CHAPTER 15

JULIA

13 Days 'til Christmas Eve

My bedroom looks like a hurricane swept through it, clothes strewn over the bed and spilling onto the floor. I tug on the emerald green dress for the third time, scrutinizing my reflection. It hugs my curves in all the right places, the shimmer on the fabric catching the light just enough to feel festive-but is it too much?

It's just a work Christmas party, nothing special. So why am I stressing?

A knock at the door jolts me out of my thoughts. Too late now. Green dress it is. I take a breath and amble to the door, opening it.

"You clean up well, Jules." Kyle greets me with something between his trademarked smirk and a grin. I can only imagine what mischief he's going to get up to when I'm not looking.

In a charcoal suit, he leans against the doorway looking infuriating handsome. My breath catches for just the tiniest moment, as if I've lost my mind and forgotten how to breathe. His eyes scan me, head to toe again, before a humming sound emits from his throat.

"Thanks," I say, feeling a little self-conscious under his gaze. "You're not so bad yourself." As he steps past me, his cologne lingers-woodsy with a hint of sweet, maybe. Either way, it's different from his everyday scent, more enticing, or manly, perhaps. But I shouldn't be having those thoughts-get it together, Julia.

Grabbing my purse, he offers an arm. I take it and follow him out to his car. Ever the gentleman, he opens the passenger door for me, too. It seems Kyle's pulling out all the stops tonight, and it sends a little flutter around my tummy. It's like he's completely unaware of how naturally charming he can be when he wants to.

"So," he says, as we pull onto the road, "we're mingling, drinking punch, and dodging your coworkers' stories about their cats. Solid plan?"

I laugh, surprised he remembered my complaints about previous years. "It's not that bad. Mostly, it's work gossip, which is slightly better?"

"Well, either way, I'll keep you from being bored to death, so don't worry." He glances over with a sly grin that makes my pulse speed up. "I've got you covered, princess."

His sarcastic comments and jokes about the upcoming night kept me laughing the whole ride. With him, even a boring work party feels exciting and different. For tonight, let's forget our usual tendency to bicker and just enjoy each other's company.

When we pull up to the lodge-a cozy place draped in coloured lights-it almost feels like we're on an actual date. I shove the thought to the farthest reaches of my mind. we step inside to the warmth of a large crackling fireplace with stone surrounds, and possibly the tallest Christmas tree I've ever seen, filled with ornate decorations, and mellow lighting, whilst orchestral Christmas songs play in the background. It all adds to the charmingly festive tone.

Emma, a colleague around the same age as me, meanders over with a half-filled glass of something sparkling in her hand. She's clearly had a few, since her eyes are glassy and almost trips over herself before correcting her stature with a giggle.

"Julia. Oh my god, you look fabulous," she says, pulling me in for a hug with her free hand. She quickly releases me, taking a step back. "And you brought a friend, I see."

Her gaze flickers curiously between Kyle and me, obviously trying to piece together the nature of our relationship.

"Kyle," he says, shaking her hand and sliding right into his agreed role for the night. I watch him, mesmerised as he lays all his charm out before her.

Emma turns to me, narrowing her gaze. "Well, you kept this little secret under wraps, didn't you?"

"I'm sorry. Secret?" I ask, uncertain of her meaning.

She glances back at Kyle, scanning him as he soaks in the attention. "This one. Nice catch."

My pulse begins to race wildly, unprepared for scrutiny this early on in the night. With wild eyes, I flash Kyle a desperate look.

Kyle chuckles softly. "We're friends," he says. But it seems Emma is alright with that, since her eyebrows fly high on her forehead.

The pitch of her voice increases, clearly satisfied with this new information. "Oh, well, now that is interesting." She glances back at me, then Kyle, grabbing his arm and giggling like she's fifteen years old. "Come and find me for a dance later then."

