Page 34 of Prospect Year
Once more, she crooked her forefingers and tapped one on his chest and the other on hers. Then hooked them together again as she did before. Only mouthing the word simultaneously.
“Friends.” He relaxed and grinned. “Great friends. Yes, I agree. No better way to spend the day than with good friends. Come here.” He reached for her arms, pulling her into a hug. “Merry Christmas, Mia.”
After a small breakfast of coffee and a slice of toast, he returned to his room to dress. Pushing his foot into the last boot, a knock brought up his head. “Come in,” he yelled.
The door swung open, and Amber leaned inside. “Are you planning on staying in here all day?” she teased.
“Only if you plan on joining me.” He laughed when she just rolled her eyes. “I’ll have you know that I’ve already had breakfast and pleasant conversation. All while your lazy ass was still in bed.”
She laughed without disagreeing. “Late night last night.”
“Studying?”
Color raised in her cheeks as she glanced away. “On the phone.”
Lola raised a brow. She’d never blushed before.
“I may be glad to be away from the club, but I did have friends there who I keep in touch with. I’ve been invited to drive down and stay the night.”
He draped his arm over her shoulder as he turned her from the room. “I’m happy for you.” They descended the stairs and chatted then he steered her toward the lush and elaborately decorated tree in the foyer. He lifted a small bag from the floor. “Merry Christmas, Amber.”
“Awe, I have something for you too,” she said dropping to her knees and resting her bottom on her feet. Reaching underneath the tree, she produced a red box. “Here,” she offered it from where she sat on the floor.
He dropped to sit on his heels next to her and exchanged gifts. Ripping it open, he discovered a long-sleeved tee while she held up the necklace that he had bought for her.
“It’s beautiful! Put it on me,” she said as she gained her feet and held up her hair, turning her back toward him. The instant he hooked it, she spun back, throwing her arms around him. “Thank you.”
“Go. Have fun. Not too much fun though.”
She grinned and walked to the door, grabbing her coat and a small overnight bag sitting next to the wall.
As soon as the door closed, Lola turned and met Mia’s gaze. With a lopsided grin, he joined her in the kitchen. “I have a surprise for you too. But not until after dinner.”
Mia smiled and bumped her hip into him as he walked by.
“Ah, teasing won’t get it sooner.” He laughed. “I need your cooking first.”
Mia shook her head and slapped an oven mitt onto his chest.
“What? Really? You’re going to make me help?”
She crossed her arms, and her lips twitched.
My girl is trying to sass me. His chin dropped and he feigned his reluctance. “Fine. I’ll slave away with you in the heat of the kitchen.”
Mia shook her head and jerked the oven mitt from his hand.
Lola laughed and stepped closer to where they finished cooking and shared the holiday meal.
***
Finally, Lola relented and told Mia to join him on the steps. He liked it here. It was intimate and she had no choice but to sit next to him rather than if they exchanged gifts anywhere else.
Mia settled on the same step as him, their legs touching. She held out a small package wrapped in brown and held together with bright green ribbon curled around his name. “Tim”.
He tugged the ribbon off and peeled back the paper to reveal a keychain. He rubbed his finger over the tan rope that matched Mia’s swings in the yard. She had woven this for him. No one had ever hand made a gift for him. His heart felt full, and an unfamiliar feeling settled in his stomach. “Thank you, Sunshine. This is perfect.”
He pulled his key ring from his jean pocket, hooking the new macramé tag to the simple metal ring that held his few keys. He then reached behind him, brought out a large bag, and sat on the step in front of Mia. His focus remained on her face as she pulled out a night gown. Long and warm, and soft to the touch. Things he had searched until he discovered the right combination.