Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

Chapter 13 ~The infernal marathon~

The kids are chillin' with their new toys while we're about to rip into our gifts. Of course, only after waiting for them to finish theirs and Nick gets back from the car.

I still can't believe I'm having a quiet Christmas with my fam, knowing a dangerous dude could show up any second.

I'm tearing through my presents without much care, just dying to see Nick open his. Since he wasn't exactly an invited guest, it's his only one, so I'm really patting myself on the back for thinking of it.

He rips into the package I hand him like a little kid, eager to see what's inside. His reaction warms my heart. For the first time since I was a kid, I actually feel excited about this gift-giving thing.

When he sees the watch, he stares at me for a sec, not saying a word, looking kinda embarrassed. Maybe he doesn't like it?

"I... I just thought... you, uh, might need one since you probably left yours back in Mr. Tate's office. I figured it could be useful until... um... you got it back... but, you know..."

Great. Now I'm stuttering.

"I love it, Gingerbread. Really. It's just... I kinda forgot your gift," he says, looking sheepish. "But I promise to make it up to you later!" he adds quickly.

Phew! That's all? For a second there, my heart was pounding!

Sitting side by side on the couch, Nick leans over and kisses me on the cheek.

A thank you. Or maybe an apology. Probably both.

"Here, Holly. I had this planned for you. It was way before I knew you had someone, but, well... it's yours," Chris says, holding out a thin box.

I glance up at him. "Oh, gosh, I didn't get you anything..." I say, not taking it.

"Don't sweat it. Take it, I didn't keep the receipt," he insists, placing it in my lap. "And it's not much. I don't have a CEO's salary, but I hope you like it."

I finally take it, just to avoid more attention. It's a pair of seriously stylish, black kidskin gloves from a top-notch label.

"Oh wow, these are perfect! I didn't have any gloves," I exclaim, surprised by the coincidence.

"And good thing, 'cause you'll need them for night skiing tonight," Becca chimes in from Drew's lap.

"Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Chris. They're beautiful."

"My pleasure," he says with a grin.

As he stands there awkwardly, it's clear he's waiting for a little more appreciation. Ugh, fine. I stand up and give him a quick peck on the cheek. After all, he did go out of his way, and it is Christmas...

He puts his hand on my back, making the hug linger just a little too long. I ease away politely and sit back down, avoiding his gaze so he'll get the hint. I'm not trying to start a convo here.

While everyone else goes back to chatting and laughing, Nick beside me is tight-lipped, jaw clenched. His fists are balled up like he's holding back some serious anger.

Maybe it's because he feels bad about forgetting my gift.

Or maybe because Chris didn't.

Or, who knows, maybe both.

For a moment, I'm amused by my own little mental drama, but then I feel bad for Nick. I lean over and kiss his cheek.

"What was that for?' he asks, surprised.

"I forgot to thank you for your gift this morning."

A big smile spreads across his face.

"You're welcome, Ginger. Anytime..."