Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 34

34 Shopping

Clarice POV

I can’t stop the smile from spreading across when I start to surface from sleep. I’m wrapped in Nick’s strong arms and his legs are intertwined with mine. His steady breathing lets me know he is still sleeping. I open my eyes and turn my face toward him. Memories of last night come rushing back and my body aches is the best way. Nick had me three more times before we both finally passed out. He really is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.

His beard is neatly trimmed and covers his chiseled jaw. With his eyes closed, I can’t see the

beautiful emerald color that twinkles when he is happy. When they are focused on me, they make

my heart beat faster. Before I can move my eyes further down the rest of his amazing body, the need to pee has me trying to disentangle myself from his hold. I’m just about free when he pulls me back against his hard chest and morning hardness. I giggle like a school girl when he presses a wet kiss on my neck. “Where are you going Clarice,” he whispers in my ear and a shiver crawls

down my spine.

“I have to pee, Nick.” “Fine, but when you’re done, I want you back in bed to give me a proper good morning,” he says. I sit up and stare down into his mischievous eyes. “Last night I had to

practically beg for you to give me what I wanted, and now you’re insatiable,” I say as I slide off the

bed. I make my way into the bathroom and quickly do my business. I turn on the shower,

remembering that Thomas and Alexia would be arriving later today.

It’s funny, but my first thought isn’t sadness when I think about seeing them. No matter what happens, they will always be my family. I meant what I said to Thomas. They are not responsible

for their son’s actions. The door opening to the bathroom startles me. A very naked Nick makes his way across the bathroom to the toilet and I freeze.

“The running water did me in,” he says. “Are you peeing while I’m in the bathroom?” “After all the

things we did last night, me peeing while you’re in the shower bothers you,” he chuckles. I can feel

my cheeks flame, but it really doesn’t bother me. “Not in the least, but Trevor never peed in front of me. He said there are some things that should stay private.”

“That’s because he was an id*ot. There is nothing private when you truly love someone,” he says. As soon as he finishes, he steps into the shower. “Now I recall asking for a proper good morning,”

he says, and I giggle. He pulls my body against his and any protests die on my lips when I feel his

c**k pressing against me.

An hour later, we are finally dressed. “What are your plans for today,” he asks just as I pull my boots

1. on. “We have to work at the Inn today, don’t we?” “Actually, no. I used a little magic to make sure

everything was taken care of and Colleen has the desk today. I was hoping we could spend some

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34 Shopping

time at the Christmas fair in town,” he says.

“Are Chrissy and Jack back from their date?” “No, Jack messaged me last night. They planned on staying in his penthouse. They will be back later tonight,” he says. “It really doesn’t bother you that they are together.” “Not at all. I never want to hear any details about what they get up to, but I know he will treat her better than any other man. Besides, I can’t wait till my father finds out. He loves Jack like a son, but that’s his little girl. Jack is definitely going to see the darker side of Santa,” he says with a chuckle.

I slap at his chest. “I’m happy for your sister. She has been in love with him for a long time.” “Me too. So are you ready to spend a little time in town before we pick up Trevor’s parents,” he asks. I look at him like he’s lost his mind. “You want to pick up Trevor’s parents with me?” “Of course. They are important to you, Clarice, and based on the conversation I heard, they love you. If they are important to you, then they are important to me,” he says.

“What if they are upset that we are together?” “Then they will have to get over it. Nothing is going to stop us from being together. You are my one, Clarice. They can accept that, or they can go back to California, but I’m hoping for your sake they accept it,” he says. I wrap my arms around his neck and push up on my toes to press a kiss on his lips. “I love you, Nick.” “I love you, too,” he says. We make our way out to his truck, and he helps me inside.

Ten minutes later, we are making our way down main street, which is lined with vendors of all kinds. Homemade baked goods, holiday comforters, and ornaments are just a few. I go from stand to stand, the spirit of the holiday that once filled me during this time of year definitely bubbling up inside me. I decide to pick up some gifts until I realize I don’t have my wallet. I look at Nick who is standing near a table with custom jewelry.

I make my way over, and he quickly pockets whatever he purchased. I shake my head as he turns to face me. “I thought Santa would be more stealthy,” I whisper. “As long as you didn’t see what I got, that’s all that matters.” I roll my eyes, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face. “Nick do you think you can pop me back to the apartment. I want to buy a few presents and I didn’t think to grab my wallet.” He reaches into his pocket and I place my hand on his wrist.

“I’m not taking your money, Nick.” He lowers his face to mine. He is so close I can feel his breath on my lips. “Everything I have is yours. I have more money than I will ever spend in five lifetimes. It is one of the perks of being Santa’s kid. Now please take this and buy whatever you want. This is our money,” he says. “Nick, I have money from the books I wrote. It doesn’t feel right to take yours.”

“Let me ask you a question. If we were out, and I didn’t have any money, would you give it to me,” he asks. I glare at him because I know what he is doing. He chuckles and pushes the money into my hand. I take it, but if I buy anything for him, I’m paying him back. I head back to the stands I had just

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left and buy a comforter for Alexia and an engraved name placard for Thomas’s desk. I pick up an ornament for each of my parents and one for Anya and Chris that says first time Nana and Papa.

I move to the booth that Nick was at a few minutes ago and find a masculine bracelet and a pretty necklace that have snowflakes on them for Chrissy and Jack. I also find a leather bracelet that will be perfect for Nick. I have the girl burn “from your one” on the back. I quickly have the woman bag everything up and hand her the money. I make my way over to the baked goods and buy a variety of cookies. By the time I’m done, I have several bags. Nick seems to appear out of nowhere and

takes them from me.

“Where were you? You didn’t buy anything else.” “I was watching you. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I simply watched from over there as you smiled at every stand. It was amazing to see how happy it.

you, Nicholas made you to buy for others,” he says. “Were you spying to see what I bought for Kringle,” I say and bump him with my hip. He stops walking and I turn to face him. “You bought me a present,” he says, as if in disbelief. His words about never getting presents because of who they were replays in my mind.

I move to stand in front of him. “Of course, I did, Nick. I don’t care if you are meant to be Santa Claus,” I whisper. “You are my one, and I will always give you a gift. Just like our children will always get gifts. You need to know how important you are to me.” A tear edges his eye and I wipe it away. “I love you Clarice. Thank you for accepting me even when your heart was broken,” he says. “Thank you for helping me heal and choosing me.”

“Alright, we better get going,” he says, after clearing his throat. I wrap my arm in his, and we make our way back to Nick’s truck. Once we’re in Nick’s apartment, we put the bags away. He kisses me like he isn’t ready to let me go before leads me out to his truck. It will take us a couple of hours to reach the airport. Nick takes my hand in his and we start the drive. I wonder how Alexia and Thomas will react to Nick, but he’s right. Nothing will change that he is mine.

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