ALLISON

"Look, Aunt Allison! Look at all the lights," Lucy says, pointing to the strings of small white lights that line the walkway of the hospital. Holiday music lightly playing over the speakers outside the hospital makes it even more festive.

"They are so pretty," I say, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as we walk out of the hospital together.

Dr. Evercrest assured me that there was nothing to worry about. I should take it easy tonight just as a precaution but she didn't see anything wrong.

Nick walks closely behind us, his presence comforting in a way that I can't explain. I wish I could take his hand in mine as we all walk together under the lights.

Strolling along the walkway toward the parking lot, Lucy is absorbed in reading all the banners that hang around advertising the upcoming tree lighting festival. "I can't wait to see it," she says, her voice filled with excitement.

Nick responds, "It sure does look like a fun event."

Oh, boy. This isn't going to be easy. I forgot to get tickets.

My stomach churns with guilt and regret; I realize how badly I have messed up.

I had been so focused on my work and life that I had let the time slip by, not having a free moment to check my calendar for when the tickets were supposed to go on sale.

Now, I was faced with the dreaded task of telling her what happened.

I stop walking and turn to face Lucy. I need to get this over with.

"Goose..." I started but had no words that could rebuild her shattered hopes. I hate letting her down.

So I just blurted it out "I'm so sorry, but we won't be able to go this year. I promise to make it up to you," I tell her. Her face falls with such disappointment that my heart breaks.

"What?" Lucy exclaims, her voice ringing out.

Her tiny foot stomps. It's a rare sight—her losing her cool like this. I can't help but feel pangs of guilt. This holiday season has been especially challenging with everything going on at work.

Christmas traditions mean the world to her, to us both, and it kills me that I allowed work to make me lose sight of that.

She starts to plead with me, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"But we go every year. We have to," she sobs.

"I know sweetheart, but unfortunately tickets were sold out by the time I tried to get them. I feel absolutely terrible about it," I try to hug her, but she pushes me away.

The act of her pushing away hurts me, but she has every right to be upset.

"This isn't fair!" She cries.

"I want us to be able to go, but we just can't," I say. I try to reach out for her again but she steps away. I feel completely helpless right now.

"Wait—I have tickets," Nick interrupts.

Lucy jumps with excitement and runs to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. "Can we go now?" she asks eagerly, looking at me.

"Of course!" He replies before I can even say a word, all while looking at me with a pleading smile. "And Aunty Allie can come, too!"

His silent stare tells me he is asking me to say yes. Does he want us all to go together? Suddenly I feel a little uneasy, he has done so much already.

"We can't take your tickets, Nick. Those are yours. I would feel bad for taking them." I know how much those tickets cost and I also know how much seasonal workers make. There's no way I can accept them.

I cast my gaze upon Lucy. The joy that had been on her face gives way to concern as I refuse the tickets. Her eyes are wide with worry and her mouth downturns into a frown.

"Well, I got them for me and some friends but they backed out at the last minute, so they can either get used or go to waste, so...." He holds his hands open in a gesture of helplessness.

"Are you sure?" I ask him.

A sly smile spreads across his face. "Absolutely," Nick says as he places an arm around Lucy's shoulder making them look united against me again.

I glance up at Nick, my stomach knotting in apprehension.

I want to please Lucy, and while I can see the good intentions behind his offer of tickets, it felt wrong to accept them. But if I said no, would that hurt her more? Would he be insulted?

My head drops and I stare at the ground as I bite my lower lip, trying to decide what to do.

They exchange a glance before redirecting their attention to me, both simultaneously wearing matching pouty faces. It is quite adorable. How can I possibly say no? Plus, Nick seems like he really wants to go.

"You two are trouble," I say. "I'm not sure if I like this little united team you are creating against me." This only makes them smile wider.

I point at them in turn and shake my head. "Fine, but I am paying you for them."

"No you aren't," he says, holding up a hand before I can protest. "But if it makes you feel better to believe that, go ahead." He teases. "Still not happening, though."

I narrow my eyes, ready to fire back, but he cuts me off, firm and decisive. "That's final," he says, effectively ending the conversation.

Typically, this kind of bossy demeanor would be a turn off, but with him, it's different.

His commanding presence sends a spark of electricity through me.

I'm aroused in ways I never knew before, feeling my body come alive with his every word.

I've never been challenged like this before, but with him, I'm ready to accept whatever he has to offer. His dominance is the ultimate turn-on, and I can feel my desire growing more intense with each second.

The things I want to do to him for saving my ass tonight—it's enough to make my heart ache and my pussy throb knowing I can't fulfill this urge.

He just keeps making it harder and harder to resist him.

My thoughts are interrupted when I hear Lucy shriek as she runs into my arms. "Thank you so much."

"Don't thank me. Thank Nick," I tell her as I stroke her hair. I look at him with appreciation.

"Well, it was either you took the tickets or you would have been stuck with me all night until you agreed," he says with a wink and a smile.

Now I almost wish I hadn't agreed, so that I could have stayed with him longer. "Oh really?" I ask playfully

"Kinda sad you agreed so soon; would have been nice to torture y'all with my presence some more," he jokes, a playful smirk adorning his face.

