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5
Sydney
Of all the guys in the entire world, why did I have to fall for one I couldn’t be with? The thought raced through my mind as Nick’s strong hand clutched mine and he pointed out all the cute boutique shops decked out for Christmas. I tried to focus on his words and block out the pounding of my heart, but that wasn’t exactly easy. Santa and his reindeers had a simpler job on Christmas Eve than I did here in this moment.
An impossible moment. A freaking perfect, wonderful moment.
My chest ached at the thought; my heart was definitely going to be broken after this week.
Damn Nick Milton. Why? Why did I agree to this?
“Syd?” Nick’s hazel eyes stared down at me. A hot blush crept up my neck and I was glad he wasn’t a mind reader. Best to keep my feelings to myself.
“Hmmm?”
“Do you want to go in here?” He motioned at a cute gift shop on my right.
“Sure. I need to get your parents something.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do. But it was such short notice, I didn’t have time to get anything. This could work.” I pushed through the doors, a wind chime tinkling softly over my head. The smells of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine hit me and I took a deep, calming breath. I could totally do this.
“Nick Milton! You home for the holidays?” A petite woman about our age made eyes at Nick and my stomach clenched, a strong bolt of possessiveness racing through me.
“Yep, sure am. How are you, Willow?”
I worked hard at keeping a neutral expression, even as my pulse shot up. Of course he knew her, this was a small town. Calm the fuck down, Sydney.
“I’ve been watching every game. I’m so freaking happy you’re back playing for New England!” Willow bounced from behind the counter, threw her arms around Nick.
What the hell? Couldn’t she see we were together? Even though, technically, I guess we weren’t. Details…
I cleared my throat, smoothing my hair down over my shoulder.
“Oh hey, Willow, this is my girlfriend, Sydney.”
My breath hitched at the declaration, even as effervescent happiness bubbled through me, unclenching my stomach a teensy bit.
“Nice to meet you, Sydney.” Willow reached out, giving my arm a squeeze, and a flash of guilt stabbed me in the gut. She was actually nice.
“You too,” I said, infusing my voice with warmth to compensate for my inner thoughts. Clearly, I’d been jaded by the city. “I need to get a gift for Nick’s parents. Any recommendations?”
“Let me think.” Willow chewed on her lip, her eyes scanning the store. “Mrs. Milton is a fan of the beach and of course, football. I think I can pull something together for you. C’mon.” She linked arms with me, pulling me away from Nick towards a large candle display.
“I’ll just look around up here. You two have fun.” Nick waved at me as Willow dragged me down the aisle.
“So, how long have you two been dating? You live in Boston, right? I always knew Nick would make it. He’s so great—cute, charming, talented.” Willow’s big blue eyes glazed over as she waxed poetic about Nick.
“Um, a while,” I said, purposefully vague. “Do you know each other from school?”
She nodded. “Yep. All the way back to grade school. His brother, Nate, too. Smell this.” Willow thrust a turquoise three-wick soy candle under my nose and I sniffed.
“Nice. Clean, beachy. That works.”
“Perfect. Next, I’m thinking some cute hand towels for the guest bath.” She crossed to the next aisle, combing through the towel selection. “I’m liking these for Mrs. Milton.” She held up a set of crisp white towels embroidered with a fancy gold M. “Classic and elegant, just like her.”
“Great.”
