The Geek Who Saved Christmas

by Annabeth Albert

“You shoveled my walk.” I looked out the kitchen window at the frozen side yard and my bone-dry path to the garage. “Salted it too.” “I did.” Voice matter-of-fact, he stretched his arms. “Didn’t want you slipping if you headed out early before I could come over.” “You came to go shopping with me?” I tilted my head, considering this very un-Paul-like development. “I thought I might.” A muscle in his cheek twitched. “Get a head start on next year. You can tell me what all I might need.” “Because you want my help with next Christmas?” “No.” Paul licked his lips as he darted his gaze everywhere but at me. “I mean, yes. Damn it. This is why I’m not good with words. I want you for next Christmas. The help is a bonus.” “Oh.” My nervous system jolted as if the barista had snuck an extra quad shot in my coffee. Paul wanted me. And to go shopping. But me. He wanted me. I dug my fingers into my thigh. Yup. Definitely awake. But there had to be a catch. “And between now and then?”