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“Well, fiddlesticks.” Belle shakes her head. “It seems like my clumsiness just gets worse around you.”
When she starts to step off the stoop and into the snow, I stop her. “Let me, Pretty Girl. There’s no reason for you to get all wet.”
I step into the snow, digging around until I locate her keys and holding them up to her. Belle giggles once more, and it makes being cold and wet all worth it. When she attempts to grab her keys from me, I pull them out of her reach, and she pouts.
“Since you have such butterfingers, I’ll lock up for you and hold onto your keys,” I tell her, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. She freezes up for a second, and I worry that I’ve overstepped her boundaries, but then she melts into me.
“Thank you, Cy.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I wrap an arm around her as I lock the door. Leading her toward my parked car, I pull her more firmly against my side. I love the way she fits against me. It’s almost like she was meant for me. Oh, right. She was.
I open the door for her, waiting until she’s seated before shutting it and rushing around to the driver’s side. As soon as I get the car started, I turn the heat on full blast.
“So, do I get a hint at what we’re doing for our date?” Belle asks as I pull out into traffic.
Glancing at her outfit, I grimace slightly. “The original plan was to take you ice skating, but I’m not sure that’s the outfit for it.”
Belle squeals, clapping her hands as she bounces in her seat and it’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. “Oh, please, can we go ice skating? I’m sure this will be fine. I’ve never been ice skating before, but I’ve always wanted to.”
And how can I say no to that?
“Of course, Precious. Whatever you desire, I’ll do my best to make it happen.” For some reason, saying those words to her has me blushing. I don’t know what it is about this woman that makes me feel like a teenage boy again, but I don’t hate it.
“Are we going to the ice skating rink in town?” she asks, looking confused.
I chuckle. “No. Why go where we’ll have to deal with a shitton of people when we can be alone.”
She wrinkles her nose, still looking confused. “I’m all for that. But where could we do that?”
“We have a pond on our property. Jack’s going to help us out, making sure it’s frozen solid and instead of skates, he’ll make us blades on our shoes.”
“He can do that? That is so cool.” Belle glances at me from beneath her lashes. “Thank you for doing this for me.”
“Of course, Belle. It’s my pleasure. We want to make sure you get to experience everything you desire this Christmas season. We’ve each chosen an activity this week that we think you’ll enjoy, but if there’s something you’d really love to do, all you have to do is ask.”
She’s quiet for a moment as she wrings her hands in her lap. “I’m not used to people doing what I want, or even caring what I want, if I’m honest. My best witches care, of course, but before them? I’ve never had that. It’s hard for me to believe that the four of you care that much about something that has nothing to do with you. I don’t deserve you.”
My blood boils. I hate that she was treated like this as a child. I’m glad she’s free of the cult she grew up in, but healing from her mistreatment will take time. I can only hope that we’re there to help her with it. “Oh, Precious. You had it rough growing up, I know that. Of course we care what you want. It’s not completely selfless though. We like seeing you happy, and if we can help do that, we’re happy to do so. And if anything, it’s us who doesn’t deserve you.”
Belle doesn’t look like she believes my words, but I don’t want to push her. We spend the rest of the ride to our place in a comfortable silence.
Pulling up in front of the house, I find Jack already waiting outside. I shake my head, scoffing.
Belle tilts her head as she glances at me. “What?”
“I think Jack is a little impatient to see you again,” I say with a nod of my head toward the man in question who has started walking toward us.
“Oh,” Belle squeaks, flushing to the tips of her ears.
“Hello, Belle,” Jack drawls as he opens her door, ducking his head down so he can see both of us. “I’m so glad Cy needed my help so I could see you tonight.”
Rolling my eyes, I push open my door. “You act like you’re not taking her on a date tomorrow.”
“I want to see her every day,” he says, sticking his tongue out at me which makes Belle giggle again.
“C’mon, Doll. Let’s go get you and Cy set up for your date so I can get out of your hair.” Jack reaches over and undoes Belle’s seatbelt before helping her out of the car, his eyebrows shooting up as he takes in her outfit. “Damn, Belle. You look hot.”
She ducks her head, but I can just make out the smile on her lips.
