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Shuffling to the kitchen, I start up the coffee maker and pull down my favorite Christmas mug. It’s a decorated Christmas tree with a red sparkly handle. It makes the holiday blend coffee taste better, in my opinion. Taking my coffee, I light up the Christmas tree and sit on the couch enjoying the view. I pull the festive blanket off the back of the couch and wrap it around myself.
I decorated our tree with colors that matched our apartment. I love using blues and browns on the flocked tree. Under the tree is bare, which reminds me of all the shopping I still have to get done. I have to make another list of everything I need to buy. All the lists I have are taking over my life.
Taking the first sip of coffee, I close my eyes and enjoy the wonderful flavors exploding in my mouth. I wish I lived in a place that celebrated Christmas all year long. My mind wanders to Travis for some reason. He doesn’t seem like someone that celebrates this time of year. To be honest, he was kind of grumpy. I don’t know what his problem was.
I get up and dress for the day. Red leggings, a black off the shoulder sweater, and of course my boots. I’m just finishing up my makeup when I hear a knock at the door.Joy. It must be my grouchy security specialist.
I check the peephole and open the door. “Hello, again,” I say as I step to the side to let Travis in the door.
“Good morning. Glad I didn’t catch you at a bad time.” He grins and places his equipment bags down next to the door.
“Yes, how fortunate. How long will this take?” I ask checking my watch.
“Eh, probably about an hour. I’m just doing the entryway today. The rest of the equipment had to be ordered. So, you will be seeing more of me.” He smirks as he not so discreetly checks me out. Ugh, men. Although I can’t blame him, I feel hot today.
“Alright well I’ll leave you to it.” I turn to walk away but I have to offer a beverage. My mother always instilled that decency in me. “There is fresh coffee in the kitchen if you would like some.”
“Thank you, I take it black,” he mentions as he digs through his bag.
“I didn’t mean…ugh never mind. I’d be happy to get that for you,” I mutter to myself as I head to the kitchen. This man is going to be the death of my Christmas cheer! I will not have that!
I return with his coffee and he already has the doorknob undone. Wow, he doesn’t waste time. At least I should be able to get some stuff done today.
“Here is your coffee.” I stand there with my arm outstretched for a moment before he responds.
“You can just set it down over there, so I don’t spill it. Thanks.” He motions to the table by the door. I swear my eye twitches by waiting on him. I don’t know what his deal is, but he acts like he is entitled to something. This is my damn apartment. I let out a sigh and head to the living room, sitting on the couch I turn on the TV. I scroll until I find the Hallmark channel and settle in with a Christmas romance movie. I barely notice the noise behind me so when he comes and taps me on the shoulder, I about jump out of my skin.
“What the hell? You scared me half to death,” I screech holding my hand to my chest, thankful I wasn’t holding my coffee.
“I called your name, but you didn’t hear me with over this crap that you’re watching.” He motions to the TV.
“This is not crap. This is a Hallmark movie thank you very much. They may be cheesy, but I still love them,” I say with a sharp tone to my voice. “Are you finished with the door then?” I question.
“Yes. I need you to pick a four-digit code so I can program it in. Make sure it’s not something that’s easily guessed like your birthday,” Travis says as he moves around the couch to face me.
I think about it for a moment. It needs to be something both Lizzie and I can remember. “How about my high school graduation year? It’s the same for Lizzie so it should be easy to remember.” I stand from the couch; my head is level with Travis’ shoulders. And that’s with heeled boots on.
“That should work. What’s the year?” he inquires.
“2015.”
“I didn’t expect you to be twenty-six. You act older for your age.” Travis looks shocked as he moves around the couch toward the door.
“I don’t know whether to be offended or not,” I say in a huff.
“Don’t be,” he retorts.
“Well, that’s easy for you to say. You didn’t just have your age insulted. What are you like forty?” It’s the only comeback I could think of off the top of my head. Stupid, I know.
“Close. I’m thirty-five. Nice try though,” he replies over his shoulder as he types something into the new keypad on the door. “Sounds like you need someone to teach you some manners.”
“I have manners!” I shout. “You were the one that brought up a woman’s age. Men aren’t supposed to do that.”
He finishes tinkering with the keyless entry and comes to tower over me. His closeness makes my pulse race. I can smell his cologne. It’s something earthy with vanilla and sandalwood mixed in. He pulls my chin up with his thumb and forefinger, wanting me to look him in the eyes.
“Listen here, kitten. Someone needs to get ahold of that ass of yours and show you who’s boss.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, but I can’t help the warm sensation in my lower belly. “Are you the one for the job?” I ask suddenly not sure of myself.
