Fabricated Christmas

by Maynard , Glenna

  “All right. We’ll need to swap vehicles with my old man first then we can go.”

  “What about work? We don’t close the office for another four hours.”

  “That’s a perk of dating your boss. Besides, like you said, it’s almost Christmas and no one wants to file for divorce or breakup during the holiday. That’s too damn depressing.”

  Is that a hint that we are spending Christmas lying to everyone?

  “I guess so.” I look over his shoulder. “She’s gone.”

  “Who?”

  “Amanda. Though I’m not sure we have to keep pretending. I think she has her eyes set on someone else.”

  “You trying to breakup with me?”

  “We aren’t together,” I remind him.

  He takes my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. “No, we’re engaged.” He chuckles and kisses my palm with such tenderness my knees go weak. Damn him. Is he doing this on purpose? Being all sweet and boyfriendy like we’re the real deal? Does he know I caught feelings? Is he teasing me?

  My stomach drops. I don’t know how to tell him I can’t do this anymore. All the lying and pretending. I don’t know that I want to pretend with him, and it scares me.

  Wilder drives me crazy. He’s bossy and can be a bit of a jerk but he’s growing on me. I like him. A lot. More than I should. When this ends, I’m going to be left with a broken heart.

  “Come on. Help me lock up.” He tugs me back to the office. I shut down my computer since it’s Friday and I won’t need it again until Monday.

  “You ready?”

  “Yeah. I think so.” I go over my mental checklist and think I covered all the basics. Wilder doesn’t have any active cases right now. He’s not due in court until after the first of the year that I’m aware of.

  He drives us to his parent’s house to swap his SUV for his dad’s pickup truck. Harold answers the door. “Good you’re here.”

  I glance at Wilder and he lifts his shoulder.

  “What’s up, old man?”

  “Can I see you in the kitchen?”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll just go over here and admire all your and Bran’s photos on the wall.”

  Wilder goes to the kitchen with his dad and I try hard not to eavesdrop but find myself gravitating toward the wall that divides the living room and kitchen.

  “Your mother is driving me up the wall. I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but she thinks Maisy is pregnant and that’s why you proposed. Now what I want to know is there any truth to it? We’ve been down this road before with you and Kenya and we saw how that worked out.”

  I peek around the corner of the wall. The muscle in Wilder’s jaw ticks. “My marriage failed because we weren’t right for each other. Maisy isn’t pregnant. It’s not like we’re getting married anytime soon.”

  Or at all I want to add but keep quiet.

  “You might want to try telling your mother that. By my estimation she’s planning a Christmas wedding.”

  Guilt pools in the pit of my stomach, and I move away not wanting to hear anymore. I look to the coffee table and see bridal magazines with sticky notes and a wedding binder with our faces glued onto some couple. How did she? When did she? I suck in a breath. Louise thinks we are really getting married. How will I ever look her in the eyes and tell her the truth? She’s been so sweet to me. All of them really. They accepted me no questions asked into their family without even really knowing me.

  Wilder returns, shooting me an uneasy smile. Is he feeling guilty too? “Let’s get on the road.”

  “Is everything okay?” I don’t want him fighting with his dad because of our careless lie.

  “All good. The old man just wanted to remind me to refill his gas tank.”

  I let him feed me the lie. It’s easier than confessing that I’m too selfish to put a stop to this because I’ve started to fall for him, and I don’t want to give up this life we’ve created even if it isn’t real.

  17

  —Finnick—

  Since we pulled out of my parent’s driveway Maisy’s been silent. Too quiet. “What’s got you being all weird?”

  “I’m not being weird. You’re weird.”

  “You always have something to say. What gives?”

  “Nothing. Let’s just go get this stupid tree.”

  “You want me to take you home? I can do this alone tomorrow if you aren’t into it.”

  “Aren’t you tired of the lies? How do you do it?”

  “What? Lie? I’m a lawyer. I get paid by the hour to lie every day.”

