Run Run Rudolph (Love Online, #3)

by Chelle Sloan

We all thunder down the steps, and I stop in my tracks, sure this has all been a dream. Because sitting on a couch, looking as beautiful as I’ve ever seen her, is Hollie Berry.

Because Hollie Berry just winked at me. And I don’t care if she was just being nice. This is officially the best day of my life.

“That would be great.” The sound of her gentle voice gives me the courage to look up at her. Her smile is soft, and her eyes have a small sparkle in them, much brighter than when we arrived a half hour ago.

the way Hollie is looking at me right now, I’m ready to don my red cape and do whatever necessary to save Christmas for my crush.

Trent. I try not to have a reaction as Hazel says his name, but the more she talks about him and my upcoming stay at his house, the more excited I get.

He might have had some serious golden retriever energy, but he also looked like a man I wanted to have pin me against a wall and do unspeakable things.

I try to keep the smile off my face as Hazel and I head upstairs to grab the few belongings I was able to bring with me: my phone and charger, a few changes of clothes, my iPad, toiletries, and of course, Lizzie, my stuffed lizard I’ve had since I was four.

“Hollie! Trent’s here!” I push down the rush of excitement that hits me and give myself one little shake for encouragement.

I have this growing sense of comfort that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And that Trent is exactly who I’m supposed to be doing this with.

“No, you're not. Not by a fucking longshot.” This makes her smile. “Well then! Wings it is. But…I don’t know what flavor I like.” I hold out my hand for her to stand up. “Don’t you worry about it, Sunshine. Stick with me. I’ll take care of everything.”

I set down the popcorn and waters as I make my way to her. I grab the blanket from the back of the chair and do my best to not wake her as I gently place it on top of her. She doesn’t open her eyes, but she must feel the fleece as she tucks it around herself. “There you go,” I whisper, brushing her bangs away from her face. “Get some sleep, Sunshine. You deserve it.”

He slowly puts down the footrest of the recliner. Gosh, he looks adorable in the morning. His brown hair is mussed in that perfect bed head kind of way. His clothes are wrinkled from sleeping in them. He gives a big stretch, which allows me to see just a hint of his abs. Hmmm… a happy trail…I like that. No….No, no, no.

“Nah. I might put up a small fake tree, but usually I don’t. It’s just me. Doesn’t seem like there’s much point?” I walk over to him and slowly reach my hand out, uncertain how my touch will be received. But his eyes are warm, and I feel like it’s okay to tip his chin up so I can see his beautiful and kind chocolate brown eyes. This man has been nothing but good to me since we met. I don’t even know if he realizes how much just having an ear to listen has helped me. I want to do the same for him.

you doing all of this for me?” “What will you say if I tell you yes?” I smile and reach for his hand. He gives it to me, and I feel an immediate warmth run through my body. “Then I’d say that this was, without a doubt, the sweetest, most thoughtful, thing anyone has ever done for me.”

This gets him to crack a smile. “This is why it has to be perfect.” “It will be perfect no matter wh...

So I do. I say a silent prayer to any god who is listening and I lean in to Hollie, who by some miracle meets me halfway. Holy fucking gingerbread houses, I’m kissing Hollie Berry.

But then I feel a little nibble on my bottom lip, and I know for a fact this isn’t a dream. I squeeze her closer to me, and she doesn’t object. Her mouth opens for me, and I gently slide in my tongue, meeting hers in perfect rhythm.

“Trent,” she moans between breaths, and holy shit…my name has never sounded so good. A kiss has never felt this good. I know I need to take this slow, but how can I? How can you slow down the best moment of your entire life?

I walk over to Hollie as she puts the casserole dish back down on the end table. “Maybe I don’t want a casserole for dinner.” “Hmmm,” she says, wrapping her hands around my neck. “What were you thinking?” I pick her up and carry her to the couch. “I quite liked what I was having before we were interrupted.” This makes her smile. “So did I.”

Trent quickly exits the car and comes around to open my door for me. “Such a gentleman.” He grabs my hand and brings me in for one more kiss. “Only when you want me to be.”

“Where are we going?” Hollie asks, fumbling the seat belt in her rush. I throw the car into drive and turn right out of the parking lot. “I’m not sure, Sunshine. I just know we have to run. Now.”

“What’s there to buy?” I say. “She needed away from the media circus. We did that for her. She and I hit it off and had a fling. It’s like a vacation fling, only she gets to go back home and I get to live with the memories every damn day.”

Jake: You two want to meet us out tonight? Hazel and Knox are in. Trent: I say this with absolute love, but fuck no. Tomorrow? Maybe. But tonight I’m not leaving this house, and if you even dare call there will be hell to pay. Jake: All right, fine. But tomorrow. That way we can all get together before the holiday. Trent: Sounds like a plan. Now leave me alone. My cookies are done.

“I was told on one of my movies that the key to good Christmas cookies is parchment paper. Less mess, less stick. We can try it on the next batch.” I drop the cookie sheet and run so I can see the door. Standing there, her red hair down and free, her smile as bright as I’ve ever seen it, is my girl.

We meet in the middle as she jumps in my arms and I spin her around, squeezing her as tight as I can. “God, I’ve missed you.” I say, slowly letting her down. She keeps her arms around my neck as her feet hit the ground. “I’ve missed you. So much.”

“You’re here,” I say, slowly pulling away but letting my fingers trace the lines of her face. “I’m here,” she says. “Is that okay? I know I sprung it on you.” “Sunshine, as far as I’m concerned, this is where you live now,”

I sprint to my garage, hating myself that I almost forgot this. Though in my defense, when the woman of your dreams—who you want to spend the rest of your life with—is kissing you, it’s easy to forget about the rest of the world.