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“Hazel, sweetheart?—”
“But I have it all planned. We need to bake our holiday cookies and sing Christmas carols. What about Christmas dinner? I don’t want you alone.” With each word Hazel’s dictation sped up and her hands fluttered at her side.
“We can do all of that when you return. Which will be when?”
“A week from now,” I answered. I’d actually planned to be away for two weeks.
“But Gran?—”
“The Belmont’s are having me over for Christmas Eve and I’ll spend the night and be there Christmas morning. I think it’s time you do something for you, sweetheart.”
I rested my hands on Hazel’s shoulders, gently rubbing at the tense muscles.
“I’m sure Jareth will make Christmas special for you,” Gran insisted. I recognized the silent demand for what it was.
I lifted my chin in acknowledgment.
“And Jareth, you and I will have a chat when you get back.”
I knew not to disagree. “I’ll be sure to stop by when we return.”
She smiled. “Take good care of my girl. Make sure she has some fun.”
“Gran… ” Hazel paused.
“I’ll call you on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. What’s the time difference?” Gran didn’t give Hazel time to finish what was likely another rebuttal.
“Thirteen hours,” I answered. “We can set up a video chat whenever you want.”
“Perfect.” She placed her hand against her mouth and blew a kiss. “I love you, sweet girl. How about you just go with the flow and no planning while you’re away?”
“I’ll try,” Hazel responded with a sniff. “I love you, too.”
The screen went dark, and I shifted to sit next to Hazel on the couch. “Why don’t you get some rest and we can discuss our itinerary in the morning?”
She gave me a wry smile. “Isn’t that planning?”
I wrapped my arm around her, pleased when she laid her head in the crook of my shoulder. “I won’t tell Gran if you won’t.” Hazel found comfort in schedules so even with Gran’s advice I knew she needed something normal to hold on to right now. Her world had been turned upside down. Unfortunately, by me.
“I’m not sure how tired I am, but I’ll try. Maybe I’ll read for a bit.” She stood and headed to her luggage. “Where should I sleep?”
I waved my hand towards the two bedroom doors on the other side of the room. “Take either one.” I stood and grabbed her luggage before she could.
With a shrug, she crossed the room and entered the first door.
I placed the bags inside. “Get some rest.”
“Okay. Are you… ” Her voice trailed off and her nervous gaze flitted between the bed and me.
I drew her in close, breathing in her sweet honeysuckle scent, before I placed a soft kiss to the crown of her head. “Not tonight.”
She drew back her head with a frown firmly in place. “Why?”
“You need to rest and I have business to take care of. If I share a room with you tonight neither will happen.”
She ran her hands up and down my back, leaving a tingle in their wake. “Stay.”
Her quiet demand frayed at the control I held tightly within my grasp. I almost gave in and was ready to pick her up and head to the large California king-sized bed when she yawned. “I want your first time to be everything for you. Today has been a lot.”
