CHAPTER 13

JULIA

13 Days 'til Christmas Eve

Kyle and I step into the event supply store. He's already in full eye-roll mode, scanning the rows upon rows of glittery baubles, faux greenery, and oversized winter displays sprawling in every direction. He casts a dry look my way.

"Do we really need all this?" he mutters, pointing to a life-size reindeer next to a faux snow machine.

I laugh, shaking my head. "It's Penny's winter wonderland. Go big or go home, right?"

He groans but reaches for a clipboard, resigned to the task anyway. "Fine. But if I end up covered in glitter, we're filing a complaint."

As we start down the first aisle, I catch his reflection in the glass display cases. There's something endearing about how he's begrudgingly tagging along, letting me lead him through the vast rows of decorations. He might be acting unimpressed, but the fact he's here says a lot. My heart warms a little, knowing he's here because he wants to be rather than because Chase tasked him with it - a fresh change from a few days ago.

While we sift through table options to accompany the flower arrangements we already picked, he grabs hold of a mini snow globe with a tiny Christmas tree inside. Like a curious child, he shakes it, entranced by the tumbling fake snow inside. "What about this?"

I roll my eyes, but my grin deceives me. "Very festive. But I was thinking something a little more elegant."

"Of course," he says, still playing with the globe. "Leave it to you to be anti-fun."

I snatch it from him, nudging with my elbow. "We can't have snow globes everywhere, Kyle."

"But imagine how much fun they'd be," he retorts, waving his arms around as if picturing the entire wedding decked out in hundreds of little snow globes. He leans closer, lowering his voice. "People would talk about it for years."

"Yeah, and not in a good way. Besides, I'd be the one cleaning up shattered glass, not you."

Moving on to the candleholders, Kyle's expression shifts like he's almost interested. "So, we're going for that soft, cozy vibe?" he asks, more engaged than earlier.

"Exactly," I say, grateful he finally gets the dream I've pictured from the start. "Penny wants a magical winter wonderland, but understated. Like the snow has just fallen, and it's peaceful and serene."

We settle on elegant silver candleholders, with soft glitter touches. I see the tables, bathed in soft light, guests mesmerised by the sparkle. To my surprise, Kyle doesn't even make a sarcastic remark.

Making our way toward the checkout, we pass a display of Christmas trees and twinkling lights strung overhead. The cozy holiday atmosphere makes me think of the office Christmas party.

"Hey, by the way," I say, spinning around to face him. "Are you still keen to be my plus-one for the party?"

Kyle grins, nodding without missing a beat. "Yeah, of course. I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it."

"Just making sure," I say, feeling relief wash over me since I didn't have a back-up handy if he'd changed his mind. "It's this Friday. I could swing by and pick you up on the way?"

He raises an eyebrow. "No way. I'm a gentleman if nothing else. I'll pick you up. Besides, I saw those heels and that dress - you couldn't drive in that even if you wanted to."

I laugh, secretly grateful. "Alright, alright. Pickup it is. Just no wisecracks about my outfit, or my colleagues - no matter how weird you might think they are. Okay?"

"Who, me? I'll just be there to play the part of supportive boyfriend, smile, and shake hands."

My stomach flips at the phrase "supportive boyfriend." I hadn't even thought of it that way, and a prickle of anxiety sweeps over me. I glance away, hoping he doesn't read too much into it. He knows this is just for show... right?

"Good," I say. He's already fitting into the role, like a surprisingly dependable, surprisingly charming date-even if it's all just for show.

We finish our purchases and lug the boxes to the car, Kyle grumbling good-naturedly about the ridiculous amount of decor.

"Hope Penny appreciates all this work," he mutters.

As we load the boxes into the trunk, he hands me a strand of fairy lights, a small, thoughtful smile on his face. "You're really going all out for her, aren't you?"

"Well, it's her wedding. And she's like family."

Kyle just nods, his face uncharacteristically thoughtful as he takes me in. He closes the trunk, his gaze lingering, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged. There's no sarcasm, no quick remark to break the moment-just him, looking at me like he's seeing me for the first time.

Once we're back at my house, we go through the decorations, and I can feel his gaze on me now and then. The stillness between us feels different-almost heavy, but not uncomfortable.

"You know," he says finally, "all this planning... you've really put your heart into it. Penny's lucky to have you."

His words catch me off guard. "Well, I'm lucky to have her, too. And you." The words slip out before I can stop them, and a flush creeps up my cheeks.

Kyle's eyes soften, holding my gaze a moment longer than I expect. "Yeah. I guess we're all pretty lucky."

The weight of his gaze sends a flutter through my chest. Maybe he feels it too-the strange connection that's been sneaking in between us. He breaks eye contact first, reaching for a strand of fairy lights and starting to untangle it, though his fingers move a little slower than usual.

"Well, let's get these ready for Penny's big day, shall we?"

I turn back to my own box, heart still racing, and let out a quiet breath. The wedding's coming together, and apparently, so are we.