The Billionaire Scrooge Next Door

by Olivia Hayle

“Yes, but serial killing teaches you all kinds of skills.” “Calm under pressure,” I deadpan. “Comfortable with risk. Great at tying knots.”

“You said you couldn’t have a Christmas tree this year, because Evan’s fiancée is allergic, right?” “Right,” I say. “I have space in my house.” My mouth falls open. “Oh.”

“I was going to make… well. Something for dinner.” “Something?” I say. “That’s my favorite dish.” He gives me a crooked grin over his shoulder. It hits me right beneath the breastbone, hot and fluttering. “Perfect,” he says. “Do you happen to know how to cook it, too?” “Oh, you lost the recipe?” “It didn’t make it in the move.”

“Is this what you live on? Boxed mac ’n’ cheese and air?” “Yes. Willpower, too.”

“This isn’t food worthy of trying to sweep my childhood friend’s little sister off her feet,” he says. “We can order in, if you’d like.”

The feeling of being seen is a balm, and it isn’t until it’s applied that I realize how much I’ve needed it.

“You’re the realest thing I’ve had in my life in a very long time.”

It’s filled with laughter, a family’s memories and traditions woven into a holiday that I still don’t like… but that isn’t so bad with Holly Michaelson by my side.

They say you can’t make homes out of human beings, but God help me, she’s mine.