Page 130 of Disobedient Pawn

“Snowflake, if ya haven’t figured it out by now, I’d do anything for ya, and I don’t give a flying fuck what anyone thinks. It’s the bonus of being a bad boy. No one says shit to ya, even if they want to. Come on. I can’t wait to show ya this.”

It was as if we’d traveled back in time and were just kids as we jogged down the hall laughing. Taking the back stairs, we snuck outside. Myles held my hand as we navigated the icy patches and walked the path beside Wayside Hall.

We rounded the corner to the quad set up for students to mingle and hang out outside, and I skidded to a halt. The inground firepit area was decorated with fresh green garland and little lights on the lamp posts so they looked like candy canes. There were two lounge chairs beside the brightly burning fire. The soft sound of crackling and the scent of wood felt like home.

Myles gave my hand a gentle tug, a smile plastered on his face.

“What is all this?”

“I know ya miss yer mum and the traditions ya had, but I thought we could make some new ones while still celebrating the old.”

As we got closer, I saw tall heaters lit to take the chill out of the air and a small table set with bowls of art supplies.

“I’m not very crafty, but Mrs. Frey said ya’d find all this useful to make an ornament.”

My hands covered my mouth, and I lifted my eyes to Myles.

“You did all this for me?”

He smiled wide.

“Aye, and I have a couple more surprises yet. Here, sit down.”

Laughing, I did as he said and sat while he grabbed a tall thermos from under the table and two mugs. He quickly poured two hot cocoas and made me laugh harder as he grabbed an unopened bag of miniature marshmallows stealing a handful to shove in his mouth before adding some to the mugs. Sitting down, he pulled a blanket out of nowhere and laid it over us.

“Myles, this is incredible. I don’t even know what to say.”

I was at a loss for words to describe how his doing this made me feel. Light was breaking through all the dark in my soul, and it was all because of him—someone I least expected.

“No need to say anything. I couldn’t have ya alone on Christmas.”

Taking a sip of the cocoa, I savored the sweet, rich, chocolatey taste. He nailed it. This was fabulous. Everything about tonight was incredible, and I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Thank you, there is nothing I can say to repay you for this moment.”

Holding out my hand, I watched the snowflakes fall onto my glove while the orange flame of the fire danced in the background.

“This is priceless to me.”

“Good, ‘cause I have a whole meal being delivered out here in about half an hour.”

Lifting my head, I glanced up at him in wonder.

“My answer is yes.”

“For what?”

“That question you keep asking me, my answer is yes.”

I smiled and laughed as it registered what I meant.

“You’re going to be my girl?”

“Let’s not use labels, but yeah, I will date you, officially.”

He leaned in and kissed me.

“Best Christmas gift ever.”