Page 97 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
“That’s why you snagged me, right?” She gulps. “For a kiss? Because of, you know... some mistletoe hanging?”
I swallow and catch my breath. “Uh, no. You were about to fall down the stairs backward. And I didn’t want that to happen.”
She glances behind her and then back at me. “Oh dear God, you weren’t wanting to kiss me?”
“I mean, yeah, I want to kiss you, but I don’t want to kiss you if you don’t want to be kissed. I was just trying to help you so you didn’t fall.”
“That’s why you said, ‘Be careful.’”
“Yeah, that’s why I said, ‘Be careful.’ What did you think I meant?”
“I really don’t know. I’m just... ah, I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“No, I’m bothering you and then kissing you?—”
“You’re not bothering me.” I push a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you brought my ornament over. It’s special. Thank you.”
Her panic pauses for a moment as her eyes connect with mine. “Oh, um, you’re... you’re welcome.”
Then I right her back on her feet and let go of her. “It was really good to see you, Betty.”
She shifts, and I can see her nerves really take hold of her. “Are you sure you’re not just saying that to be nice and make me feel better because I randomly kissed you with no mistletoe?”
I reach up and pinch her chin with my forefinger and thumb, making her feel just how serious I am when I say this. “I mean it.”
She gulps and her eyes search mine. “Okay, that’s, uh, that’s good to know. Thank you for the information. I’ll just, uh, plug that away as noted.” She nervously laughs. “Atlas Maxheimer thinks it’s good to see me. That’s just great.”
“Any reciprocation on that thought?” I ask as I release her and stick my hands in my pockets.
Her eyes widen. “Oh, yes, uh, great to see you... pal.” She playfully punches my arm.
“‘Pal’?” I raise a brow at her.
“Comrade?” she asks with a wince.
I chuckle. “Sure. After you hit me with a two-liter, at this point, I’ll takecomrade.” I rock back on my heels. “Well, I hope you have a good night with Storee. Baubles and Wrappings seems like the perfect place to get lost in.”
“Oh yeah, should be fun. I’m excited.”
I nod, knowing this needs to end at some point. “Okay. Well, have a good night, Betty.”
“Yup.” She awkwardly waves. “You too.” But then she doesn’t move. She remains still and just... stares. Since it seems like she’s waiting for something, I take that moment to see just how far I can go with this.
I take a chance, close the space between us, and wrap my arms around her, giving her a warm hug. And she returns it immediately, melting into my body and pressing her face against my chest.
I hold her for probably longer than I should, reveling in how she feels so... right in my arms.
When I finally let go, she smiles up at me, waves, and then takes off toward Storee’s car, nearly skipping away. I let out a deep sigh, knowing that I just got the confirmation that I needed.
She feels the same way.
She feels the same exact way.
With a chest full of pride, I head back into the house where Ansel’s still sitting on the stairs, mouth shut. When I shut the door, I say, “You can speak now.”
As if he’s been holding in his breath, he exhales loudly and then asks, “What the hell was that?”