I wish he would torture me.

I feel a rush of warmth spread across my cheeks. What is he implying? "It definitely wouldn't be torture," I reply flirtatiously, a daring tone in my voice.

We linger in a silent exchange, unspoken sentiments hanging in the air. I wonder if he senses the longing I harbor for him right now.

"I'm cold," Lucy interrupts, tugging on my shirt, bringing us back to the present moment.

"Well, zip your jacket up, silly, and maybe you won't be." I kneel to start to zip it for her.

"But I'm still cold," She dramatically shivers.

"Here, take my jacket," Nick offers, swiftly slipping off his coat and draping it around her shoulders. The oversized jacket swallows her frame, making her appear tiny within its folds.

Lucy and Nick begin walking back toward the car, leaving me behind momentarily. My eyes trace over Nick's broad shoulders as he strides away.

I could fall again, so he had to pick me back up with those strong and sexy arms of his. Get to feel his body against mine again. I contemplate the playful notion crossing my mind.

"Are you coming?" Nick calls out, breaking my thoughts.

"Yeah," I pick up my steps to catch up, stealing one last glance at his impressive figure before rejoining them, admiring his ass and how muscular it looks. It fills his pants perfectly.

Nick offers to bring us back since I'm exhausted from the day. I don't want the night to end, however, sleep is essential for Lucy and myself.

The car ride home is made up of mostly silent moments, aside from a few glances exchanged between Nick and myself.

When I glance in the backseat, I see Lucy already asleep, snuggled into his coat as a makeshift blanket.

"Wish I could sleep anywhere like that without feeling terrible in the morning," Nick says in awe of her position as he looks in the rearview mirror, shaking his head in amused disbelief.

"Ah, to be young once again!" I reply in agreement. His hand rests lightly on the gearshift close to mine, which is resting on my thigh; although we weren't touching directly, the warmth between us seems almost tangible.

Clearing my throat nervously, I ask, "So...what are your plans after this season? Since I know you were only hired for the season, right?"

I know the answer but it doesn't stop my stomach from tightening slightly at the thought of him leaving.

"Not sure yet, but whatever comes my way, I'm sure it'll be an adventure," he shares with a reassuring smile, the passing headlights casting an ethereal glow across his features.

"Turn here. These are my apartments." I guide him into the parking lot. He leans forward, taking in the sight beyond the window, absorbing the surroundings.

"It looks like a nice place," he comments, curiosity dancing in his voice. "What's your unit number?"

"You can just pull in right there," I indicate, gesturing toward my designated parking spot.

He parks the car and settles back, a sense of calm enveloping us both.

There's no rush to leave, and I find myself yearning to absorb every fleeting moment with him, even if he remains unaware of the depth of my desire.

"I can give you a ride in the morning to your car if you want?" Nick asks, breaking the silence.

"That's okay. I can have my dad take me. He enjoys any excuse to see Lucy and me anyway" I unfasten my seat belt and twist to face him a little more.

"Thanks again for tonight. I'm really sorry I ruined your plans," I tell him, my voice trembling with nerves. He turns his head slowly to face me and his gaze could pierce through steel.

"You don't get it do you?" he says in a low and intimidating rumble.

My heart starts racing as I plead for more information. "Get what?"

His eyes narrow as he studies my face. He pauses for a moment and looks like he is about to say something but then he turns away abruptly, allowing the silence to build around us like a wicked fog.

"We should get you guys inside," he finally says before opening the door to the car.

My throat tightens in frustration; I can never tell what's going on inside his head.

I open my door, then step around the car to access the back and retrieve Lucy.

"I've got her," Nick assures me, gently gathering Lucy into his arms. She stirs momentarily before settling back to sleep.

"Just up the steps and to the right," I say, closing the car doors behind us.

Unlocking the front door, I turn to face Nick, caught at a crossroads. Do I invite him in, or take Lucy from here? Before I can decide, he strides right in and lays Lucy down on my couch, leaving me momentarily frozen.

"Nick?" Lucy starts to wake. Her little sleepy eyes barely open.

"Goodnight, Lucy," he says.

He glances around before heading back to the door. I close it quietly to avoid disturbing Lucy, although I could see she was already waking up before I fully shut the door.

We step outside my apartment door into the frigid Jersey air, the city sounds enveloping us.

We stand face to face, merely a foot apart. "I'm really glad you're okay," he says softly. "Will you need help getting your car?" he asks.

"I don't think I'll be ice skating again anytime soon. Thank you for everything, but I'll have my dad help me get my car back," I reply, trying to alleviate the tension with a nervous laugh, my heart racing under his gaze.

His hand reaches up, brushing my hair behind my ear, causing me to hold my breath.

"You forgot your jacket," I whisper, attempting to divert attention away from the intense moment and my reaction to it.

"Just another excuse to come back," he replies playfully, his hand lingering by my face briefly before lowering it.

My chest rises and falls with anticipation, and I notice his glance briefly flickering down before he takes a small step closer. The background noise of the city honking fills the charged atmosphere as we stand in silence.

Then, he moves toward me.