It Started One Christmas by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2018-09-18T18:23:37+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

One year later, four days before Christmas.

“YOU ARE A complete and total butthead,” Keira said by way of greeting. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

She might not have seen Dalton in nearly five months, but there was no way she was going to forgive him. Ever. “It’s Christmas. You stay with us at Christmas.”

“It’s different now.”

She stomped her foot. “It’s only different if you change things. What’s wrong with you?”

It was nearly six in the evening, and they were meeting outside El Gaucho restaurant. The temperature was close to forty and it was raining—a typical December evening in Seattle.

Nearly three weeks ago, Dalton had texted that while he would be in town for the holidays—as opposed to remaining in Paris, as he’d originally thought—he wouldn’t be staying at her house. Instead he’d made reservations at a hotel. A hotel!

She’d argued, she’d pouted, she’d pointed out there would be no decorations, no late-night hot chocolate, no predawn shrieks as kids discovered what Santa had brought, no Keira! But Dalton had insisted.

It was because of that French girl, Keira thought bitterly. The one Dalton had started seeing at the end of summer. They’d already been together four months, longer than he’d ever been with anyone. Just thinking about Ophelie gave Keira a sinking feeling in her stomach. They’d never met, but Dalton had sent pictures. No surprise. The French scientist was stunning.

“You’ve brought girlfriends before,” Keira said, wishing her glare came with a death ray. She would enjoy the sight of Dalton’s head melting right about now. “What about Inessa? That wasn’t a big deal. I’m dating Max. It’s not like you and I ever dated. Why are you doing this?”

His normally relaxed expression tightened. “You really don’t get it, do you, Keira? I’m not some lost puppy to drag home anymore. We’ve both grown up and moved on.”

“Is this because you live in Paris?” she asked. “Is it a French thing? Is it that you’re now all that?”

Her eyes burned, but she was not going to cry, no matter what. She never cried—it was a rule. Okay, not including last year at the airport, but that didn’t really count.

“I know things are going to change,” she said, trying to keep her tone reasonable. “I expected that. Eventually one of us is going to get married and move on. We’ll still be friends, but it won’t be the same. I get that. What I don’t understand is why it had to happen now! I look forward to Christmas all year, and you’re a big part of that. I like having you next door and our tree and all the traditions. I don’t care if you bring stupid Ophelie along, if you’re there, too.”

She thought he would snap at her or tell her she was being naive. Instead he surprised her by pulling her close.

“I’ve missed you, Keira. You have no idea how much.”

This was better, she thought as she wrapped her arms around him. “I am pretty unforgettable.”

He chuckled, kissed the top of her head, then stepped back.

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