It was only a small list of moments Sutton would miss, but she’d beentryingnot to think about them as best she could. It was just… Christmases where Lucy still believed in all of the magic were getting more and more limited as she got older and older. And Sutton wanted to relish every one of them.
Instead of making a face like Sutton was being overly dramatic, though, Charlotte’s face was the picture of sympathy. So was the arm of support around Sutton’s waist.
The frown etched into Charlotte’s features as she spoke. “Layla’s never asked to have her during Christmas before?”
Sutton blew out a breath as she confirmed, “No. During Lucy’s third Christmas, it was the year we were getting divorced, and it wasn’t much of a conversation, I suppose.” She pursed her lips, a humorless chuckle escaping them. “Lucy was with me most of the time; we were trying to give her the most stability we could manage. And the last two years, Layla and Arianne were with Arianne’s family, so…” She forced a shrug. “This year is the first time Layla has asked to have Lucy for Christmas. And I’m not going to deny her or Lucy these moments together.”
As much as it did pain her, she wanted Lucy to experience the holiday magic in every permutation, with all of the many family members who loved her.
“So I’m going to give her an amazing Christmas Eve with me before she goes with Layla.” Sutton nodded to herself, as if reconfirming the plan, trying to talk it up in her mind.
Charlotte’s eyes were so big and understanding and nearly luminescent in the room, though, and Sutton could have fallen right into them.
“I’m sorry,” Charlotte said. The words were so simple, but she felt like Charlotte could pack unspoken words and emotion into anything.
It was part of her power.
“It’s all right. I’ll live.” She smiled weakly.
Charlotte lifted her eyebrows. “You had better. I won’t be done with you by Christmas, that’s for certain.”
Those butterflies, the ridiculous ones that sheshouldn’tfeel anymore, fluttered, and Sutton could feel her smile melt into one that was far more natural. “Oh?”
“Absolutely,” Charlotte confirmed, her voice dipping as her eyes tracked to Sutton’s lips.
She couldn’t help but lick them. She fucking loved the way Charlotte’s eyes darkened, the way she could feel Charlotte’s warm breath wash over her neck as she drew closer.
This draw didn’t ever go away. It didn’t get any less potent. And it was so, so easy to fall into.
She moved closer to Charlotte, so there were mere inches between them, craving the moment she knew was coming as Charlotte tilted her head and edged into her.
But that moment didn’t actually arrive. Instead, Charlotte spoke so low, Sutton swore she felt her voice more than heard it.
“While we are inanoffice, it is notmyoffice. And who knows what these cameras can catch.” Charlotte pulled just far enough back that Sutton could look down into her eyes. “And I would much rather we start this tonight when we’re alone.”
It was hardly a douse of cold water; the anticipation only served to fan Sutton’s desire as she reluctantly nodded. “You’re righ?—”
Charlotte surged up, sliding her lips along Sutton’s. The kiss was fast and needy, and she fell into it. Because yes, there were cameras and Charlotte’s hands only touched her in more appropriate places—her neck and hair and shoulders—but Sutton’s knees threatened to buckle anyway.
The kiss lasted far, far too short a time, and soon Charlotte drew back, tugging Sutton’s bottom lip between her own as she went.
It was so easy, Sutton thought weakly.
It was so easy as they were walking out, to slip her hand into Charlotte’s when Charlotte brushed her fingers against Sutton’s.
So easy to come to a pause after they locked up the toy store and stood looking around at the play arena.
“I didn’t take in how insanely large this playland was when we came in,” Charlotte murmured, squeezing Sutton’s hand.
Sutton found herself smiling at the wonder on Charlotte’s face before she made herself look around, too. “I’ve been here a few times, but it looks even bigger when it’s not swarmed with children, if you can believe it.”
The arena was three stories, with more ten thousand square feet of air bridges and suspended trampolines and swimming-pool-sized ball pits and tunnel mazes, with arcade games sprinkled throughout.
It didn’t feel quite as humongous when there were hundreds of children, but right now, Sutton felt as though she and Charlotte were Jack at the bottom of the beanstalk.
Charlotte laughed. “I think I can.” Her mouth twisted to the side, her voice so thoughtful as she said, “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
It was crazy to think about, but—yes. She couldn’t imagine that Charlotte would have ever come to something like this to just run wild in as a kid.