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She blinks, her eyes shimmery with tears. “I don’t know, Maddox. I’ve been hurt before. I learned that sometimes it’s better to admit that some things aren’t meant to be forever.”
“And some things are, Ivy. We are, I know it.”
I take a chance, tipping her chin up and pressing my lips lightly to hers. She sighs, sinking into the kiss, and I know I’m correct.
Ivy’s not just my right now. She’s my forever.
“I love you, Ivy. And I’ll wait for you—however long it takes.” I run my thumb over her cheek as she rests her head in my hand.
“We don’t have to wait, Maddox. I love you, too. I’ll stay.”
Without hesitation, I crush my lips onto hers, winding one hand around the back of her neck and bringing her close to me, both our hearts pounding wildly.
“And cut!” A loud voice interrupts the moment, then applause breaks out nearby.
Ivy and I untangle, and I peer behind us at a neighboring boat, my hand still resting on the small of her back.
“That was great, guys. Perfect. That’s a wrap!” The cameraman shoots us a thumbs-up.
“Wait—what? But I’m not Josh.”
“It’s fine, with the distance, you’re close enough to him looks-wise. Plus, way more believable. The chemistry in that kiss…” The cameraman lets out a long, low whistle, and Ivy blushes crimson.
“Good work, you two. You can head back to shore now. We got what we needed.” He waves, then the driver of the camera crew boat peels away, leaving us alone.
Miraculously, the storm’s died down, the dark clouds dissipating. The water’s calmer, now a deep blue matching Ivy’s eyes.
I love this woman.
I love this place.
Most of all, I love being together out here on the water.
Dropping my mouth to hers one more time, I kiss her long and slow. “Do you still hate the holidays, Ivy?”
“Not if I’m celebrating them with you.” She smiles up at me and I know deep-down in my heart that I’m hooked for life.
EPILOGUE
MADDOX
Axl invites the entire town of Candy Cane Key to a private screening ofHooked on the Holidays, arranging for the giant screen to be set up at the amphitheater. The studio provides snacks and drinks; there’s even a long red carpet covering the white sand.
Ivy and I attend, of course, along with Levi and Lark and pretty much the rest of the town. Photographers snap our photo as we walk the red carpet and it all feels very Hollywood, with Ivy clutching my arm and smiling at the camera.
“I love that dress,” I say, raking my gaze over the long, black sequined garment. I bend down, leaning in close to her ear. “I’ll love it even more on the floor in my bedroom later tonight.”
She blushes, punching my arm, as I wink at her.
“You’re too much, Maddox. You clean up nice too.” She eyes my suit appreciatively.
“Hope you like it. It’s the only one I own. I only bust it out on special occasions.”
“Well, you should dress up more often. You’re very handsome.”
“Okay, you two. You’re holding up the line. Keep on moving. Save your flirting for later on tonight.” Levi elbows me, pushing us down the red carpet.
We take our reserved seats, the night air cool. Waiters hand out bags of popcorn and champagne on silver trays, then the lights dim and the opening scene fills the big screen.
