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“Benito?” Leo knows exactly where my mind has gone. “It didn’t work out.”
My eyes whip across the ballroom, back to my Spitfire, beyond ready to pin her against the nearest wall and claim her in ways I haven’t in years.
Her gaze lifts, catching my stare, and a tentative smile curves her painted lips as her head tilts this way and that, curiosity shining.
Dammit, I love that woman. I’ve loved her for years,but Willa’s advice rings in my ears.Be patient.
Patient is the last thing I want to be, but the piece of me that begs for her to fight, that longs for her to come to me clears my lust-filled haze.
Leo pats my arm. “Look, Hawthorne. I’m in a bind here because she’s my family, and you’re a client, but…”
“Say what you need to say. I won’t hold it against TSG.”
As if mulling over my words, he nods. “Nova doesn’t share a lot with me, but I have younger sisters who are basically her therapists. I know she didn’t dump Benito because he wasn’t a good guy. And I know by that look on your face that you’re a lost cause when it comes to any other woman.”
I bite back a laugh. “That obvious, huh?”
“Our family is big and talkative.” He smooths his black tie. “I don’t know if you’re aware my mom is Brett’s twin.”
I am, but I’m not sure what that has to do with anything. Arching my brow, I wait.
“I was home for Thanksgiving, and my uncle called that night.” I’m tempted to leave the party, but Leo intercedes. “I’m not trying to embarrass you. Hell, Lord knows I’ve done my fair share of stupid things when it comes to women. I’m not judging you. I know Nova, though. She’s not the girl who jumps in with both feet without knowing exactly what she’s getting into. She’s careful. She’s considerate.”
My head tilts, my shoulder lifting a shrug. “She skipped out on her wedding and ran off with me.”
A short, muffled laugh escapes Leo. “Exactly, which should tell you her heart is committed. Now you need to get her head to catch up.” A heavy hand lands on my shoulder. “That is if you’re willing to go the long haul because if you just want to screw with her—”
“I said I wouldn’t blame TSG for what you say. I didn’t say I wouldn’t punch you if you insinuate I’m less than committed to Nova.”
A wide grin spreads across his face. “I think I like you, Hawthorne.”
Tapping my glass to his, I nod. “The feeling might be mutual.”
Now I’ve just got to figure out how to make the woman I’ve fallen for like me, too.
forty | nova
December
Winter in Vermontis unlike any other. While I appreciate the warmth of Florida, I can’t imagine a Christmas without snow. The white-tipped trees and hoarfrost, the powdered mountains. Everything is more magical with snow. And, though I love Montana, there’s nothing like being in my childhood home for the holiday.
For all intents and purposes, TSG’s marketing and branding division is closed through the end of the year, meaning my workload in December has been light. While there are always things to do and endorsements to chase, I’m able to work remotely and take time off. I’ve been home for the week, and the recharge with my siblings has been much needed. When we were younger, we were at each other’s throats, but the older we get, the closer we become.
After seeing Devin at Children’s Hospital Gala, I’ve struggled with not calling him. Benito and I ended things a week after Thanksgiving, but I couldn’t very well call Devin up and say, “I broke up with my boyfriend. We can date now!” I won’t deny he’s exactly the reason my relationship didn’t work out, but it still hurt my heart to break Benito’s. So, I’m taking the time to make sure my head and heart are one hundred percent free to start fresh.
The glow of the twinkle lights on the Christmas tree illuminate the living room as I sit on the couch bundled underneath a blanket. My siblings already went to bed, but one of my favorite parts of the holiday is sitting in the quiet, soaking up the nostalgic decor under the glimmer of white lights on Christmas Eve.
“Care if your old man joins you?”
I glance up at the mug of Mom’s homemade hot chocolate he offers. “If you’re bearing gifts, no, I don’t mind.”
He smiles, settling in against the armrest, and I snuggle into him.
“I didn’t know you were still up.”
His arm forms around me as he kisses the top of my head. “Can’t sleep until I know all you kids are in bed. Old habits.”
Cradling the warm mug against my chest, I sigh and admit something I’ve been trying not to focus on. “I haven’t heard from Devin.”
