Sunlight spilled in through the window, waking me. The room was almost too warm, and the lazy breeze from the ceiling fan didn't help. I started to stretch but froze when my pillow inhaled and I realized my bare leg was sprawled across Nate's. Thankfully, his pajamas included pants.

Opening my eyes, I saw the only thing separating my hand from the ridges of Nate's abs was a thin layer of light gray cotton. This was not how I'd fallen asleep.

Last night, Ruth Grace left a message on Granny's machine, saying they were having a few drinks and staying in town and they'd return in the afternoon. After visiting with Granny and my parents for a while, hearing about delivering the tins—of course, Granny had insisted on walking each one to the doors and exhausted herself—we all went our separate ways for the night.

It was a peaceful evening for me. Briar and Sawyer didn't make an appearance after lunch, and Mother found nothing new about me to criticize.

Then we'd gotten to our room with the full sized bed, and I studied the man that would take up more than half the space. How did he even fit on a bed? Did he have to lay angled corner to corner or did his feet poke off the end? Either way, we'd be close.

The reality of the situation caused my face to heat. Nate noticed and joked about my innocence being safe with him. I'd scoffed but then wondered at what point a dry-spell reverted to innocence.

I had to be close if the thought of sleeping beside a hot friend was making me blush. Especially when said hottie probably found me as sexually appealing as a cabbage.

Considerate as usual, Nate suggested I shower first so I could get settled while he washed the beach and yard work away. It was helpful. I'd definitely prefer to hide my dorky Christmas elf patterned nightshirt under the quilt as fast as possible. So, I rushed through my usual routine in the en suite, and he messed with his phone in the chair next to the window until I was under the covers and announced it was his turn.

It had been a long day. I scooted to the very edge of the mattress, leaving him as much space as possible, and fell asleep before he finished in the bathroom.

Now, I was practically feeling him up. Cheese. And. Rice. I clenched my teeth and willed Nate to stay asleep while I peeled myself off so I wouldn't die of embarrassment.

First, my leg. Slowly, and without pulling the covers, I moved it over to my side. His breathing stayed steady, so I lifted the rest of myself from his torso. Almost there, all I had to do was scoot over a bit.

My hair yanked me to a stop. I felt for the problem. The arm tucked behind his neck had pinched my ponytail in the bend of his elbow.

Reaching over my head, I tried to slip one small section free at a time, so he wouldn't feel anything. It was harder than I'd anticipated, and arching back without touching him used way more core strength than I was prepared to exert first thing in the morning. Halfway free, I had to stop to rest.

Peering over my shoulder to be sure he was still asleep, I met his green gaze and his expression switched from sleepy confusion to amusement. "What are you doing?"

He straightened his arm, freeing me, and I collapsed onto my pillow with a huff. "Oh nothing. Just trying to get over here before you caught me groping you in my sleep."

I covered my eyes with my palms as the mattress shook with Nate's laughter. "I think I'd have woken up if I was being groped."

"Apparently not."

Movement made me think Nate was escaping, but he'd only rolled to his side. He lifted one of my hands and grinned. "Will you be this dramatic all day?"

"Maybe. I haven't decided."

With a solemn nod, he released my wrist. "Would an early Christmas present help?"

"What?" I peeked between my fingers.

"It's Christmas Eve. That's close enough, right?"

I sat up. "You don't really have something for me, do you?"

"I do!" He rolled to his feet with more grace than someone his size should be capable of and pulled a package from his jacket pocket.

"Oh my gosh, I didn't even think to get you a gift. I feel awful."

He furrowed his brow. "No, that's silly. It's only a little thing from This & That. And this trip can be my present because I'm having a great time. Okay?" He hopped on the bed beside me and passed me the folded paper bag.

"Alright, but no matter what's in here, I think you got the short end of the stick."

"I don't know." He smirked. "If I'm getting some action, I probably should've got you something better."

He ducked and caught my pillow as it swung toward him, and he cracked up. Opening the gift, I pulled out a black case that held an array of paint brushes. I ran my thumb over the soft bristles of a fan shaped brush, and my eyes burned. "This is so thoughtful, Nate. Thank you so much."

I leaned forward to hug him, and he gave me a squeeze. "You're welcome. I don't know if they're any good, but I thought they'd get you going."

"They're amazing! I love them, really."

A soft knock sounded, followed by Joby's voice. "Liv?"

Nate stood and opened the door wide. Leaning against the doorframe, he beamed. "Morning."

Joby shoved his hands in his pockets. "Morning." He turned to me and sighed. "Sorry about this, but Granny caught me going outside and insisted I tell Nate before I started cutting that tree down. Honestly, it'd only take a few hours by myself. If y'all have—"

"Then we'll do it even faster with the two of us." Nate grabbed the clothes he'd worn in the yard yesterday from the top of his suitcase. "Give me just a minute to change."

