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"Because he's older?" Lincoln asks.
I nod. "Because they have nothing in common, and Leia likes the idea of Elliott more than she likes him."
"That makes sense," he agrees.
I take a moment to measure his reaction before I continue. "Yeah. I thought she might take a liking to Ronan. They would be a good match."
Lincoln chimes in, "I think that too. Hell, Ronan thinks that."
I continue, speaking with conviction, "The problem is she's so blinded by my brother that she refuses to do anything more than hookup. She's holding a candle for Elliott but doesn't even realize she's missing out on someone she could be a thousand times happier with."
Lincoln comprehends the situation entirely. "Ronan took the hint early on that she wasn't interested in having a boyfriend."
Frustration fills my voice. "She's going to ruin her chances with him if she doesn't open her eyes and see how great they could be together! Oh, oh! Just imagine it, both of our best friends dating! We could always hang out together!"
"Okay, okay, calm down. You can't force it, or it won't happen," Lincoln advises, trying to soothe my excitement.
I roll my eyes at him, a hint of impatience in my tone. "If we weren't forced, we wouldn't have happened."
Lincoln relents with a grin, acknowledging the truth. "Yes, fine, point taken."
"They would be so good together. I just want it to happen so bad!" I confess.
His hand slides into my hair, tilting my head the way he wants. "Maybe it will."
I whisper against his lips, my voice barely audible. "I pray every night."
"You should be praying for me," he growls playfully.
I can't help but giggle. "I already have you."
"Damn right, you do." Lincoln closes the small gap between us, and his lips meet mine.
As he pulls away, I try to turn in his lap. "Do you think you can focus now?"
I readjust myself and sink back into him, picking my book back up. "Yes, I can. Thanks for listening to me."
He kisses my forehead and sighs contentedly. "Anytime, sweetheart."
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
SUTTON
The Nash familyhome is nothing short of extraordinary. If I were to search for the right words, I'd say they reside in a mansion. And not just any mansion, but a lavishly adorned one, extravagantly transformed for every occasion.
Today, it's Christmas, and every nook and cranny of the house is adorned with outrageously expensive decorations. I can hardly believe my eyes as I take in the sheer opulence. The Christmas tree, a towering marvel, stretches a staggering sixteen feet into the air. It's a sight that defies logic.
Lane, having enjoyed a lengthy career in the NHL, has certainly reaped the rewards of professional hockey. The kind of money that rolls in from that world is nothing short of mind-boggling.
Leia and I find ourselves seated on the floor next to the resplendently illuminated Christmas tree, unwrapping our presents with a sense of calm and wonder. The room is aglow with the warm, festive light, casting a magical aura over the moment.
"Open it! Open it! Open it!" Elliott and Marcus chant in perfect harmony, their voices resonating with unbridled excitement.
Leia's mom enters the living room, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand, her gaze sweeping across the room. She's quick to hone in on the overgrown, exuberant men, who are being surprisingly rowdy for a Christmas morning at eight o'clock.
"Boys, can we please tone down the chanting?" She beseeches, her tone a mix of amusement and motherly authority.
Marcus, the quick-witted defender of their enthusiastic antics, offers his justification, practically vibrating with excitement from his spot on the loveseat next to Elliott. "We need to set the mood. It really hypes the girls up. Can't you feel the excitement?"
