My December Darling

by Lauren Asher

Tonight, I didn’t only make Catalina Martinez laugh, but smile twice, and I’ll be damned because I’m already looking forward to when I can do it again.

“Wanna help me wipe the floor with them?” “I’d love nothing more.” She grins. I expect Catalina to protest the idea, but she surprises me by saying, “The only thing you’ll be wiping is that smile off your face when we win.” Well, shit. I shouldn’t be turned on by the scary look on her face, but the devious smirk does something for me.

“I always thought you two were better suited for each other.”

“How did you even become her friend?” Aiden might have told me once before, but I don’t remember. “You of all people know she isn’t the kind of girl who lets people get too close, too fast.” “Tell me about it.” “It took me some time to wear her down, but she’s a great girl who just needs people to take the time to get to know her.” “So I’m starting to realize,” I say with a sigh. “I will say that whoever earns her trust and loyalty better do everything possible to protect it or else they’ll have to deal with me.”

“I just don’t want to lose you again when it feels like I finally got you back,” she whispers.

“If you wanted me on my knees for the full effect, all you needed to do was ask.”

I can see with my own two eyes that Luke is exactly my type, and the LEGO set is the final nail in the coffin.

He wants to spend more time with you.

A man like me could get addicted to a touch like hers.

Teasing Catalina might be my favorite kind of punishment yet, knowing I’m only tempting myself in the process.

“I’m interested in you, which means I want to spend time getting to know you.”

“Making the most of two weeks with you seems better than spending a lifetime wondering what could’ve been.”

I’m catching on to Luke’s slick ways of initiating contact, but I pretend to be oblivious because I secretly like him touching me. It makes me feel desired, and I’ll be damned if I ruin it by pretending that I don’t like it.

“Everything about you interests me.”

I’ll be the first to admit his quick transition from charming flirt to authoritative medical professional is hot.

He might not wear a white coat, but the energy he exudes screams that he is the man in charge.

I’m not the type to hide my feelings behind mixed signals and a game of chase. If I like a woman, I make it obvious where I stand, and with Catalina, I’m about as subtle as a flashing neon sign at midnight.

He didn’t just kiss me. He ruined every kiss of my past, present, and future, reshaping my expectations and creating a craving that only he can satisfy.

Whatever happens between Luke Darling and me might be temporary, but this connection is anything but fleeting, and it absolutely scares me.

“Because you look happy.”

Because the next time we do kiss, it’s going to be because Catalina initiates it, not me. Giving her all the power to make the next move might be a risk, but I have a feeling it will pay off.

“There’s no place I’d rather be than here with you,” he whispers in my ear, and my heart soars into dangerous, delusional territory.

“I’m just glad what I made is edible. It’s my first time trying out that particular recipe.” “It’s more than edible. It’s amazing.” Her eyes light up. “My grandma would’ve loved it.” She pulls away from my embrace all too soon. “I appreciate you going through the trouble of making it.”

“Why did you make tembleque?” “Because Gabriela told me how much you liked it.”

“I’ve never seen her look at someone else like that, so whatever you’re doing, keep it up.”

“Why do you care if I’m all alone?” She looks so damn determined in that moment. “Because I like you.”

“But mostly, I’m happy that I can be here with you.”

“I’m just annoyed they don’t appreciate the person you are rather than the version they wish you would be.”

“I won’t be able to keep my eyes off you.”

“I’m thinking of every way I can get you out of that tux.”

I look up at him with a smile. “I’d rather keep you on your toes.” “You don’t have to try too hard when you’ve got me wrapped around your little finger.”

“Just picture me naked.” He winks before helping me adjust the mic stand. “It’ll make me feel less guilty about doing the same while you’re up here.”

“That they made you believe in love.”

“Then it’s up to us to figure it out. Together.”

“I like the sounds you make,” she says against my skin between kisses.

“Keep looking at me like that and I’m taking you back to bed,” he says with a hoarse voice.

“Miss me?” Her smile borders on timid, so I boost her confidence with a press of my lips against hers. “From the moment you left.”

“I want you any way I can have you.”

A year I want to spend with her, so long as she wants the same.

There isn’t a single doubt in my mind that I could fall in love with this girl. In fact, I hope I do. Just like I hope she can love me back.

“I know you don’t like surprises, but I hope you don’t mind this one.” He drags his luggage inside before I throw myself into his arms. “Are you kidding?” I ask between kisses. “This is the best one ever.” His smirk makes my stomach muscles clench. “So, you don’t mind?” “I only mind that you’re doubting me.”

“I missed you as soon as I got here.”

He tucks his hand under my chin and forces me to look at him. “I like knowing you’re obsessed with me.” I shove his shoulder with a laugh. “I’m not obsessed.” “That’s not how I interpreted it.” “It’s not my fault you lack the ability to analyze context clues.” “Except all my clues lead to one theory.” “What?” “That you’re falling in love with me.” My cheeks flame. “Shut up.”

Choosing to love him for the rest of my life is the easiest decision I’ve ever made—almost