Christmas with My Grumpy Ex (Feuding Hearts Christmas #1)

7. Bonds Beyond Blood

7

BONDS BEYOND BLOOD

ELLIE

I arrive at Max's penthouse at the crack of dawn, my arms laden with garment bags and a box of styling supplies. The sun's barely peeking over the New York skyline, casting a soft glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxurious apartment.

"Miss Ellie!" Amelia's excited squeal greets me as soon as I step inside. She's already bouncing on her toes, her curls wild from sleep and her pajamas adorably rumpled.

"Good morning, sweetheart," I say, unable to keep the smile from my face. "Are you ready for your big photo shoot today?"

Amelia nods enthusiastically, her eyes wide with excitement. "Daddy says I get to wear lots of pretty dresses!"

"That's right," I confirm, setting down my bags. "And we're going to make you look like a real Christmas princess."

Max appears from the kitchen, a mug of coffee in hand. "Morning, Ellie," he says, his voice still rough with sleep. "Thanks for coming so early."

I nod, trying to ignore the way my heart skips at the sight of him in his pajama pants and a soft t-shirt. "Of course. We've got a lot to do before the photographer arrives."

As I start unpacking the outfits, Amelia hovers nearby, her curiosity palpable. "Can I see the dresses?" she asks, bouncing on her toes.

"Of course," I say, unzipping one of the garment bags. "Why don't you help me choose which one you want to wear first?"

Amelia's face lights up as I reveal a series of festive dresses—reds and greens, velvets and satins, each one more adorable than the last. She runs her little hands over the fabrics, her eyes wide with wonder.

"This one!" she exclaims, pointing to an emerald green velvet dress with a white fur trim. "It looks like what Santa's elves would wear!"

I laugh, pulling out the dress. "You're right, it does. Excellent choice, sweetheart. Now, let's get you ready."

As I help Amelia into the dress, it feels natural. It's like I've known this little girl forever, not just a few short weeks. I find myself genuinely enjoying her company, her infectious laughter and innocent observations warming something inside me.

"You look beautiful," I tell her as I adjust the dress. "Now, let's do something special with your hair."

I settle Amelia in front of the vanity mirror and start gently brushing out her curls. As I work, I catch sight of Max in the reflection, leaning against the doorframe and watching us with his signature neutral expression.

"Everything okay?" I ask, meeting his eyes in the mirror.

He nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, everything's perfect."

There's something in his tone that makes my heart flutter, but I push the feeling aside. I'm here to do a job, nothing more. I can't let myself get caught up in whatever this is between us.

The next few hours fly by in a whirlwind of outfit changes, hair styling, and laughter. Amelia is a natural in front of the camera, her smile bright and genuine as she poses in various holiday scenes we've set up around the penthouse.

"Okay, Amelia," the photographer says, "let's try one by the Christmas tree. Can you pretend you're hanging an ornament?"

Amelia nods eagerly, reaching for a shiny red bauble. But as she stretches to hang it on a higher branch, she loses her balance. Without thinking, I rush forward, catching her before she can fall.

"Whoa there, little one," I say, steadying her. "Are you okay?"

Amelia looks up at me, her eyes wide and grateful. "You saved me," she says, wrapping her arms around my neck in a tight hug.

For a moment, I'm frozen, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of affection I feel for this little girl. I hug her back, breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo and feeling her tiny heart beating against my chest.

When I look up, I catch Max watching us, his expression a mix of tenderness and something else I can't quite name. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, it's like we're the only three people in the world.

The moment is broken by the click of the camera. "Sorry," the photographer says sheepishly. "That was just too perfect not to capture."

I clear my throat, gently setting Amelia back on her feet. "Right, well, let's continue with the shoot, shall we?"

As the day wears on, I find myself slipping more and more into a comfortable rhythm with Amelia. We laugh together as we try on different accessories, and I delight in her excitement over each new outfit. It's hard to remember that this is just a job, that I'm not really a part of this family.

During a break in the shoot, Amelia tugs on my sleeve. "Miss Ellie?" she asks, her voice suddenly shy. "Can we take a picture together?"

My heart melts at her request. "Of course we can, sweetheart. But only if you don’t mind my regular clothes.”

Amelia's face lights up. “You’re pretty.”

We pose together by the Christmas tree, Amelia perched on my lap, both of us grinning widely. As the camera clicks, I'm struck by how right this feels, how natural. For a moment, I let myself imagine that this is real, that I'm not just playing a part in someone else's family Christmas.

"That's a keeper," Max says, coming over to look at the photo on the camera's display. "You two look great together."

There's something in his voice that makes me look up at him. His eyes are soft, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. For a moment, I see a flash of the boy I fell in love with all those years ago, and it takes my breath away.

"Thanks," I manage to say, tearing my gaze away. "Amelia makes it easy. She's a natural in front of the camera."

“Mr. Wellington, jump in for one or two,” the photograph shouts.

