Christmas Behind Bars #simplychristmascontest

Chapter 7- No Place Like Home for the Holidays

     As they pulled into the driveway, Darcy took a deep breath and glanced at Preston. The next few days definitely had the potential to go terribly, horribly wrong. All she could do now was push forward and hope for the best. When her eyes met Preston's gaze, she was unsettled by an odd, mischievous glint in his eye. In fact, his eyes looked peculiar all the way around. Switching on the overhead light, she squinted to get a better look.

"I thought your eyes were blue, but that one has a little brown spot at the top."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not a problem...I just thought it was interesting." When she realized how close she was, she quickly pulled back and tried to hide her embarrassment.

"Ah, don't blush, Monkey. I'm your pretend boyfriend; it's only natural you'd want to be close to me."

"Monkey?"

"You said sweetheart and darling are off limits, so I think I'll try a bunch of nicknames and see what sticks. Does 'Monkey' not work for you?"

"Not at all! Monkey's throw their own feces, and I don't want to have any part of their shenanigans."

When he erupted with laughter, she struggled not to laugh with him. Why is he suddenly so cooperative? What is he up to?

"Let's get our bags and go inside," she zipped up her coat as far as it would go. "It's freezing out here."

"Whatever you say, Jelly Bean," he smirked. "Your wish is my command."

As they walked up the steps of the familiar wrap-around porch, she wished rather than hoped this experiment would end without too many tears. The clear lights and evergreen garland twinkled on the porch railing and filled the air with the fresh scent of pine. Her mind was in too much turmoil to fully enjoy the tranquility of the moment. To her surprise, Preston took her hand sending a wave of heat coursing through her veins.

She shot him a questioning look. "What? You said I'm supposed to do boyfriend things...this is what boyfriends do." His smile brought the butterflies back to her stomach in full force. I need to be careful, or I might really fall for this guy. I can't let that happen, because he'll bring the law down on my head the first chance he gets.

After giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he rang the doorbell. Soon the porch was alive with activity. Introductions were made, many hugs were exchanged, and Darcy and Preston were ushered inside. A fire burned cheerily in the fireplace, and the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through every room.

"So this is the Preston we've heard so much about," her mother wrapped him up in a bear hug. "You know, we were beginning to think Darcy would die an old maid."

"I'm just glad I spotted her before someone else did, ma'am." Her mom laughed and hugged him again.

He's good! We might actually be able to pull this off.

"Jacob and Lexi won't be in until tomorrow, so it's just us for tonight," her father explained. Darcy was relieved to have the blow fall by degrees, she was still uncertain what to expect from the suspiciously agreeable Preston.

"Since this is officially the first night of our Christmas celebration, we will each open a gift." Grandma Trudy leaned close to Preston to explain their family's annual tradition. "We get the same gift every year on the first night, so Darcy already knows about this, but it will be a treat for you, Cutie Pie." She pinched his cheek before heading to the tree to retrieve the brightly wrapped packages.