She got on her computer and logged into Privileged Singles. She deleted her account, something she should have done the moment she realized her feelings for Damian were growing into something tangible. Something more than just a crush.
A hollow feeling spread through her, and she closed her computer. Damian would forgive her, right? This wasn’t the end of things. I couldn’t be. She’d just have to call him tomorrow and beg forgiveness. Maybe spilling her side of the story would be enough. If she could get her words out, that is.
Kat went into the bathroom and filled up the old claw-footed tub with hot water. Usually soaking in the tub made everything better, but her heart was cold, even with the steam and heat enveloping her. She’d messed everything up.
After ten minutes, she gave up and drained the tub. She got ready for bed, her chest feeling like a large piece of it was missing. Tomorrow she would make things right between them. She had to, or she’d never be the same. She lay in bed, tears running spilling down the sides of her face as she stared up at the dark ceiling.
Kat awoke the next morning feeling like she’d been run over. Her eyes were swollen and puffy. Her nose was stuffed up so much she couldn’t breathe. The stricken look on Damian’s face kept flashing through her mind, making her feel worse.
She got up and showered, then put her hair up in a bun. She had work today. With things awkward between her and Damian, she wasn’t sure what would happen with the newspaper, so she might be stuck at the diner indefinitely. Dating the boss really was a stupid idea.
Harriet approached her when she got to work. “What’s up with your man? He was in here earlier and you’d have thought he had a baseball bat up his you-know-what. I think I heard him growl.”
Kat sighed. “I did something stupid.”
Harriet smoothed out her apron. “Oh, no, honey. What happened?”
She was tired of rehashing it over and over in her mind. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”
“Well, if you want to apologize, you’d better do it quick. He said something about changing plans and flying out today.”
Her heart plummeted. Of course, he did. Harriet frowned. “Call him, honey. You can take whatever time off you need.”
“Thanks, Harriet.”
She slipped into the back office and shut the door. Her fingers trembled as she dialed his number. He answered on the third ring. “Hello?”
She hadn’t been thinking about what she would say, and as soon as she heard the deep timbre of his voice her brain cells froze. Words. She needed to speak them. “Uh, hi,” she finally said, then slapped her hand to her forehead. Dumb!
“What do you want, Kat?”
“Can we talk?” She sounded like she’d breathed in helium, and she consciously tried to lower her voice.
Damian was silent for a moment before answering. “All right.”
“I’m at the diner until five-thirty if you want to come here. Or we can talk after I get off work.”
“I’m flying out soon. I won’t have time to talk in person.”
“Oh.” Her heart beat loudly in her ears. She had to do this over the phone. “Okay.”
He exhaled. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“You mean you didn’t mean for me to find out.”
Kat cringed. He was right. What could she say about that? He’d caught her and he knew she had no intention of telling him the truth. She plopped down on the office chair. “Yes,” she whispered.
“Listen, I think it would be best if we take some time apart.”
In other words, I’m dumping you, you lying scumbag. Kat tried to hold it together. “How long?”
“I don’t know. I need time to think about things.”
And she needed time to drown herself in ice cream. “Okay,” she whispered. What else was she to do? She’d already apologized. She felt terrible, but that didn’t change the fact that she did what she did, and he’d found out about it.
He let out another breath. “I’ll talk to you next week.”
“All right.”
With a click, he hung up. Her heart stuttered as she slipped her phone back into her pocket. She’d ruined things between them and there was no going back. She’d lost him.
Forever.
Chapter 26
Damian wiggled his mouse to wake up his computer once again. Why couldn’t he concentrate? His numbers weren’t adding up and his mind kept wandering…to Kat. What an idiot he was. He’d let himself believe she was actually interested in him. What a joke.
He slid open his drawer and pulled out a fuzzy velvet box. He opened the lid. It was the Tree of Life necklace they’d seen at the jewelry store. He’d purchased it for her last week as a surprise. He knew she’d love it. Looking at it made his stomach sour, so he closed the lid and dropped it to the bottom of his drawer.
Chuck walked into his office. “You still here? I thought you left hours ago.”
Damian shrugged. “No reason to leave.”
Chuck squinted at him. “It’s Christmas Eve. The only reason I’m here is because I hid my wife’s present in my desk. But I had no choice. She’s torn the house apart twice trying to find it.” He held up a box with a silver bow.
“Looks like jewelry.”
Chuck smiled. “Tanzanite. She’s in love with it.”
“I’m sure she’ll adore it, then.” Damian couldn’t muster up the strength to be enthusiastic about Christmas.
Chuck sighed and shifted his weight. “Go home, Damian. Take a break from work.”
“Work keeps my mind off of…things.” Lie. He was totally thinking about Kat.
“Call her.”
After he’d gotten back from Pleasant Hollow, he’d confided everything to Chuck. Told him the whole story, even the pathetic ending of the relationship. The way he’d found out Kat wasn’t who he thought. “I can’t.”
“Why not? You’re sitting there brooding over her. You obviously love her. So, do something about it.”
