, collected her bowl, glass and plate and carried them with her as she left the room, moving in the direction of the kitchen. It was a small gesture but it surprised Chloe to see her tidy up after herself.

“She’s a really good kid, Dimitrios,” Chloe said, standing and moving to stand opposite him. “I know you’re worried, but you’re doing great.”

His brow furrowed. “I don’t know. I think Laura did a great job. I’m just trying not to fuck up her good work.”

Ellie reappeared. “Goodnight,” she said, with a small wave, so Chloe frowned, watching the teen leave the room, this time in the opposite direction.

“Do you hug her?”

He looked confused. “No.”

“Never?”

“Why would I?”

She pulled a face. “You’re her guardian, right?”

“I’m in the process of legally adopting her, but yes, for now, I’m her guardian.”

“So she’s your daughter.”

“She will be.”

“No, she is your daughter. You’re not her biological father but you’ve been in her world her whole life, and you’ve assumed parental responsibilities.”

“What’s your point?”

Chloe shook her head. “I take it you weren’t hugged as a kid?”

He looked as if she’d sprouted three heads. “By who?”

“Your parents! Grandparents! Siblings!”

His expression grew more bemused. “Why would I have been?”

“Because it’s part of the human experience.” She pulled back to look at him, and then, with a heart that was pounding, wrapped her arms around his waist. Her body stirred, but she ignored it. “See?” Her voice was throaty. “Doesn’t that feel good.”

“We’ve established I like touching—and being touched—by you.”

“This is different,” she said. “Hugging is just…connection. Comfort.”

He put his arms around her waist then, hugging her back. Her lips twitched. “See? You’re a natural.”

He made a gruff sound. “Can we go to bed?”

“Together?”

His features tightened into an expression of impatience, but before he could answer, she shook her head.

“Let’s not risk it. One more night.”