That was it. The lump in my throat was back, but there was no stopping it this time. Jumping from the couch, I raced out of the room. Tears formed, then slid down my cheeks. Emotion clogged my throat as I wiped under my eyes.
Daemon appeared in front of me, blocking the staircase. His eyes were wide, pupils luminous. I tried to turn away, but he quickly enveloped me in his strong arms. I didnt do this to make you cry, Kat.
I know, I sniffled. Its just
Its just what? He cupped my cheeks, his thumbs brushing away the tears. My skin tingled from the contact. Kitten?
I dont think you know how muchsomething like this means to me. I took a deep breath, but the stupid tears kept falling. I havent done this sincesince Dad was alive. And Im sorry to cry, because Im not sad. I just didnt expect this.
Its okay. Daemon tugged me forward, and I went. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me close as I buried my face into the front of his shirt. I get it. Good tears and all.
There was something warm and right about being in his arms. And I wanted to deny it, but for the first time, I stoppedI just stopped . Even if Daemon saw me as one giant Rubiks Cube he had to crack or if it was the healing mojo, it didnt matter. Not right now.
I grabbed a handful of his shirt and held on. He may have thought he knew how much this meant to me, but he really didnt. Daemon would never know.
I lifted my head and reached up, clasping his smooth cheeks. With his help, I brought his lips to mine and kissed him. It was a quick and innocent kiss, but I felt the zing all the way to my toes. I pulled back, breathless. Thank you. I really mean it. Thank you.
He brushed the backs of his fingers over my cheek, smoothing the last of my tears away. Dont let anyone know about my sweet side. I have a reputation to keep up.
I laughed. All right, lets do this.
Trimming a Christmas tree with an alien was a different experience. He moved the recliner out from in front of the window with a jerk of his chin. Bulbs hung in the air along with twinkling lights that werent plugged in.
We laughed. A lot. Every so often Id get choked up when I thought of Moms face tomorrow afternoon. Shed
be happy, I thought.
Daemon dropped silvery tinsel on my head while I plucked a bulb out of the air. Thanks, I said.
It kind of fits you.
The scent of artificial pine filled the living room. The holiday spirit woke inside me like a slumbering giant. I grinned at Daemon and held up a bulb that was so green it almost matched his eyes. I decided it was going to be his bulb.
I placed it right under the twinkling star.
It was almost midnight by the time we finished. Sitting on the couch, thigh against thigh, we stared at our masterpiece. The tree was a little tinsel-heavy on one side, but it was perfect. A rainbow of colored lights shimmered. Glass bulbs glimmered.
I love it, I said.
Yeah, its pretty good. He leaned in to me, yawning. Dee put up the tree this morning. She has to have everything the same color, but I think our tree looks better. Its like a disco ball.
Our tree . I smiled, liking the sound of that.
He bumped me with his shoulder. You know, I had fun doing this.
I did, too.
Daemons lashes lowered. Man, Id kill for a set of those babies. Its late.
I know. I hesitated. You want to stay?
A single brow arched.
That hadnt come out right. I dont mean that .
Not that Id complain if you did. His gaze dropped. Not at all.
I rolled my eyes, but my tummy was coiling tight. Why had I offered for him to stay? His assumption wasnt too far off. Daemon didnt strike me as the type to dig PG-13 slumber parties. I remembered the last and only time wed shared a bed. Flushing, I stood. I didnt want him to leave, but I didntI didnt know what I wanted.
Im going to get changed, I said.
Need help?
Wow. Youre so chivalrous, Daemon.
His smile widened, flashing deep dimples. Well, the experience would be mutually beneficial. I promise.
No doubt it would be.
Stay, I ordered, then hurried upstairs.
I quickly changed into a pair of sleep shorts and a pink thermal. Not the sexiest sleepwear, but as I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I decided it was the best choice. Anything else would give Daemon ideas. Hell, a paper sack would encourage him.
I left my bathroom and stopped. Daemon had not stayed. My smile slipped from my face.
He was standing by the window, his back to me. I got bored.
I wasnt even gone five minutes.
I have a short attention span. He glanced back at me, eyes glittering. Nice shorts.
I grinned. There were stars on my shorts. What are you doing up here?
You said I could stay. He faced me, his gaze drifting to the bed. The room suddenly seemed too small, the bed even smaller. I didnt think you meant staying on the couch.
Now I wasnt even sure what Id meant. I sighed. What was I doing?
Crossing the room, he stopped in front of me. Im not going to bite.
Thats good.
Unless you want me to, he added with a devilish grin.
Nice, I muttered, side-stepping him. Space was definitely needed. Not that it did much good. Heart pounding, I watched him kick off his shoes and then whip off his shirt. He moved to the button on his jeans. My eyes widened. Whatwhat are you doing?