“It was perfect, Evie. Thank you so much. It was absolutely the coolest.”
The cowboy—cowgirl?—helped Beks out of the sleigh and got her settled on a bench before helping her out.
“Thank you so much. This was amazing. We really enjoyed it.” She sat with Beks, holding her girl’s crutches as the sled pulled away.
“So, that was amazing. I can’t imagine a more perfect Christmas Eve.”
“Oh, the night is young.” Mari had a few things in mind to make the night a little more special. “We still have naked-type things left to do. And maybe have some cocoa. Or just the whipped cream.”
“Ooh…you do have the best ideas.” Beks slipped one arm around her waist.
She figured she should get her hot little one-foot-wonder into the hotel before they tried to burn down the bench they were sitting on, plus a black car had just pulled up and she wasn’t really interested in putting on a show.
“Marissa.” Josie stepped out of the car.
Oh, Jesus Christ. Again?“You’re supposed to be gone.”
“I’m on my way to the airport. Can we have one minute alone please? Just a minute.”
She glanced at Bekka. “I don’t think so. Beks and I are—”
“Marissa.” Josie actually grabbed her hand. “I want to apologize.”
Okay. She was owed one, not that it would change anything. “Fine, go ahead.”
“Alone.”
Beks tilted her head, full lip curling, and the drawl that came out of her lover was…pure Texas. “Oh, darlin’, you don’t deserve that. You’re a liar and a cheat.”
“This is none of your business.” Josie squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied to you, and I won’t do it again. I love you, and I’ve learned my lesson. Come home with me, baby.”
“No, Josie. No.” She pulled her hand away.
“We have a good life there.”
“Had. I have a better one now.”
“What? With this tramp you just met?” Josie’s eyes flashed. “What can she give you I can’t?”
“Fidelity? Honesty? Respect? Honor?” Beks grinned at her, the expression fierce. “Shall I go on?”
“You’re ridiculous. Marissa, this is a farce. You don’t even know this woman. She’s convenient. It’s a rebound thing and you know it. Pack your bag, and let me take you home.”
Beks leaned in and whispered soft, “Can we tell hershewas the rebound?”
She laughed, and she didn’t care if Josie thought it was at her. “I’m home. Go on, Josie. You’ll be okay.”
“We’ve got supper and a tarot reading before our naked whipped cream and cocoa plans tonight, so you’ll have to excuse us.” Beks stood up, with a smile that wouldn’t melt butter.
“Gross.” Josie tossed her head. “Fine. Goodbye, Marissa. Good luck with…this.” Josie slid back into her black car and slammed the door.
She was going to need more time before all of this shit with Josie stopped confusing her and making her doubt herself, but she’d get over it.
She helped Beks with her crutches. “Do you think I need luck with this?”
“Nope. Luck offered us this. It’s already in motion.”
She watched Josie’s car pull away. “I’m sorry. Again. At least I didn’t cry this time.” It was a close thing, though. She kind of wanted to.