Page 53 of Secret Santa
ChapterSeventeen
Waking up in Nick’s arms was by far the best feeling in her life. This was the second time now they had spent the entire night in one another’s arms. She hoped it wouldn’t be the last, but every time he admitted his feelings to her and she didn’t return the words, she grew more worried.
How long would it be before he grew discouraged and gave up on her?
It was true that the feelings she had for Nick were deeper than she’d had for anyone else. Of course, she’d only had a handful of boyfriends before now, and none of those relationships had lasted longer than a few months.
She and Nick hadn’t even officially been an item longer than any of those relationships. Sure, they’d known one another longer than any of the other boys she’d dated. They had also been closer.
When her phone chimed, she rolled over and shut off the alarm as Nick’s hands pulled her closer.
She laughed and then sighed when he rolled over her.
“Morning,” he said after kissing her.
“Morning.” She smiled up at him. “I need to—”
“Shower with me and eat breakfast before heading out to take care of your friend.” He nodded. “I completely agree.”
She laughed and tried to nudge him off, and he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.
“There is only one way out of this house,” he said, turning on the water and then setting her on her feet slowly. “Giving me what I want,” he joked as he kissed her again. “You’re better off. It’ll be quicker,” he said between kisses. “Or we could have our first fight?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, causing her to laugh.
“We’ve had plenty of fights before,” she pointed out as he started peeling off her clothes.
His smile widened. “Not since we’ve been an official couple.”
“Is that what we are?” she said, starting to pull his shorts off.
His eyes met hers as his hands stilled. “Yes.”
She saw the seriousness in his eyes and swallowed, wanting to change the subject.
As if he read her mind, he finished pulling off her clothes and stepped into the shower with her.
“The shower is too small for the both of us,” she pointed out when the water hit her full force and missed him completely.
“Yeah,” he said with a slight frown. “I’ve been avoiding moving my things downstairs into the main bedroom. Half my stuff is still out in the cabin. The bathroom downstairs is twice this size. I still have to purchase new furniture for down there as well. Most of it was busted in the break in.”
“I can help you if you want. After I get Liz settled.”
He pulled her close and shifted until the water hit him in the back. “I’d like that. I have no idea how to decorate the place.”
“We can drive into Casper after Christmas. The furniture stores usually have great deals after the holidays.” She didn’t want to tell him that she’d already made a few trips there to purchase gifts in the past few days.
He nodded, then leaned down and kissed her until they both forgot about anything except for one another.
While she dressed, applied her makeup, and dried her hair, Nick disappeared downstairs to make them breakfast.
When she stepped into the kitchen, he was just letting all three dogs inside. The kitchen smelled of bacon.
“I can keep Ollie here for a while,” Nick suggested as they ate. “The boys like the company. I’ve got a few things to do around here, and then I’ll take him home when I go check on your animals, if you want.”
“Okay,” she said as she took a sip of her coffee. She pushed her half empty plate aside. “I’d better get going.”
“Be careful,” he said, taking her hand. “I was going to call Kyle and get an update. Remember, whoever shot up the market is still out there.”
She shivered at the thought of someone coming after him or Liz.
