Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 18

18 Meeting Jack

Clarice POV

After a few seconds of smiling like a fool about meeting Mrs. Claus, I grab my bag and make my way out of the apartment. Just as I take the last step, I lose my footing. I try to grab the railing, but my fingertips skim the wood. I brace myself for the impact, but it never comes. Despite the strong arms that stop me from hitting the ground, I know immediately it’s not Nick. I look up into green eyes that remind me of emeralds. The man I’ve never seen before helps me right myself.

“Are you alright? I think that’s the first time a woman actually fell for me,” he says, his voice deep and flirtatious. “I’m fine. Thank you for catching me before I hit the ground.” “It was my pleasure. You must be one of Chrissy’s friends. You are beautiful,” he says, offering me his hand. I hesitate, my hand to but I don’t want to be rude if he is someone important to Chrissy. When he tries to lift his mouth to kiss it, I pull back. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t know you. My boyfriend wouldn’t appreciate you kissing my hand.” Where the hell did that come from? Get a grip Clarice you aren’t even divorced.

“Fair enough. My name is Jack Frost and you are,” he says, I look at him like he has grown ten heads. “Jack Frost, really.” “That’s what my driver’s license says. Now how about your name sweetness,” he says with a wink. “Do these lines normally work for you because I have to tell you I’ve heard better? Again, I’ll say I’m not interested.” “Oh, you wound me,” he says, grabbing at his

chest.

“Thanks again for catching me, but I need to get to work. If you’re looking for Chrissy, she isn’t home. She is probably somewhere in the Inn.” I start to make my way down the path. I roll my eyes when I hear him walking behind me. ‘Actually, I’m here to see Nick, but you are much prettier,” he says. I’m thankful when I finally reach the door. I push it open and turn before he can follow me inside. “This is the employee entrance. You need to use the doors out front since you aren’t one. I’m sure they can tell you where Nick is if you ask out front.”

Before he can open his mouth, I close the door. I make my way out to the lobby and smile when I see Chrissy sitting behind the desk. I didn’t get to see her last night since I practically passed out. Well, I guess she saw me because she helped me change into my night clothes. As soon as she spots me, she rushes off behind the desk. She pulls me in for a hug like she hasn’t seen me in days and I giggle. When she pulls back she looks into my eyes.

“I hope you’re not mad at me,” she says. I look at her like she has lost her mind. “Why on earth would I ever be mad at you?” “Come into Nick’s office so we can talk,” she says, her voice laced with worry. Once we are both inside, she closes the door. She turns to face me and takes my hand in hers. “I know Nick told you who we are last night. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true Clarice. I

18 Meeting Jack

don’t want you to be mad at me because I wasn’t completely honest with you,” she says.

“I do

o remember you from school. Everything I said about who you were was true, but when you called the Inn I already knew what had happened to you. I have visions Clarice. I watched everything that happened like I was in the room. It took all my strength not to pop into your house and beat the sh*t out of both of them as I watched them break your heart. I really didn’t mean to lie to you, but I knew I couldn’t tell you that you were meant to be here. That you are meant to be important not only to Nick but to me and my parents,” she says.

“Chrissy, I’m not mad at you. Breathe. I believe Nick and I believe you. I hate that you had to see that, but I love you for wanting to kick their a**es on my behalf,” I say, squeezing her hand. “It may take me a little time, but I’m willing to believe in everything Nick said, and I don’t mean him being the future Santa. I believe that too, but every day I spend here with Nick the hurt and ache in my heart lessens. Being around him feels right Chrissy, but you know how complicated everything is because I’m sure you know I’m pregnant.”

“I do, and I’m so excited about being an auntie,” she says. I can’t help but giggle at her enthusiasm. “You will definitely be an auntie. I just know this will not be easy for me or Nick. My in–laws called me this morning to let me know that Trevor will be here on Saturday. They are coming on Friday to support me. He isn’t going to let go easily, Chrissy. “Are you thinking about giving him another chance,” she asks.

