My December Darling

by Lauren Asher

I might like Luke’s touch. I might even like the way he smells like sandalwood and leather from the jacket he is currently wearing over a plain black Henley and jeans. But I dislike Luke the person. He’s annoyingly friendly, frustratingly thoughtful, and the kind of guy who could inspire a future comic book superhero, thanks to both his muscles and his commitment to helping others.

Despite the pep talk I gave myself during the walk over to the restaurant about being on my best behavior and acting like a mature man in my early thirties, the moment I saw Catalina, all bets were off.

I slipped up when I called Catalina by her full name. She probably thought I did it strictly because I like to annoy her, but I just think her name is beautiful. The waitress interrupts the table’s conversation by asking for our orders. Everyone but me, the guy who didn’t look at the menu because he was too focused on the beautiful, irritated brunette sitting across from him, knows what they want to eat, so I pick the first thing I see.

Most people in town call Catalina an ice queen, but everyone has a melting point. I just haven’t found hers yet.

“I find you…” “Yes?” I lean in toward her, my breath catching in my throat as I wait for what she might say. “Repugnant,”

The little she-devil across from me sits back in her seat with a satisfied smirk, and my heart trips at the sight. I’m not sure what kind of hold she has over me, but her presence is screwing with my head.

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.

First thing tomorrow, I plan on having a conversation with him about Catalina because there’s no way I can continue pretending I don’t like her company.

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

I never told him this, but I’ve wanted to build that one ever since LEGO announced the addition to their collection.

“I just want to feel like you see me. Like you appreciate who I am and all my differences because I’m never going to be like you and Gabriela, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel left out.”

“My mom always said the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach.” “Thank God I can bake then, or else I’d be screwed,”

The longer I think about how I’ve assumed the worst about Luke, the more ashamed I feel because it’s only taken a few genuine encounters to realize he really is the kind of guy who likes going out of his way to help others. Some people really are undeniably good, and in a world like ours, we could use more of them.

“I’m laughing at you. Not with you.” Luke shrugs. “So long as you’re laughing, that’s all that matters to me.”

“See something you like?” he says.

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

Catalina doesn’t seem like the type to respond well to an overbearing alpha type, and luckily, I don’t fall into that category. I’m not sure if that makes me a progressive male or a stupid one because she is already twenty minutes late—and counting.

If she chooses to go.

This is only a kiss, I try to remind myself. Then why does it feel like so much more?

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

“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.

“Luke woke up at the crack of dawn to start making it so it would have enough time to chill in the fridge.”

The girl I can see myself falling for, even if she has no intention of falling with me.

She seals her comment with a kiss, and goddammit, I know it’ll never be enough with this girl. It’s a gut feeling, and one that solidifies with every interaction we have.

It becomes clear to me that Catalina’s time in Lake Wisteria might be coming to an end after her sister’s wedding, but ours as a couple has just begun.

I want Catalina to be begging for me to touch her. To fuck her hard⁠—

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

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

We don’t owe anyone any explanations.”

“I’m thinking of every way I can get you out of that tux.” His devilish smile holds a secret promise. “Now I feel better about my own thoughts then.”

“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.”

I glance over at Luke, who leans back in his chair with his arms crossed. He looks at me like I’m the only person in the room,

They make me believe that there is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”

“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.”

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.

“Miss me that much?” “A concerning amount to say the least.”

“You never said anything.” “And risk you thinking I was too clingy?” “There’s no such thing.”

“What’s wrong?” He cups my cheek. “I didn’t say anything.” “You don’t have to.”

I couldn’t ask for a better friend, lover, and life partner.

“Thank you,” I blurt out without any context. His brows pinch together. “What for?” I clasp his chin. “Being you.” “You give me too much credit for doing the bare minimum.”

“Will you marry me?” I look down at the ring nestled inside the box he built just for me. Choosing to love him for the rest of my life is the easiest decision I’ve ever made—almost as easy as saying one little word. “Yes.”