Chuck’s words rang in his ears. Did he love Kat? The realization shocked him. He had fallen in love with a small-town girl. A spunky, funny girl with a laugh that made his heart melt. He put his head in his hands. “She doesn’t love me back.”
“Oh, come on. You said yourself she created that fake account before you two got close. Her job was on the line. You can’t blame her for wanting to know if she would be out of a job, can you? What makes you think she doesn’t feel the same for you?”
Damian rubbed his neck. “She lied.”
“And you’ve never lied to someone you care about? Get over yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Even you.” Chuck scoffed and shifted toward the door. “I’m leaving, and if you know what’s good for you, you’d get on that private jet of yours and go see her. She’s probably as miserable as you are.” He slapped the door jam and left.
Great. Now all he could think about was seeing Kat again. Damian stood and crossed his office. His secretary had hung a wreath on the wall and it reflected off the glass windows. What was Kat doing right now? Was she curled up on that awful couch of hers, watching a movie?
Memories of the night he’d been on the couch with her surfaced. He’d opened up to her about his accident. Shown her his leg. She hadn’t pushed him away.
In fact, come to think of it, he’d opened up to Amelia about his leg before that night. She knew his leg was burned. Damian closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. Was he being stupid, pushing her away? Was Chuck right?
He didn’t like to think that he was being stubborn and unforgiving. He was just as capable of making mistakes as the next guy. Maybe he was being unreasonable.
Another image of Kat flashed through his mind. This one was of her on that stupid sled, grinning like she was a twelve-year-old. She really was something else.
He wavered for a moment before picking up his phone and calling his assistant. If he arranged things now, he could be at her house by morning. Maybe
this Christmas wouldn’t be a stupid waste after all.
***
Kat awoke Christmas morning and lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She tried to muster up the energy to get out of bed, but couldn’t. It was Christmas, and she’d thought for one brief moment she’d have someone special to spend it with. She should have realized that was a pipe dream.
Hilary poked her head into her room. “I made candy cane cookies.”
Kat moaned and pulled her pillow over her head.
“Come on, you have to get out of bed. I can’t stand to see you like this on Christmas.”
“I don’t care.”
“We can watch Hallmark movies,” Hilary said as she ripped the pillow out of Kat’s hands.
“Hallmark movies? Where all the couples get together at Christmastime? I’d rather die.” Kat pulled her covers over her head.
“All right then, we’ll watch A Christmas Story. You love that one and there’s no romance in it.”
Kat was warm under the covers. She really didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to think. Sleep sounded good. “No.”
The sound of her blinds moving rang out, then Hilary gasped. “Oh my gosh, get out of bed. Damian’s here.”
Right. If Hilary thought that would work, she was delusional. “You’re such a liar.”
“No, I’m not kidding. He’s really here.”
Something about her voice made Kat believe her. She threw her covers back, a panic rushing through her. “Are you serious?”
The doorbell rang.
Kat hopped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. She quickly brushed her hair and rinsed her mouth with mouthwash before she grabbed her robe and ran to the front door. Hilary stood nearby, a smirk on her face, but she hadn’t answered the door. Kat’s heart pounded as she flung the door open.
Elliot stood on the front stoop. “Hey, Kat.” He clicked and pointed at her.
Disappointment flooded through her. “Hi, Elliot.”
“I was thinking…since it’s Christmas and all, maybe you want to go to the movies with me.”
Kat rubbed her temples. “What does going to the movies have to do with it being Christmas?”
“I don’t know. I just thought it would be a good time to go on a date.” And then he tacked on, “With me.” As if she didn’t realize he wanted her to go with him.
Kat heard Hilary behind her laughing. She sucked in a breath. “Sorry, Elliot. I’m spending the day with family.”
“Oh, right. I got it.” He hitched up his pants and nodded. “Maybe next time.”
“Sure. Maybe.” Kat closed the door and rounded on her sister. “You are so mean!”
Hilary ducked while Kat slapped at her head. “Stop! I surrender! I’m sorry.”
Kat couldn’t hold it in any longer. She laughed and Hilary joined in. When they quieted, Kat scowled at her. “Thanks a lot.”
“Come on, you were going to stay in bed until this afternoon. I had to do something.” Hilary shoved her. “Go shower. You stink.”
Kat thumbed her nose at her. “Fine.”
The shower really did feel good, though, so Kat wasn’t too upset with Hilary when she got out. And when she smelled bacon, she forgave her wholeheartedly.
Kat walked into the kitchen. “I’m starved. Thanks for making…”
Kat froze. Damian stood near the stove, leaning on the counter, looking like a freaking Greek God. Hilary gave her a meaningful look. Kat blinked, sure she was having a hallucination or something. When Damian didn’t disappear, her knees went weak. “Damian?”
“Hey, Kat.”
“All right, you two. Go into the other room and talk. Breakfast won’t be ready for a few minutes.” Hilary made a shooing motion with her hands.
Kat obeyed and they went into the living room. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She turned to him. “What are you doing here?”
Damian looked uncomfortable. “I came to apologize.”
“You? Apologize? For what?”
