Page 111 of Dream Chaser

Smiling, Nova glanced between Eleanor and me.

“Please, vacate the premises for just five minutes,” I told my employees.

As soon as they stepped out, I got platters with Iberian ham and cheese from the fridge together with a bottle of cava and a selection of hard and soft nougat—the typical Spanish Christmas dessert.

Once everything was arranged on the meeting room table, I texted Levi they could come back.

“This looks amazing,” Nova said from the doorway.

Miles stepped forward, rubbing his palms. “Second that.”

“Hope you like it,” I said. “Didn’t want to leave you without a celebration.”

I filled everyone’s cups with cava, then raised mine. “Happy holidays and thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

Levi grinned. “Thanks, boss. Cheers!”

We clinked cups. Nova’s eyes paused on mine for a beat—a silent merry Christmas. A silent acknowledgment of that night in the mountains.

I did my best to chat and joke with everyone, but the pressure in my chest refused to ease. Was this how it was always going to be between us? Stolen glances, unsaid words stuck in my throat?

I downed my drink, smiling and nodding at Levi’s jokes. Half-listening to Miles’s and Eleanor’s holiday plans. I’d always been excited about going home and spending Christmas with my family, but this time, the thought of leaving triggered a bout of sadness.

An hour later, the food was gone. “Levi, come help.” I ducked into the office and returned with a stack of boxes. Levi helped me carry the rest into the meeting room.

“We call these Christmas baskets in Spain,” I said, setting them on the table. “Not quite baskets, though, but I hope you enjoy what’s inside.”

It was a selection of charcuterie, chocolate, nougat, a bottle of cava, and a bottle of olive oil, all staples of a Spanish Christmas.

I handed one to every employee. When I gave Nova hers, she thanked me quietly, smiling in a way that made my chest hurt.

“That’s it, then,” I said. “Enjoy the holidays. I’ll see you in January.” Everything essential would be handled remotely, and I’d monitor my email, but there was no need to have people at the office. They could do any work that couldn’t wait from home while spending time with their families.

More smiles, goodbyes, then everyone left. Nova lingered behind. “I’ll help you tidy everything up,” she said, gathering the empty paper plates.

She didn’t have to, but I wasn’t going to refuse a chance to spend more time with her.

“What you did was nice,” she said. “Thank you.”

I shrugged, taking the plates from her. “Everyone worked hard. It’s only fair. Any plans for Christmas?” I dumped the plates in the trash. “Are you going to Millford?”

She snorted, shaking her head. “God, no. I’m staying here.”

“Alone?” Sympathy tugged at my chest. Nobody deserved to be alone at Christmas, least of all her.

“No.” She smiled. “Scarlett’s coming home from France. We’ll have a girl Christmas, something we’ve dreamed about since college. Don’t worry about me.”

“I always worry about you,” I admitted, picking up the empty bottle.

“You shouldn’t.”

I shouldn’t? Why did that fucking hurt? We weren’t together. She was just sticking to our agreement.

Nova studied her nails and wouldn’t meet my eye. “I’m sure you’ve got enough on your plate.”

“Nothing as important as you.”

Something flashed in her gaze. Something like hurt. “I’ll go get my purse,” she said, turning. Her heels clicked as she rushed to the office.