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“You haven’t ruined anything.” I lift her chin and brush a kiss across her lips. “You’ve made my life a whole lot sweeter.”
“I can make it even sweeter.” Her eyes brighten as she reaches for something on the bench. She winks, then dips her finger into the fudgy chocolate frosting. “Do you know how many ways there are to eat a cupcake?”
When she licks her finger, my pulse races.
“Nope, but I’m willing to try them all.” And I plan on doing that with my one and only Cupcake elf.
CHAPTER 8
***
Hailey
Adrian’s been making good on his promise to try as many ways as possible to make my heart race in and out of bed. We’ve christened every surface in his apartment and mine. Only a few of those times have involved cake and frosting. My aunt would blush if she knew all the creative ways Adrian’s eaten cupcakes off my body. We’ve also tried chocolate sauce and whipped cream, but I prefer the bare canvas of his naked body the most. It’s difficult to resist his dimpled smile and rock-hard...abs. We’ve spent so much time together, I’ve forgotten how to sleep alone.
Adrian texted earlier that he’s running late to pick me up from work. He’s been driving me to and from Winslow’s every day since the night he made a surprise appearance at Santa’s Workshop. I’m nervous for this evening. The Tinsel Towers Secret Santa gift exchange is tonight. I thought I’d have to drag Adrian there, but it turns out he promised the condo president he’d be there if she told him where I worked. That unexpected revelation worked right into my plan.
Adrian’s come a long way in two weeks. I wouldn’t say he’s embraced Christmas, but he isn’t as averse to it as before. Though, I did catch him humming along to Happy Christmas while checking the mail a few days ago. The wreath I made for him hangs on his door, but when I suggested a small tree for his place, he politely declined. I repaired the ornament I stepped on as best I could, but it’ll never be the same, much like Adrian and me.
When he showed me the decoupage box of ornaments and shared memories of his grandparents, emotions overwhelmed me. I didn’t know it was possible for my heart to swell with so many mismatched emotions. I now have a greater understanding of why Adrian has a difficult time this time of year. He’s dipping his toe into the waters slowly, and I’m trying patience on for size, giving him time to take the holiday at his own pace.
I’m struggling with my own relationship insecurities. He and I get along so well together that I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. The old saying,if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, niggles at me, putting my heart and head at odds with each other.
Maddie and I hurry along the path to the firepit. It’s a crisp, cold evening at Winslow’s. Santa’s Workshop is neat and tidy, ready for another day filled with families as they create new holiday memories. The Secret Santa gift I prepared is wrapped in plain brown craft paper tied with red and white striped twine.
I grab a cup of hot cocoa and load it with marshmallows, warming my hands on the cardboard cup as I join Maddie, Bea, Noelle, and Holly by the fire.
“One down, four to go, ladies.” Maddie warms her hands over the fire. “Though technically, Hailey broke the club rules by falling in love. That wasn’t part of the pact.”
Maddie teases, striking at the heart of the matter.Literally, my heart and insecurity.After my nasty breakup a few months ago and my lousy track record dating losers, it felt like I was destined to be miserable and alone forever. I didn’t set out to findthe one, but Adrian’s doing an excellent job ticking off all the boxes on my wish list. That scares me a lot.
“Who said anything about love? No one’s mentioned anything of the sort.” I go on the defensive, protecting myself from the heartache that looms on the horizon. It always comes. It’s only a matter of time. Miracles like love elude me. “We’re just friends having fun.”
I stammer as heat floods my cheeks, not ready to admit the degree of devastation I’d feel if Adrian suddenly lost interest in me. Men do that kind of thing, after all. The mere mention of love, relationships, or the future is enough to make a man bolt.
“We’ve all seen how he looks at you and how you can’t keep your hands off him.” Holly tears into an Italian cream cupcake piled high with cream cheese frosting. “Tell me that isn’t love.”