  “Well sorry that it doesn’t come natural to me and I hate it.” She puffs up and stares out the window at the scenery.

  “Are you mad at me? Did I do something or offend you in some way?” Everything was going great until…my dad. “You were eavesdropping.”

  “Not on purpose. Okay maybe only a teeny bit. I stopped listening once you started talking about your marriage.”

  “It’s not polite to listen in on private conversations, but I don’t know what you’re so upset about. I told him you aren’t pregnant.”

  “What if I was? We had sex. Unprotected, hot, sweaty, filthy sex.”

  “Are you sexually frustrated? Is that what this is?”

  “What?” Her nose scrunches as her mouth screws into an adorably pissed off pout. “You’re gross.”

  “No. You’re horny.”

  “Am not.”

  “Look at me, ladybug. There’s nothing wrong with needing or wanting sex. I’m happy to fulfill that need. All you gotta do is say the word.” We pass a billboard for Santa’s Lodge. ‘”We can get a room.”

  “Are you for real? What makes you think I want to sleep with you?” Her fingers slide through her blonde hair. “Unbelievable.”

  “You seemed to enjoy it the last time.” I shrug. We’re almost to Santa Claus. Every year we come to Jack Frost’s Christmas Tree Farm, to cut down our own tree. I usually bring Auden, but Kenya is doing her Christmas this weekend since she has Mickey too, and she’ll probably be in labor next weekend. She’s ready to pop any minute now. I only hope once this kid comes she doesn’t return to being a mega bitch.

  “You’re disgusting.” Maisy folds her arms over her chest, but all the action does is draw my attention to her tits. Her perfect tits that I want to caress and suck on. Fuck. I’m getting hard thinking about it.

  “You like me enough to let everyone believe you want to marry me so you must not find me all that repulsive, sweetheart.”

  “I’m done. I’m not playing along with your little game anymore.”

  “Who said I was playing a game, Maisy?” We pass another sign, this one for Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. One of Auden’s favorite places.

  “What are you even saying, Wilder?”

  I turn off the exit when the truck makes a weird noise and smoke starts coming out from under the hood. Damn it. I pull onto the shoulder and shut the truck off. I get out and I can’t even touch the hood to open it, the metal is so damn hot.

  Maisy gets out. “What’s wrong with it?”

  “Not sure. We’re going to have to call for a tow.”

  “A tow? Like we’re stuck here?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe for the night. I won’t know anything until I can get someone to look at it.” I pull out my cell phone and the damn battery is dead. I didn’t think about making sure it was charged before we left. The cigarette lighter in the truck doesn’t work anymore, so I didn’t bother to bring an adapter to use it as a charger. “You got a cell with you?”

  “No. I don’t. I never got a new one when I moved over the garage. I didn’t see the need…until now. Oops.”

  “Guess we’ll have to walk. There’s a bar not from here. I’ll call a tow truck. We can grab a drink, some food, and talk. We’ll get the tree after we know if we’re stuck for the night or not.”

  “Yeah. Sure.”

  “Maisy?”

  “What?” she snaps.

  “I know we have a lo
t to talk about.”

  “I’m currently talked out.”

  I step in stride next to her, walking toward some of the main attractions in town. “Okay. No talking.” I slide my palm over hers. She starts to jerk away. “Hey.” I stop abruptly forcing her to do so as well. “I can’t hold your hand now?”

  “What’s the point? No one is here to watch.”

  I swallow. “You like me.”

  “No.” She makes an eww gross face but I’m not buying it.

  “Admit it.”

  “You’ve lost your mind.”

  “That’s what this is about. You feel something for me.”

  “Yeah. Right now, I’m strongly annoyed, and I’d really like to get a drink.”

  “You want a hot chocolate or something?”

  “I think I’m going to need something a lot stronger than chocolate,” she says with this vibe that I’ve never felt coming off her before that I can’t get a read on.

  I keep hold of her hand as snow starts pelting the ground and melting into our clothes. “Yip,” Maisy yelps, nearly wiping out on a patch of black ice. I steady her in my arms and gaze into her eyes.

