I reach for him at the same time he reaches for me.
My cheeks warm, the only warm part of my body currently.
“I can’t believe we found each other on a dating app,” I say, wrapping my arms around him. And just like that, I’m home.
His eyebrows arch, and then his eyes light up. I already know what he’s thinking. “Huh.” He smiles. “It almost seems like us being together was—”
“Don’t say it.” I press a finger to his lips. “I only just accepted the idea of love. It’s going to take me some more time to buy into fate.” Though the mounting evidence is quite convincing.
He laughs and captures my hand. “You made me lose a bet that night.”
I roll my eyes. “Why am I not surprised?” My stomach drops. “I’m sorry I made you lose the promotion as well.”
His face grows serious. “It wasn’t about if you fell for me. All I had to do was fall for you.”
I frown. “So, you still won?”
His eyes go wide. “I’ll give Sean the job. Nothing matters as much as you.”
I’d never make him do that, but the fact that he would sacrifice his job for me is huge. I think I’m starting to understand love.
“Heck no, we can’t let Sean win.” I give him a playful smile.
“I knew I liked you,” he says, and his full grin makes my heart beat a little faster.
I knew I liked him, too. It’s a Christmas miracle.
He brushes a lock of hair out of my eyes. “Did you have a good Christmas? I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
“It’s been perfect. I spent it with my parents. Tis the season for family.” I grin. “But I was a little disappointed about the presents under the tree.” I tilt my chin up.
His smile grows slowly. “Interesting. I had the same complaint.” He flattens his palm against my back and presses me against his chest. “I didn’t get what I was hoping for.”
My pulse thrums with anticipation. “Really? What was that?”
His voice drops. “Something Santa can’t give me.”
But I can. If love is about giving more than fifty, I’ll go the whole hundred.
I arch up on my toes and plant my lips on his. He doesn’t hesitate to pull me closer, digging deeper into the kiss. I grab his neck, pulling him closer still. He makes me feel confident, complete.
Somewhere in thebackof my mind, I swear I hear jingle bells and people singing hallelujah.
So this is what love feels like.
Epilogue
Michael
One year later
I might have to thank Sean.
I usually make it a point to not feed his ego, but I’ve got to give him credit where credit is due. The man knows his way around a craft store.
I told him to bring some lights and flowers, but he went completely overboard. There are white rose petals scattered across the bridge and a billion twinkling lights along the rails. A few lanterns guide the way to me, and this bridge is now officially the brightest spot in Phoenix. Or at least it will be when Juliet gets here.
My phone buzzes.