“It was pointed out to me yesterday that I’m not perfect. I make mistakes like the rest of the human race. And it was also pointed out that I’m being a jerk for not talking things out with you.” He lowered his gaze to the floor. “And so I’m here to beg your forgiveness.”
Kat swallowed as different emotions swelled in her. This is what she wanted. A relationship with Damian. But something still held her back. “I forgive you.”
Relief shone in his eyes. “You do?”
“Yes. But I don’t know if it’s a good idea to start back up where we left off. You still live in New York, and I still can’t leave Pleasant Hollow.” Saying the words tasted bitter on her tongue.
Damian looked stricken. “You won’t give us a chance to see where this is going?”
Pain swelled in Kat’s chest. “I already know where this is going,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “I’ve fallen in love with you. But eventually, we’ll have to realize we’re not compatible.” Her heart ripped apart, having to admit that to him. To herself.
Damian took a step toward her. “You’ve fallen in love with me?”
She blinked back hot tears. “Yes.” Why did it hurt so much to admit that to him?
Damian wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her to his chest. He kissed her forehead. “Sweet Kat. I love you, too. Until now, I didn’t realize how much. Hearing you say those words…” His sentence trailed off and he leaned closer to her. Emotion played on his features. “I don’t ever want to be apart. I’ll move to your six-block town if I have to.”
Kat’s mind raced as fast as her heart. Was he really saying he would move to Pleasant Hollow? The thought made her skin tingle. “What?”
He smiled at her. “You heard me. I’m moving to your dumpy little town and expanding the newspaper. I’ll be closer to my brother, and we can start dating like a real couple.”
He would move? She could hardly believe it. “What about your business?”
“Other people can run it. I don’t need the income.” He kissed her jaw, and then her neck. “I need you.”
Hilary came into the room. “Good. You two seem to have worked everything out. You were driving me nuts, you know that? I could see how crazy you two were for each other.”
Kat blushed and tried to step back from Damian, but his hold on her tightened. He kissed below her earlobe and she almost melted into a puddle on the floor.
“Breakfast is ready if you two can stop this terrible public display of affection for a few minutes.” Hilary shot Kat a grin and then left the room.
The room spun as Kat grew dizzy with his kisses. Damian loved her. She felt like she could fly. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.
Epilogue
One year later.
Kat snuggled into Damian’s chest, in front of the fireplace. Damian’s fireplace. He’d kept his word, and built a house on the hill, west of Pleasant Hollow. He said it was so he was as close to Starbucks as he could get.
Damian let out a contented sigh. “Christmas was good this year,” he said, his voice low and rumbly.
“I agree. Your brother sure loved that train you gave him.”
Damian gently caressed the back of her hand. “I’m so glad Lydia is letting him work part-time at the humane society. He just loves it.”
“He’s grown so much more independent since I first met him.”
“I’m proud of him.” Damian kissed the top of her head. “And proud of you.”
Kat felt herself blush, even though she hadn’t really done anything. “You’re the one that hired me as a reporter.”
“Right, but your stories are blowing people away. You’re good at what you do.”
The compliment warmed her. “Thanks.”
“Do you think my mother will ever forgive me for moving out here?”
Kat turned to look at him. “I don’t know. She really hates me, doesn’t she? All day today she was sending me glares.”
Damian frowned. “She doesn’t hate you. I’
m just not living the life she imagined for me. But I’m happy, so that’s what’s important. I’m actually surprised she came out here for Christmas. You must have some special persuasion powers I don’t know about.”
Kat laughed. “I just invited her and told her she needed to see your new home. I may have mentioned the jacuzzi you put in every guest bathroom.”
“Brilliant.”
“She actually handled being around Wes really well.”
Damian nodded. “I was pleasantly surprised.”
He kissed the sliver of skin that was exposed near her shoulder. “I’m sorry we couldn’t spend Christmas with your mother.”
Kat swallowed down her sadness. “At least I know she’s in a happy place.”
“Are you sad your sister couldn’t make it?”
“No. She’s right where she needs to be. She’ll graduate next year, and then I’m sure we’ll see her for holidays. She loves culinary school.”
They settled in a comfortable silence, the sound of the fire cracking filling the empty space. Damian was the first to speak. “There’s one last thing I got you for Christmas, that I didn’t have a chance to give you.”
She turned to face him. “What do you mean? We opened presents this morning. Did you forget?”
He smiled. “No. I wanted to give it to you when we were alone.”
Kat grew curious. “What is it?”
He pulled out a small box from his pocket. Her heart sped up at the sight of it. He slid off the couch onto one knee. Kat’s throat went dry. “Don’t hurt your leg,” she whispered.
He ignored her and opened the box. A beautiful princess cut diamond ring sat nestled in the velvet. “Before I met you, my life was full of things that only brought me a shadow of happiness. This last year with you has been amazing. You make me whole, Kat. I can’t think of living life without you. Will you make me the happiest man in the world, and marry me?”
Kat blinked back tears of joy. “Of course,” she whispered, emotion cutting off her air. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
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