A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,36

ever considered that? Had she really never seen this side of Jaxson?

Jaxson handed both Nan and Pops their gifts and received another kiss from Nan and a handshake from Pops. Again, he stood and spoke to them, seemingly at ease. Then he turned and headed our way.

Gracie pushed herself farther into the corner of the sofa.

He sat across from us, pulling off his hat and running his hand through his hair. He offered us a rueful smile. “This being Santa is tiring stuff. No wonder it only happens once a year.”

Gracie shook her head. “There was no need for all the gifts, Jaxson. Or to risk your life to drive here. You should probably head back before the storm gets worse.”

I gaped at her rudeness, but he only smiled. “Your mother and aunts were kind enough to invite me here today so I wouldn’t be alone on Christmas. I still have the four-wheel drive, so I was perfectly fine on the roads, although I appreciate your concern. And to show up empty-handed would have been rude.”

“A bottle of wine would have sufficed. This—” she waved her hand “—is a little overboard.”

“There, I beg to differ. I recall being told that Santa’s visit made the entire day magical. How can one ignore a chance to do that?” He paused, his voice lowering as he stared at her. “Especially for you, Gracie.”

I tried not to giggle.

She sniffed, turning her head as if she could ignore his presence. Brayden and I exchanged a glance. The sexual tension between them was palpable. His gaze locked on her no matter where he was in the room, and whether Gracie admitted it or not, hers did as well. His words said so much. Why wasn’t Gracie listening?

With them sitting that close to each other, you could feel something between them. How on earth they thought no one would catch on today was laughable. I had a feeling today was simply a ticking time bomb, and I wondered who would be caught in the explosion.

Jaxson handed me a lovely box of chocolates and Brayden a small bottle of his favorite whiskey. As with his dad, it was his preferred alcohol, although he didn’t enjoy sampling as much as Maddox did. Brayden had a brand, and he stuck to it.

Ignoring the look Gracie threw me, I stood and kissed Jaxson’s cheek. “Thank you. How on earth did you know these are my favorites?”

He smiled. “I listen.” He glanced at Gracie. “I’m always listening.” He reached into the bag and withdrew a box of chocolate caramels—Gracie’s favorite. The box was larger than the others had been and decorated beautifully. “For my favorite intern.”

“I’m your only intern.”

“Yes, you are. You are both.”

She took the box, touching the lovely bow. I noticed the way her fingers trembled. “Thank you.”

Jaxson folded the bag beside him. “I guess my work is done.” He stood and pulled off his heavy Santa coat and removed the padded stomach. His actions revealed a white dress shirt, covered in a deep navy cable-knit cardigan. He looked casual but dressy at the same time. I noticed the way Gracie’s gaze flickered up and down, then she looked away. He was incredibly well built and sexy. A cross between Aiden and Brayden. Tall and strong. Broad yet slim. I could only imagine the muscles his clothes hid. I had to avert my eyes.

He reached into a pocket of his coat beside him and handed me an envelope. I frowned.

“What is this?”

“For you and your husband.”

Confused, I opened it, finding a wedding card with a donation receipt to the local no-kill shelter we supported. It was generous and kind. Thoughtful.

“You didn’t have to do this.”

He shook his head. “I enjoyed being at your wedding. Meeting your family. Being welcomed so warmly—” his gaze drifted to Gracie, then back to me “—by your family. I wanted to contribute to a cause so dear to your heart.”

It was a thoughtful gesture. I met his gaze, seeing the flare of pain in his eyes as he spoke. He was intense and deep. Serious. But I had a feeling underneath was a man with many complex layers. And whether or not Gracie wanted to admit it, he was trying to open himself up to show her.

I stood and hugged him. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re here today, Jaxson.”

I ignored Gracie’s muffled gasp of outrage. Brayden stood and shook his hand. “Up to a game of air hockey?”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I’m going to help with dinner