  “Maisy, there’s something you should know—”

  Honk. Honk. A car pulls up alongside us. “Need a lift?” a little old lady calls out.

  “Please. If you could drop us at Rudy’s that’d be great.”

  “Well, don’t just stand there. The two of you get in out of that cold and snow. It’s going to be a cold one.”

  I didn’t even think to check the weather forecast. “You expecting a lot of snow?” I ask her as Maisy and I slide into the backseat.

  “At least four inches. I doubt you’ll get a tow for that truck tonight. Your best bet is to get a room at Santa’s Lodge if there are any openings.” She stops in front of Rudy’s. A bar a lot like Bud’s but nicer.

  “Thanks for the ride.”

  “Glad to help.” She gives us a waive once we’re out the car.

  “Do you think she was right?”

  “About the snow?”

  Maisy nods.

  “Let’s find out.” We enter Rudy’s greeted by a hostess dressed like a sexy elf. “Table for two.”

  “Right this way.”

  Maisy and I get seated. I order us a few beers.

  18

  —Maisy—

  “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” Wilder resumes his seat next to me in the booth. He went off about twenty minutes ago to find a phone.

  “Does it matter?” I know by taking one look out the window we aren’t going anywhere tonight and possibly the rest of the weekend the way that snow is coming down.

  “Okay. First the good news. I reserved us a room and found a tow for the truck. Bad news is the mechanic is home with the flu. Once we get settled in at the room, I’ll call the old man and see when he can pick us up, but I doubt he’ll come tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t want him or anyone out driving in this.” I take another drink of my Jack and Coke.

  “Did you want to order something to eat?”

  “Nope.”

  “Finish your drink then and we’ll get checked in.”

  I down my soda and liquor and make a quick trip to the bathroom, wondering if I’ve gotten enough liquid courage to tell Wilder the truth. I don’t want to pretend. I want to be with him. No strings. No games. Only question is does he want something real with me?

  By the time we’ve made it to our lodging two inches of snow has fallen. Wilder opens the door to our room. There’s only one bed. “One bed?”

  “We were lucky they had this. If you want the shower first, I’m going to call home to check in with the old man and find out when we can get a ride out of here.”

  “I don’t have any dry clothes.” I shrug my wet jacket off and kick off my boots. My toes are freezing and numb. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed I remove my socks.

  “I’ll go get you something.”

  “No. it’s fine.”

  “Babe, it’s not a big deal. You need warm, dry clothes. I do too. They have a gift shop. I’ll be back. Go ahead and get in the shower, and I’ll sit your stuff on the sink.”

  “Okay.”

  “Good. I’ll be back.” He leans down, brushing his lips over my forehead. Wilder leaves me on my own, and I should be getting in the shower, but he called me babe and kissed my forehead. Both actions are something a boyfriend would do. I can’t fight the smile that spreads over my face. Maybe he does care for me. With my toes thawed out, I shove up off the bed and make use of the shower.

  The hot water sprays down on me and all the stress of earlier washes away, until the lights flicker. I tell myself it’s only the bulb going bad, but the wind howls against the roof. I finish up, with only two tiny towels to dry my body and wrap my hair in. Wilder isn’t back yet with dry clothes but at least the room is warm enough. I start using the complimentary hair dryer when the power goes out completely, and I am left in total darkness and naked. Perfect.

  By some miracle I make it to the bed and curl up under the covers. I wish Wilder would come back. I’m not sure how much time has passed when a knock sounds at the door. “It’s me. Key card won’t work. Let me in.”

  Finally. I secure the flimsy towel the best I can, noting that my whole, right side is basically on display and if it weren’t dark Wilder would be getting quite the peepshow. I open the door, and he shines a flashlight at me. “Ugh. Watch it.”

