Page 81 of Finding Redemption

“I feel the same way.” Her eyes shine as bright as her smile.

“You didn’t tell me your birthday.”

“You don’t have a Christmas tree.” She scans the room, avoiding my question.

“Your birth date, Miss Morgan.” I lean toward her.

“The twenty-third.” She glances at me. I stare, waiting for the rest of her answer. “December.”

“That’s two weeks away.” My eyebrows pull together.

“It is? What about that. Where’s your tree?” She fidgets in her seat.

“Why are you avoiding your birthday?”

She shifts her position, crossing her arms. “I’ve never celebrated my birthday.” She shrugs.

“Oh? You’ve never had a cake or just don’t celebrate?”

“We never had much growing up. My mom did her best, but we had to pick between a cake or dinner, period. There was no extra for extra.” She turns her head from me, her hand going to her eye before glancing at me. “Now look what you did.”

“Reese, I fucked up. I’m sorry.” I pick at imaginary lint. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.”

My eyes meet hers as she lays her hand on mine. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not sure if it’s because of how I grew up or the fact you strip everything away and I forget my barriers.”

“I understand walls.” I cover her hand with mine and take a ragged breath. “We both know this is more than mutual attraction.”

“Not just chemical but soul worthy.” Her eyes flit from my hand to my face.

“Why so serious, Miss Morgan?” I say in my best Joker impersonation.

“Yeah, are you a dork often?” She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes.

“On the daily, although most people just call me an asshole.” I squeeze her thigh as I stand, walking to the television. “How about a movie?”

“It depends on your taste in movies.” She lays against the arm of the couch.

“How about a classic?”

“Show me what’cha got.” She wiggles her fingers.

“It’s a Wonderful Life or Christmas Vacation. My two personal favorites.” I hold them up, shaking them in my hands.

“So weird.” She chews her lip. “Christmas Vacation to start. Unless it gets too late for you.”

“I don’t sleep much anymore.” I open the movie. “What’s weird?”

“We like the same movies.” She squints.

I slip the DVD in, taking the remote as I saunter back to the couch. I hesitate whether to sit by her or on the other end. “Care if I join you?” I point to the seat beside her.

“Not at all. You can keep me warm.” She shivers slightly.

“I can turn the heat up if you need it.”

“We can do that ourselves, Mr. Pennington.” She cocks her brow.

“How about a throw, so we can snuggle for body heat.”