He dashed to the en suite, and Joby sat on the foot of the bed. "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Yeah, it's fine. I'll help Granny around the house."

The water ran in the bathroom, and we glanced at the door. Remembering my talk with Nate, I said, "I'm sorry about your breakup. You were with Alex for a while, weren't you?"

"Yeah, umm hmm." Joby picked at his thumbnail.

"Almost a year?"

"Yep." He moved from picking the nail to biting it and avoiding my gaze. "How about you and—" he tilted his chin toward the sound of Nate getting ready.

"About four months."

"That's nice." He nodded and nibbled some more. "He's..." Pick, pick at the nail. "I'm glad you're happy." The fidgeting stopped, he looked up at me, and I knew he meant it.

"Thanks, Joby. I want you to be happy too."

His answering smile was tight as Nate emerged, changed and smelling of mint. Nate shoved his phone in his pocket and gave me a quick peck on the temple. "Call if you need me."

"Okay. Have fun."

As they left, I said, "And don't fall out of any trees!"

***

After fixing my makeup, I styled my hair into a messy bun with a few strategic curls hanging loose. Then I changed into a thigh length, long-sleeved rust colored dress with cobalt leggings and brown knee-high boots. I checked myself in the mirror and added a pair of simple diamond studs.

Mother was bound to find a problem, but I refused to scrutinize my choices. Feeling cute for myself was what mattered.

Downstairs, I found Granny in her room wrapping presents and wearing an adorable green, ankle-length dress covered in tiny red and white candy canes.

"You're festive today!"

"Thank you, lamb." She taped a corner of the shimmering gold paper. "You'd think I'd be done with this, but every year, here I am, finishing at the last minute."

"You're doing a lot more than me. I took the easy road and got everyone gift cards that came in holiday themed envelopes."

"That's smart. I'll have to remember it next time." Digging through the bag that held rolls of wrapping paper for different occasions, Granny grumbled. "Phooey. I never brought the ribbon in."

"Can I get it for you?"

"It's all the way in the garage." Granny's shoulders slumped, making me giggle. If Nate thought I was dramatic, he should see this.

"I think I'll manage the hike."

She finished wrapping the package and turned it over with a frown. "Would you look at this sad excuse for a Christmas present? It's in terrible need of a bow. If you really don't mind going, I'd appreciate it."

"No problem. I'll be back in a few minutes."

As I was moving to the foyer, the sound of Mother flirting with Dad floated down the stairs, and I picked up my pace. I darted outside and shut the door without them catching me. It was childish. I'd have to talk to her at some point, but I was in no rush.

I shivered in the morning air that was crisp enough for my jacket, but didn't go back to get it, I wouldn't be outside long. A chainsaw buzzed in the distance, and I hoped the guys were being careful. As I crossed to the opposite side of the horseshoe drive where the garage stood separate from the house, the chainsaw paused, revved, and stopped.

There was a loud crack followed by a crash that startled me and caused my steps to falter, and then cheering that made me snicker. Even grown men were boys sometimes, but I was glad they were having fun.

Stopping in front of the freshly painted white wooden door, I turned the cold metal handle and lifted, letting it roll up and stop with a bang. My heels clicked on the cement floor as I strolled past Granny's old Cadillac parked in the middle, scanning labels on the storage containers. All the way in the corner, I read ribbons and bows on a box with four more stacked on top of it.

Stretching on my tiptoes, I struggled to inch the highest bin toward me. It went farther than I'd expected and tipped over, pulling the next one with it. I shrieked and turned my head, catching the smooth plastic with my cheek as I tried to shove it off, but it was too heavy. What the heck did Granny collect here? Bowling balls?

"Whoa!" a man yelled and pressed against me as he pushed the weight away.

I gritted my teeth, hoping I'd misidentified the voice, but I'd never been lucky. He backed up, and I turned to find Sawyer, standing much too close. Needing his help fueled instant anger, and my heart raced. I crossed my arms to hide the shaking.

"What do you want?"

His eyebrows shot up. "No need to thank me."

"Wasn't planning on it."

"There's no reason to be rude, Jolivette."

I cocked my hip to the side, and squeezed my hands into fists while angry tears tightened my throat. I refused to cry in front of him.

As if realizing he'd pissed me off, he scooted farther until his heel hit the tire. "I'm sorry, Liv. Okay?" He softened his tone. "I saw you out here, and I wanted to talk alone for a minute. That's all. I wasn't trying to be a jerk."

"Like you'd have to try."

"I deserve that." Sawyer scratched his neck. "You might not believe me, but I want to apologize for all of it. Every shitty thing I did to you."

His voice cracked, and he rubbed his nose, staring at the floor. My mouth fell open, but it was too late for his crocodile tears. "If you're fishing for forgiveness ten years later—"

"I'm not."

"Good, because I thought we had an unspoken agreement. You stay the hell away from me, and I pretend you don't exist."