  “Sorry. Bad news is the power is out but good news they hope to have the backup generator on soon. Also, I got some flannel pajamas, but I’m thinking I like you as you are.” The beam of light from his flashlight shines on my body. I’m glad he can’t see that I’m blushing right now.

  “Clothes please.” I move further into the room, allowing him to enter. The door closes behind him.

  “We’d keep warmer with body heat.”

  “Ha. Funny.”

  “I’m not laughing.” His gruff voice grows closer and then his hands are on me. Lips to my ear he says, “I’m done pretending, Maisy.”

  “Wh-what?”

  “You heard me, ladybug. What we got is real. I’ve known you were mine since I first kissed you.” His lips find mine in the dark. The towel drops to my feet and is forgotten. Wilder’s the only thing on my mind. I return his kiss, completely lost to my desire to be had by this man. He walks me backwards slowly, till we find the bed. He makes quick work of kicking his boots off. He may be the only lawyer I know who will wear jeans and flannel looking like a sexy lumberjack to the office.

  I take my time unbuttoning his shirt and ridding him of his pants. I don’t want to rush this tonight. I want to savor every second. All I want for Christmas this year is him. This handsome jerk who drives me crazy. I moved here wanting to find myself, but I found something even better. I found Finnick Wilder.

  Those skillful fingers roam my body as he peppers kisses down the column of my throat. He loves me like a man should with gentle touches and rough kisses. Teasing all my senses. The roughness of his facial scrapes over my breasts as he travels further south. I take a deep breath and let him in. I’m scared of the fall but even more afraid not to take a chance and put my faith in him.

  Deep down I know he’s meant to be my man. We share a connection that feels natural. As though we’ve always been a part of each other. We’ve both fought it since we met, but now I think we’re both done fighting. I’m ready to explore what we have.

  I need him to know I want him as much as he does me. Taking control, I signal for him to roll to his back. I tease, stroke, taste, and suck him until he’s on the verge of coming.

  “Fuck, Maisy,” he breathes out my name, gripping my hair, and pulling me off him. “You don’t stop that I’m going to come before I ever get inside you, and I can’t have that.” He grins and hooks his big hands under my arms to drag me up his body.

  I line up with his erection, sinking down on him eagerly. One hand grips my hip and the other
squeezes my ass. Our bodies move together in perfect harmony.

  Rolling my hips side to side I spell out his name knowing there’s no turning back now. He has my heart whether he wants it or not. Wilder flips me onto my belly to take me from behind then missionary style. As he looms over me, I stare up at him and it hits me. I’m in love with him.

  Stroking his finger along my jaw he smiles. “I love you, Maisy.” My stomach dips at his confession. “You’re all I want and what I’ve been missing and waiting for.” Sliding out to the tip he slams back inside me in slow deep strokes hitting me in all the right places.

  “I love you.”

  He kisses me soft and sweet, making love to me till I get off with his release soon following mine.

  Wilder lays to my side, curling his body around mine to keep me warm through the night.

  The following morning the power’s been restored, but I don’t want to leave the comfort and warmth of his arms. Last night we were under the spell of the snow and darkness. Will he still feel the same when we return from the magic of Santa Claus to Shamrock? Back to where our fabricated relationship began.

  “Morning,” he whispers in my ear.

  “Hi,” I whisper back, doing my best to avoid blowing my morning breath in his face.

  He laces his fingers with those of my left hand, finger brushing over the borrowed diamond ring I wear. “I think today we need to go shopping and get you your own ring.”

  “Then you’d better ask me again.”

  “I meant every word. Told you, ladybug, I knew the moment I kissed you in Bud’s you were mine.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yeah.” He comes in for a kiss and I pull back.

  “I need to brush my teeth.”

  He growls at me and pulls me in closer to him, touching his nose to mine. “I’m going to kiss you often anytime I want to, get used to it.”

  “Is that a promise or a warning?”

  “Maybe its both.” He rolls over top me, using his knees to spread my thighs apart. “I think we’ll get married on Christmas Eve. Be our present to my mother.”

  “Like next year?”