“Chrissy, there isn’t anything he could say that will make me stay married to him. Trevor knew that cheating was my hard line, and he danced all over it. I cut my father out of my life because of it, and he is the half the reason I’m alive. I know with the baby, I’ll have no choice but to co–parent with Trevor. So at some point, I’ll have to forgive him, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stay his

wife.”

“I hate that you are going through all of this, Clarice. You are so strong. I’m just glad you’re here with me and with Nick.” “I’m glad too. Oh, I didn’t get to tell you because we started talking about other things, but I also got to meet your mom.” Her eyes get big, and her mouth opens, but before any sound could come out, the office door opens. I smile when Nick steps inside. I fight the urge to roll my eyes when I notice the man behind him.

Nick POV

I’m just finishing plowing the parking lot after the foot of snow we got last night when I notice Jack rounding the outside of the Inn. I park the truck and hop out. He waves when he spots me and I make my way over to him. “Hey Jack, what’s up?” “I just finished meeting with your dad. We went over all the weather patterns for his run” he says. “What brings you to see me?” “I heard something I couldn’t believe so I had to pop in” he says.

<18 Meeting Jack

“What exactly did you hear?” “Your mother was gushing about how beautiful her future

Clam

daughter–in–law is. Please tell me you did not forgive that cheating Elven b**ch after all she did to you,” he says. “As if I would ever. I wouldn’t touch her with your frozen d**k,” “So funny. You need new material, my friend. That joke is as old as you grandpa,” he says. “It’s a classic. They don’t get old.“” “So who is the woman that has finally melted the ice king’s heart,” he asks. “Talk about old jokes. No seriously, her name is Clarice. She is beautiful, strong, and perfect.”

“I’ve never heard you even talk about this woman. How long have you known her that you haven’t talked to your best friend about her,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how long. When you know, you know. I’ve been drawn to her since the first minute I saw her.” “Nick, you are usually the more logical one in your family. I would expect Chrissy to say something like that,” he says. “When you meet her you will understand. If I introduce you, though, you need to be on your best behavior. I mean it Jack. She is my one.”

His eyes soften, and I can see the moment he realizes I’m serious. “Of course, my best behavior. If she is important to you, then she is important to me,” he says. “Come on, she should be inside by now. She is helping out at the Inn while she stays with Chrissy.” After a few more steps I realize he isn’t following me. I turn and a look of concern flashes in his eyes.

“What’s up Jack? I thought you wanted to meet Clarice.” “I really do, but I think I might have f**ked up,” he says. “What the hell are you talking about?‘ He proceeds to tell me about his encounter with the beautiful woman that almost fell coming down Chrissy’s stairs. That’s it. She is staying in my apartment from now on. I won’t have her or the baby gettirig hurt. “So what you’re telling me is you hit on my girl?”

“I’m afraid so Nick, but the good news is she wasn’t even a little bit interested. I swear if I knew,” he starts to say, but I cut him off. “I know that, Jack. I’m sure she won’t hold it against you. Let’s go smooth talker.” He throws his head back and laughs before he follows me. When we reach the lobby, I’m shocked when the desk is empty. I move to the office door and realize Chrissy must have pulled Clarice inside to talk in private. I knock once before pushing the door open.

My heart beats faster at the smile Clarice gives me. I almost chuckle when I see her eyeing Jack behind me. Without a second thought, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and press a kiss onto her temple. “Clarice, this is my best friend, Jack Frost.” Her body stiffens and her eyes meet mine. “Clarice, I’m sorry. Had I known I wouldn’t have,” he starts to say, but she cuts him off. “Wouldn’t have tried to pick me up,” she says.

Chrissy giggles and I notice my best friend looking at my sister with something other than brotherly affection. I make a note to find out what the hell that is about later. “I’m only kidding Jack. It’s fine. No harm done, but you do really need new pick–up lines. You are a handsome guy but your material needs work,” she says, teasing him. I tighten my hold on her and she giggles. I’ll

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