A Curvy Carol (A Curvy Girl Christmas #2)

15. Carolynn

15

CAROLYNN

I was exhausted by the time I got home.

The last few days had been like nothing else I’d ever experienced in my life, in a good way, but after all that ice-skating I was wiped out.

I showered, pulled on my favorite pajamas, and then promptly got into bed, wondering if Whit was just as tired as I was. I smiled at the memory of him learning to skate. Most guys would have been too macho to struggle something new like that, but he stuck with it until he could make a lap around the ice on his own.

Our list peeked out from my crafting bag at the foot of the bed. I reached over and grabbed it.

There were only two items left? How was that possible?

I tucked the notebook back and then lay there for a while just thinking about how quickly this Christmas season had gone by so far. I’d been so hesitant to even agree to this whole thing. Now I didn’t want it to end, although I wouldn’t admit that to my parents. I hardly wanted to admit it to myself.

An ache filled my chest, and I realized I was really going to miss hanging out with Whit when all of this was over. I was sure we’d be in some of the same classes at school, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be the same. Especially not with so many other girls around. He was so handsome I was sure he’d have plenty of options. And if history told me anything, I was last on any guy’s list.

Even knowing that, I couldn’t help but hope for more. I played the last several days in my mind, smiling at the memories.

This had been the best Christmas I’d had in a long time, even if Christmas was still two days away. He’d taken all of the pressure off of the holiday and off of the crazy dynamic with my parents.

It was like, even though he’d been a perfect stranger, he’d made things perfect. Had been perfect.

Already, I didn’t want to think about next Christmas without him. He was so easy to talk to. Was I crazy to hope he felt the same?

I grabbed my phone from my nightstand and texted him. Hopefully, he was still up.

Carolynn: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Can you believe it?

A minute later, three little dots began moving up and down on the screen, letting me know he was still awake and about to reply. I smiled, looking forward to his message.

Whit: Time flies when you’re having fun.

A warm feeling spread in my chest. He was enjoying himself too.

Carolynn: We have just two items left on the list.

Whit: Really? Already? What are they?

I checked the list beside me before I began typing.

Carolynn: We’ve got to get an ornament from The Nutcracker. Then we can paint snowflakes on our nails at Vixen’s.

Whit replied right away.

Whit: Wait. Both of us?

Carolynn: Yep :D

Whit: Okay, I don’t have a problem with that. Just as long as it’s with you ;)

That made me blush. He was very good at that.

Carolynn: You wouldn’t rather play video games or something?

Whit: Nah, I’d rather hang out with you. It’ll be fun.

I blushed again, thankful he couldn’t see my face or how giddy I was at a simple text. Although, nothing seemed simple with Whit—it was all special. Not sure what to say in response but wanting the conversation to continue, I changed the subject.

Carolynn: So. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

I saw those three little dots going for a couple minutes.

I began closing my eyes, letting them hydrate. I was physically tired but beyond happy we were talking and not just crossing items off a list.

Then my phone buzzed, letting me know he’d responded.

My eyebrows rose as I realized it was a voice message. Something about it seemed more special than a text. Maybe just because I loved the sound of his voice.

I pushed play and closed my eyes again as I listened.

Whit’s voice rang clear as if he was right beside me. “My favorite Christmas tradition,” he started. “Let’s see. Christmas has always been different for us than other families since my parents have always had really demanding jobs. Ever since I can remember anyway.

“So there’s never a lot of time to stay at home and do all the Christmassy things people in Garland do. But, on Christmas Eve, we always spend time together as a family. We have a tradition of baking cookies. When I was little, they were for Santa. Now that I’m older, they’re still for Santa, I guess, but we eat them all before he gets here. It’s my favorite thing to do, just the three of us. Things finally quiet down for an hour or two, before the craziness of Christmas Day.”

He went quiet for a second before speaking again. “Yeah, that’s my favorite tradition. Although this thing you and I’ve got going… I have a feeling it could have the makings of another great tradition. Don’t you think?” I could almost hear the smile in his voice.

I definitely could see enjoying this time with him next year , I thought to myself.

It felt scary for some reason to text him back and say that.

So I told him the truth I was comfortable with sharing.

Carolynn: I’ve had more fun this year than I ever expected… Good night, Whit.

Whit: Good night, Christmas Carol.

My eyes closed, and I smiled as I pulled the covers up around me.

Whit had quickly become a good friend, maybe more. But I had a hard time looking to the future. So instead, I focused on right now. And for now, he made me happy.