PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 123: Decorating For Christmas

Andrew scoffs, trying to maintain his cool demeanor. "Psh, as if. I'm just waiting for the right person to come along. I'm not scared of commitment, I'm just picky."
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A/N: Fluff

Carina laughs, clearly not buying his excuse. "That's just code for 'I don't know how to commit'. Face it, brother, you're a commitment-phobe."

Andrew rolls his eyes, pretending to be offended. "I am not. I'll commit when I meet the right person. It just hasn't happened yet."

Carina noticed Maya's yawn and immediately switched into caring mode. "Tired again, Bambina? You should rest some more before dinner."

Maya shakes her head slightly, resisting the urge to yawn again. "No, I'm okay. I don't want to miss out on family time. I just had a nap so I'm a little groggy, that's all."

Carina glanced at her with a concerned but loving expression. "You sure, Bella? Because you still look exhausted. I don't want you overexerting yourself."

Maya looked at Carina "I want to put the tree up."

Carina smiled softly, aware of how important it was for Maya to participate in holiday traditions, especially since she missed out on so many growing up.

She wrapped an arm around her waist and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Of course, let's put the tree up together. But promise me you'll take breaks if you start feeling tired, okay?"

Maya nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and love from Carina's concern. "I promise. I'll take it easy and let you know if I need to rest."

Carina gave her a reassuring smile. "That's my girl. Come on, let's go get the tree and all the decorations. This is going to be our best Christmas yet."

Maya's fatigue seemed to give way momentarily to the excitement of decorating the tree. "Y'know, I'm kind of excited to decorate for the holidays. I haven't done Christmas like this in a really long time."

Carina's heart ached at the thought of Maya's lonely Christmases in the past, but she also felt a sense of pride and happiness that they were creating new, joyous memories together. "We're going to make this Christmas unforgettable, Bambina. I promise."

Maya smiled, leaning her head against Carina's shoulder. "I know we will. With you by my side, every moment is special."

Carina brushed her lips against Maya's forehead, her voice warm with love. "You flatterer. You always know just how to make my heart skip a beat."

Megan chimed in, clearly enjoying the warm, romantic moment between the two women. "Ugh, you two are disgustingly sweet with each other. It's adorable, but also nauseating."

Andrew chuckled, feigning disgust yet again. "Seriously, get a room, you two. Save the mushiness for when we're not around."

Andy walked in the house with groceries in her hand "What is this mushiness I hear."

Carina looked up as Andy entered the house with groceries, a smirk on her lips. "Ah, Andy, perfect timing. You just missed a lovey-dovey moment between Maya and me. You know, the usual mushiness we tend to display."

Andy laughs, setting down the groceries on the counter. "You know I wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease you two lovebirds. It's just a perk of the job."

Maya looked at her best friend "I hate you know that."

Andy feigns a look of hurt, placing her hand over her heart dramatically. "Oh, come on, Bishop. You don't mean that. You love me, and we both know it."

Maya playfully rolls her eyes, unable to fully suppress a smile. "Fine, I may love you a little. But only because you're my best friend. Otherwise, you're insufferable."