Emma's smile widens as she shifts her attention to Kyle, her hand lingering on his arm. My stomach twists, an unfamiliar pang of something sharp and unwelcome. Jealousy? No. That's ridiculous. I don't have a claim on him-he's here as my plus-one, nothing more. Still, the way she's practically circling him like a hawk sets my teeth on edge.

"I'll see what I can do," Kyle replies, obviously amused. Emma spots another friend, grins broadly at Kyle, before wandering away to greet them.

I turn away, trying to shake it off, telling myself it's ridiculous. But Kyle must notice, because moments later he's back at my side, my coworker long forgotten. His eyes crinkle with amusement as he looks at me, almost questioning.

"You okay, Jules?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I reply, curtly. He doesn't push it, though, just raises an eyebrow before grabbing two glasses of champagne and handing me one. I sip, grateful for the distraction, and perhaps the Dutch courage.

With him by my side, the party feels almost fun. I'm oddly at ease, caught in this strange, almost dreamlike moment where it's just him and me, like we're the only two people in the room. He whispers a funny remark about someone's dancing, and I can't help but burst into laughter, completely captivated by his witty charm and the way he makes me feel so comfortable.

The constant din of loud chatter begins to weigh. "I'm going to take a break and get some air."

His eyes flutter, as if he's trying to read me, but comes up empty. "I'll join you."

Out on the back patio, the brisk air bites at my skin. Above us, stars twinkle in a clear sky, glowing crisply in the inky black sky. I lean against the railing, sucking in a breath, relaxing the nervous energy that raced only moments earlier.

Kyle stands beside me, unassuming, gazing out into the night. he glances over, vulnerable in a way I've never seen before.

"Didn't think you'd be the type to need a breather," he says, a faint smile tugs at his lips.

"Everyone needs a break sometimes. Besides, crowds aren't really my thing."

He chuckles, leaning a little closer, his shoulder brushing against mine. "You know, for someone who works with people all the time, you're surprisingly antisocial."

I laugh, rolling my eyes. "You'd be surprised how people are secretly introverts."

Our laughter subsides, replaced by a silence that weighs heavily, filled with emotions I can't quite grasp. I glance up at him, finding his gaze already on me, watching me with an intensity that sends a spark through my veins.

"What?" I ask, voice barely above a whisper.

"Nothing," he says, almost hesitant. "It's just... strange, being here with you like this. A few months ago, I wouldn't have imagined it."

"Me neither," I admit, caught off guard by my own honesty. But it feels right, here in the quiet, under the stars. "A few months ago, I wouldn't have asked you to come."

He leans a fraction closer. "And a few months ago, I would've said no."

His words hang in the air between us. His gaze is soft and open, revealing a vulnerability that pierces through my defences. And for once, I don't want to look away.

His hand brushes against mine, and my heart races, hammering against my ribs. His fingers linger, warm against my own, and something inside me gives way, crumbling at the edges.

Without thinking, I lean towards him, my breath hitching as he moves in, his gaze unwavering. Entranced by his gaze, my mind is a whirlwind of thoughts.

And then, finally, his lips meet mine.

The kiss is soft at first, hesitant, like we're both testing the waters, unsure but unwilling to pull away. But then, it deepens, the world around us fading. His hand moves to my waist, pulling me closer, and my pulse races. His warmth sinks into me, chasing away the cold.

There's a tenderness to it, something that feels more real, more genuine than I expected. All the walls I've built around myself, all the careful distance I've kept, melt away in an instant, leaving me exposed, vulnerable, and yet I don't want it to end.

When we finally pull apart, I'm breathless, heart racing so loudly I'm certain he can hear it. He looks at me with wide eyes, like he's just as stunned as I am.

"Julia..."

I shake my head, trying to steady myself. "I... should probably head back inside," I murmur, stepping back, reality sinking in.

I head back inside, thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and longing. The kiss lingers on my lips, leaving me reeling in ways I'm not ready to face. For the first time in a long time, I feel myself slipping-falling into something I can't control, something that scares me and thrills me all at once.