His bottom lip quivered. "I've made so many mistakes. You were my best friend, and I..."

He sputtered a few sounds, but no words came out. Then Briar stomped into the doorway putting a stop to his attempts at speech.

Perfect. Why couldn't he have let the damn box crush me?

"What's happening here?" Briar's glare shot from me to Sawyer. "Did you forget you're a married man with a baby on the way?"

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously?"

"Briar, stop." Sawyer scrubbed his palms over his forehead and pushed his hair back. "I was passing by and saw her reaching for something at the top."

"So you were conveniently strolling around the driveway?" She leaned against the trunk. "And you're what? Rearranging the garage?"

"I'm getting ribbon for Granny." I pointed at the bin near my foot.

"So get it then." Her deep scowl and flared nostrils promised violence. Would she ever grow up?

Sawyer sighed, and Dad appeared in the doorway, holding his car keys. "Everything alright?" His gaze shot between the three of us before he waved Briar out of the narrow space to come to stand beside me. "What's going on?"

"I need the ribbon for Granny." I bumped the box I needed with my boot. "Could you take the heavy ones off the top, please?"

"Sure thing, sweetie."

Sawyer moved to the small area between the front bumper and the wall. He and Briar seemed to be having a conversation that consisted mostly of hostile looks, and I focused on Dad to avoid being dragged into their nonsense.

Dad lowered the container with a grunt. "Wow, this shouldn't be that high."

He lifted the lid, it was full of photo albums. The next few were lighter, and I took what I needed from the bottom one. "Thanks."

"No problem. Why don't you get that to Granny, and I'll put this up?" He patted my shoulder, and I was more than happy to leave.

Before I got to the house, Dad caught up, as arguing sounded from the garage. My phone rang, and I pulled it from my dress pocket. Laurel's name lit up the screen.

"Here, I'll deliver these, so you can go talk to your friend and relax a bit." Dad took the bag from me, and I nodded thanks.

I answered, climbing the steps to my room. "Hey, Laurel."

"Girl! The most beautiful wine glasses were just delivered to me."

Her voice brought a smile to my face. I desperately needed some Laurel happiness. I closed the door and sprawled across the bed. "I'm glad you like them."

"Have you seen these things in person? They're stunning. Colorful flowing shapes and the light shines through like a stained glass window."

"The pictures were pretty online. They're handmade too."

"And big enough to hold an entire bottle of wine. I may never put them down." Her boisterous cackle boomed through the phone, easing the tension from my body.

"I'm so glad you called."

"Uh oh. What happened? Is everything okay with Nate?"

"Nate's awesome. Dad, Joby, and Granny are all great. It's the rest of my family causing problems."

"Go on, vent. That's what I'm here for."

So I did. For the next thirty minutes, Laurel listened, only commenting to be supportive or to encourage me to stand up for myself.

"I wish I had your backbone, Laurel." I groaned.

"There was no choice. If I was a pushover, no one would've kept my brothers in line."

"They're lucky to have you. Are you excited to hang out with them this week?"

"Yes! I'll take Tylenol before I get there because it'll be loud as hell, but it'll be good too. I'm nervous about meeting Malik's new girl. Maybe she'll be smarter than his last girlfriend."

I chuckled. "I hope she's wonderful, and you guys hit it off."

"Thanks. You know, I've been thinking." The sound of shuffling papers came through the speaker, and I pictured Laurel at her desk, flipping through the many pages of notes she liked to take about everything.

"If we get the Taylor Residential deal, we'll be covering neighborhoods in Vinings and Roswell at the same time. We might have to hire an assistant."

"Really?" I grinned. "Can I send them to pick up my dry cleaning?"

Laurel laughed. "You don't have any."

"Yeah, but I've never imagined having an assistant before. I should probably buy something that needs dry cleaning."

"Hiring one could be unnecessary, especially if we don't get the contract. So try not to get too excited."

"With you working for it, I'm confident we'll sign with them. Old Mr. Taylor won't know what hit him."

She blew out a loud breath. "I'd be more confident if we were dealing with Mr. Taylor, but I just found out he retired last month. His nephew took over, and I've never met him."

"Well, you'll win him over too. We're fantastic at our jobs, and no one can resist your charm."

We talked a little longer and after hanging up, I considered going downstairs, but decided painting my nails was better for my mental health. I chose a deep gray I'd packed from home, and got to work.

Does anyone else plan how dramatic they'll be each day, or is that just Liv? 👀🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

What do you think of Sawyer? Genuinely sorry? Or just a sorry person? 🧐😬

Side note: These are the glasses I had in mind while describing Laurel's gift. I couldn't take a picture that showed their colors so beautifully, so this is stolen from an advertisement for a pair that was sent to me for my birthday by the sweet, talented, beautiful, hilarious, MarieMincey2 🥰
If you haven't checked out her work, you should! She has an awesome mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, and a nonfiction with stories that will have you laughing out loud!!