Inherited Holiday Read Online M. Robinson

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Funny Tags Authors: M. Robinson Advertisement

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One year, it was this snow globe of The Rockefeller Center; another, it was a historical novel written by my favorite author, which was signed and personalized to me.

The best was when he reserved an air balloon ride over the town at dawn, and he actually went with me. To see the world come alive with him standing by my side was a memory I’d take to my grave. If I closed my eyes, I could still see us there on top of the world.

The man knew no bounds, and each year he proved how much he truly knew me.

His brother was the complete opposite of him, where Nicholas was sentimental; his brother was over the top. That was how different the brothers were.

I couldn’t tell you how many times I contemplated calling him.

Writing.

Showing up at his home unannounced.

I never did.

I couldn’t.

Rejection was a bitch, and I wasn’t ready to have him tell me to go home or worse not answer me at all. Especially after his brother said he changed his phone number. I barely survived losing him the first time. There was no escaping my thoughts about him. Not when it came to him. The mere fact I was still thinking about him after all the years proved how much I still cared about him.

The more I tried to forget about him, the harder it was. Though in my heart, my soul, something was off. Almost overnight, his brother was kind of there for me in ways I didn’t expect him to be. Almost like by Nicholas leaving, he made it easier for Felix to fill that void.

However, he couldn’t hear Nicholas’s name without tensing, spewing hate, or arguing with whoever brought him up.

I think, in a way, Nicholas became his rival in his own mind. I think it was because Nicholas was always the favorite, and everyone knew it too.

The longer we were together, the more apparent it became that maybe I was definitely in love with him.

I tried.

I begged.

I prayed.

When I looked into his eyes, all I saw was pain where there had once been so much affection.

Devotion.

Love.

Something had changed.

Even in the past couple of days, something was happening to him, and he couldn’t fool me. He was enjoying this as much as he claimed that he wasn’t.

My wants.

Needs.

Expectations.

This future I thought we’d never share felt as if it was at arm’s length now. Every time I thought he was maybe getting closer to his family, they were almost there, an issue would arise, and they’d find themselves on opposite sides of the fence, still looking toward a future they may never have.

Further and further, it flew out of their paths.

As much as I told myself not to do it, we texted all day. Flirting back and forth until I finally agreed to go to his parents’ party with him. My crew was handling the event, so I could enjoy it. I had the best team, and I was beyond fortunate to have them on my side.

I couldn’t stop thinking about three magic words all day.

I love you.

So many meanings.

So many ways to say it.

So many what-ifs and I-don’t-knows.

I smiled every time a new text came through from him. He babysat the puppy for me most of the day, and I appreciated it. I still needed to come up with a name for him, but it was becoming obvious that not only was I getting attached to both of my rescued boys.

The Saint Clair family never did anything half-assed; this event was another outlandish celebration where they proved who was in power and needed to be respected among the community.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Elle?” Nicholas wrapped his arms around my body from behind, tearing me away from my thoughts.

We were on the dance floor; suddenly, it felt as though all eyes were on us and the room. I spun around to face him, setting my hands on his solid chest. He was wearing a black suit, looking as handsome as ever. Reminding me why all the woman in the room couldn’t take their eyes off him.

His greedy glare raked over the long red silk dress I was wearing. A romantic bow settled on the swell of my back, which was completely open. A live band performed while everyone danced around the big Christmas tree. “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” played from the speakers, setting up a dreamy aesthetic.

My dress curved perfectly around my body; it subtly flowed out down by my knees, and my hair was curled and tied to the right side of my head, with a few strands of hair framing my face. My makeup was heavy on the eyes, with black eyeliner and thick mascara. Some blush and a soft shade of nude for my pouty lips.

In a matter of a few seconds, his stare went from endearing like he was trying to make a memory of me to predatory.

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