Page 93 of North Bound
‘I’m not saying I leave my life and move in here. What about dating each other? Meeting up and seeing if we have something, before either of us make a life changing decision.’
Even before he opens his mouth, she knows he’s going to shoot down that idea. ‘I can’t. I’m sorry.’
‘Why not? You keep telling me you like me, that you’re attracted to me. So why aren’t you willing to give this a chance? If I said I wanted to give things a go with you, what would you say?’
‘I’d say you’re fucking nuts after what happened over the last few days! You’ve been attacked by Púca, kidnapped by Krampus, and thrown into a world that’s dangerous on a good day. It’s not just the fact I’m Santa that’s causing the problems. It’s my other job. You saw a small part of what we all do. We could be fighting like that every few days. It’s a constant thing at the moment.
‘I’m not bringing you into that life, Scarlett. I won’t do it. I’d be freaking out about you being hurt if you stayed with me. I know it’s cliched to say we’re from different worlds, but we are. My world isn’t safe for you. I can’t lose anyone...’ He stops himself and looks away. ‘It’s the way it has to be, Scarlett. I’m sorry.’
He’s right. She hates to admit it, but everything he said makes sense. She wants to be with him. She knows that, but he kills monsters for a living. She works in recruitment. The two don’t generally go together. ‘Shit!’
He laughs at her reply. ‘Too fucking right it’s shit! Damon will make sure you get home safely. And I trust him. No question about that. We won’t have a replay of last time.’
Nick tilts her chin up and kisses her. The kiss is slow, a lot more passionate than any other time he’s kissed her. How can she possibly feel this way about someone she’s known for a few days? It doesn't make any sense. But Nick is Santa, so sense doesn't really enter into the equation.
He leans heavily against the wall, stifling a yawn. ‘Sorry, I’m not yawning because of you, I swear.’
She rubs his arm and smiles at him, trying to commit every single detail of his face to memory. She doesn’t want to forget him. His pale blue eyes are unfocused. He needs to sleep. ‘Thanks for making this one of the most memorable Christmases I’ve ever had.’
He grins, his gorgeous face lighting up. ‘Me too, Scarlett. Me too.’
She hopes next year will be exactly the same as this year, but deep down she fears this will be the last time she sees Nick. ‘Goodbye Nick.’
‘Take care of yourself, Scarlett.’
She nods, unable to speak as she struggles to hold back the tears.
‘Damon!’ The door opens and Damon steps inside. ‘Can you bring Scarlett home now?’
Damon gives Nick a strange look and sighs before nodding at her. ‘Of course.’
Damon holds out his hand and she takes it. Nick smiles at her as a mist envelopes her. The next time she blinks, she’s standing in her living room.
‘That was quick,’ she says, looking around at Damon.
‘I’ll have to tell Nick you said that. He’s actually faster than me when his sleigh is at full speed. Glad to finally beat him at something,’ he adds, showing the tips of his fangs when he smiles at her.
Damon opens the door and peers outside for a minute, before closing the door and locking it again. ‘I’ll check everything is secure.’
She stays standing in the middle of the room for a long time. Now she’s home, she hasn’t got a clue what to do. Again. Coming back here without Nick the first time was bad enough, without having to do it all over again.
Damon comes back downstairs and crosses his arms. ‘You’re secure. I can’t feel any nasties outside either. With Reve locked up, you’ll be safe.’
‘Thanks, Damon. I suppose I had better finish packing.’ She heads upstairs, but he stops her at the bottom step.
‘He’s doing this to keep you safe. Nick... he’s lost a lot Scarlett. More than I can imagine. What he’s doing seems drastic, but you have to believe he’s doing it for the right reasons. He’s doing it because he cares about you. We live a dangerous life. He wants you far from that.’
‘I understand, and I appreciate you telling me all that. Unfortunately, it doesn't make his decision any easier to accept.’ She turns away and goes upstairs to finish packing.