Max looks shocked and Amelia giggles. “Come on Daddy.”

“In my PJs? Gigi will have a fit,” he teases trying to wiggle out of the moment. But then Amelia turns on her charm.

“Daddy, please. Miss Ellie’s in her regular clothes and you said the picture are great.”

I watch the way Amelia has Max wrapped around her little finger.

“Who would have ever thought?” I whisper as Max settles in behind Amelia and places a hand behind my upper back.

“I want to see what you do when she puts those puppy dog eyes on you.”

We burst out laughing all the while the photographer is snapping pictures.

As the shoot wraps up, I help Amelia change back into her regular clothes. She's yawning now, the excitement of the day catching up with her.

"Tired, sweetie?" I ask, smoothing down her curls.

She nods, rubbing her eyes. "Can we watch a movie?"

I glance at Max, who nods his approval. "Sure, why don't you pick one out while I clean up here?"

Amelia scampers off to the living room while I start packing up the outfits and styling tools. Max helps me, our hands brushing occasionally as we work in companionable silence.

"Thank you for today," he says quietly as we finish up. "Amelia... she really likes you."

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the warmth that spreads through my chest at his words. "She's a wonderful girl," I say. "You've done an amazing job with her, Max."

He looks at me then, his eyes intense. "We make a good team, don't we?"

The question hangs in the air between us, loaded with unspoken meaning. Before I can respond, Amelia calls from the living room.

"Miss Ellie! Daddy! The movie's ready!"

We head to the living room, where Amelia has set up Frozen on the big screen TV. She's curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

"Come sit with me, Ellie," she says, patting the spot next to her.

I hesitate for a moment, but Max gives me an encouraging nod. "Go ahead," he says. "I've got some work to finish up in the study. You two enjoy the movie."

As I settle onto the couch, Amelia immediately snuggles up to my side. I wrap an arm around her, marveling at how natural it feels. As the movie plays, I find my mind wandering.

I think about the life I've built for myself, the career I've worked so hard for. But sitting here, with Amelia warm and trusting against me, I realize how much I've missed out on. The simple joy of family, of belonging, of having someone to care for and who cares for you in return.

I glance down at Amelia, her eyes heavy-lidded as she fights sleep. In this moment, I can almost imagine that she's mine, that this is my life.

As the movie nears its end, I feel Amelia's breathing even out. She's fallen asleep, her head resting in my lap. I stroke her hair gently, marveling at the softness of her curls.

Max comes back into the room, pausing in the doorway when he sees us. His expression is soft, almost wistful.

"She's out cold, huh?" he whispers.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Max comes over, gently lifting Amelia into his arms.

"I'll put her to bed," he says. "Be right back."

As he carries Amelia out of the room, I'm struck by a sudden, overwhelming sense of loss. This isn't my life. This isn't my family. No matter how right it feels, no matter how much I might want it to be, I'm just playing a part.

Max returns a few minutes later, settling onto the couch next to me. "Thanks for staying," he says softly. "Amelia really enjoyed having you here."

I nod, trying to ignore the lump in my throat. "I enjoyed it too," I admit. "She's a special girl, Max."

He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that makes my heart skip. "She is," he agrees. "And she adores you, you know."

I look away, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. "Max, I..."

But I don't know how to finish that sentence. I what? I'm falling for your daughter? I'm falling for you? I want this life that isn't mine?

Max reaches out, gently turning my face back to his. "Ellie," he says, his voice low and intense. "I know this started as a business arrangement, but..."

He trails off, his eyes searching mine. I hold my breath, caught between hope and fear. But before he can continue, his phone buzzes loudly, breaking the moment.

Max sighs, pulling back to check the message. "It's work," he says apologetically. "I need to take care of this."

I nod, standing up quickly. "Of course. I should get going anyway. It's late."

Max walks me to the door, his hand hovering at the small of my back. As I step into the hallway, he catches my hand. "Ellie," he says softly. "Thank you. For everything."

I squeeze his hand, offering a small smile. "Goodnight, Max."

As I ride the elevator down to the lobby, I lean against the wall, closing my eyes. My heart is racing, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. I've spent so long focusing on my career, on surviving, that I've forgotten what it feels like to want more.

To dream of a family, of love, of a life beyond just work.

But as the elevator doors open, I remind myself that this isn't my life.

Max isn't mine, and Amelia isn't my daughter.

I'm here to do a job, nothing more.

Still, as I step out into the cold New York night, I let my wonder if there's room in my life for more than just career success.

As I hail a cab, I make a silent promise to myself. I'll protect my heart, keep things professional. But maybe, after Christmas, after this fake dating arrangement is over... maybe there's still time for the kind of love and family I once dreamed of.

The cab pulls away from the curb, carrying me back to my empty brownstone. But my mind stays behind, in a cozy penthouse with a Christmas tree, a sleeping little girl, and a man who once held my heart.

And maybe, just maybe, still does.