Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(97)

A tingle runs through me and I lay my head back against him. We stay in a long, comfortable silence until the sound of his voice

actually jars me from almost asleep.

“Are you okay, with everything?” He runs his hands up and down my arms, kissing my temple softly.

I turn my face to him and smile. “I actually am. It’s a lot to take in, but having you, and my dad, I know I’ll be fine. I just

need some time to process.”

He nods in understanding, giving me a gentle, comforting smile. “My strong girl, I love you.”

I kiss his nose, leaving my lips there and sigh contently.

“Will you invite your dad here for Christmas?” he asks.



I look at him questioningly. Not go home for Christmas?

“He can stay here. I’ll order in a big meal, anything you want.” His brown eyes are pleading with me.

“Okay.” The truth is I won’t leave Dane alone for Christmas for anyone, not even my dad. Dane is now my first priority. It’s

crazy how a moment of instant clarity sneaks up on you and poof—you know exactly what you want. No doubts, no excuses, and no

apologies.

“Okay?” His smile lights up his handsome features.

I giggle and nod eagerly. “We can’t do, um, anything while he’s here, though.”

“Then he’s not staying very long,” he teases, sinking his teeth into my neck.





Chapter Forty


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GIFTED

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Laney

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Dane ordered in a wonderful, catered feast that we enjoyed with Dad, Tate, and Bennett. Everyone laughed, stuffed themselves, and

had a wonderful holiday. After the meal, I forced Dane to play some holiday classics on the piano which Bennett was all too happy

to sing. Dad loved his hunting trip present and he got me a new fishing pole, batting gloves, and some money. It was an ideal time

and I couldn’t have wished for anything better. The next afternoon, I walked my dad to his truck, nervously bouncing from one foot

to the other. I’d never told my father a major lie in my life and had certainly never asked him to cover for me, but that mold had

now been broken. I begged him to please pretend, if anyone happened to ask, that I was sick with the flu. He knew exactly who I

meant by “anyone.” I was now with Dane for good, and I just couldn’t bear to break Evan’s heart over the holidays, so my plan

was to lay low. He’d agreed, but only when I promised to make things right as soon as possible. His hesitation had nothing to do

with my choice in Dane, he seemed to really like him, but he thought the world of Evan and didn’t support me dragging out any more

pain than necessary.

I agree completely, hurting Evan couldn’t be farther from my goal, but who rips someone’s heart out over Christmas? Not to

mention, I’m not going to tell him over the phone or via text, and if I try to go home to tell him, Dane will want to come...and I

’m not “ganging up” on Evan. I’ll tell him, alone, when it’s right. Until then, I’m just gonna have to live with the self-

attached title of Chicken-shit.

“You ready for bed, baby?” Dane sneaks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.

“Mhmmm,” I answer, exhausted. It’s been a long day and I can’t think of anything in the world I want to do more than snuggle in

with him. I shriek as he sweeps me up in his arms, carrying me up the stairs into his bedroom. He sets me down in the bed, gently

pushing me back and tucking the covers under my chin before walking around and climbing into his side. His side. A sleepy smirk

sneaks up on me when I think about the fact that I just labeled the sides of his bed.

His breathy, whispered words once he’s tightened up against my back get my attention. “If you’re tired, I understand. But if

not, your Christmas present is under your pillow.”

Well now he knew he had me at “present.” My eyes pop open. “You got me a new outfit. And let’s not forget you found my mother.

I’d say you’ve met the present quota.” I roll over and smile at him.

“So you don’t need any more presents then? That’s okay; I’ll just give it to Bennett.” He slinks a hand under the pillow to

nab my present so I roll over, pulling him on top of me.

“Very funny, smarty-pants. You know I want that present so bad I can’t see straight, but I wanted to make sure you also knew that

you’ve already done too much.”

“Baby, I could shower gifts on you every single day and never give you enough. You’re my world and I love making you happy.” He

starts kissing my neck slowly, softly, and I forget what I was going to say. “So you’ll take your present, right?”

“Of course I will, but you already knew that, you big tease.” I poke him in the ribs. He rolls onto his back, taking me with him

so I now sit on top of him, straddling his hips. He reaches under my pillow and does pull out the gift this time, handing it to me.