Midnight Mistletoe

Derek Sawyer

I know I should have my focus on the road, but when Kate received a notification on her phone, I couldn’t help myself and have a glimpse of her direction.

She didn’t look to see from who the message was.

Which I found it odd.

“Everything okay?” I ask out of curiosity.

Kate clears her throat. “Yes. Everything’s fine.”

I don’t push her on the matter. Instead, I take her hand and kiss her skin. I don’t like to see that frown on her face. She’s more beautiful when she smiles or, better yet when she comes after giving her pleasure.

I keep driving until we arrive at the Manor Residency, where Nana’s staying.

Even if she isn’t my grandmother, Charlotte insists I call her Nana. Both my grandparents are no longer in this world. It happened when I was little.

Kathrine joins me as we step out of the car, wrapping her arm around mine.

“Afraid you’re going to fall on your ass again.” I tease her.

She rolls her eyes at me. “You know, eventually, this joke isn’t going to be funny anymore.”

Letting go of my arms, freckles confidently takes a step forward. She slides once more, and I catch her in time before she hits the ground as I wrap my arm around her.

“You were saying.” I can’t help myself.

“Shut up!” She grunts, wrapping her arm around me.

“Oh, come on, freckles. Don’t be like that. I’m only teasing you.”

I stop walking. “Give me a kiss.”

She lifts her chin, looking away from me. “No!”

I pout. “Please.”

She lets out a sigh, deciding to kiss me.

As I grin from ear to ear, a surge of pride washes over me for winning this round.

Making our way into the nursing home, we were greeted with Christmas decorations.

The room glows with soft, twinkling lights that dance playfully around the space, casting a warm and inviting glow.

The centrepiece of the room is a majestic tree, standing tall and adorned with an array of ornaments. The tree’s branches are dressed in a harmonious blend of colors, from classic red and gold to sparkling silver and green. Delicate snowflake ornaments glisten as they catch the light, adding a touch of winter winder to the scene.

Garlands of fresh pine and holly are draped gracefully along the mantle and around the room.

Woven into the garlands are strings of twinkling fairy lights, creating a soft and magical glow.

“Hello and welcome to the Manoir Residency. My name is Harmony du Bois. How may I help you today?” The receptionist of the nursing home greets us with a smile.

Kate confidently strides in front of the receptionist’s desk. “Hello, my name is Katherine Bennett. I came to see my grandmother, Charlotte Harris.”

I stay behind, letting Freckles speaks with Harmony. I have the perfect view as my eyes travel Kate’s body. I stop and linger on her ass, remembering my name is branded on the right side.

How can I not think about it? Since I saw it, that’s all I can think about. It’s so freaking sexy.

“Derek,” Katherine calls my name, distracting me from my dirty thoughts. “Nana is in her room.” She informs me.

I place my hand on the small of her back to guide her toward the elevator. Stepping inside, Katherine presses on the third floor.

I saw in a movie a couple making a fuss, kissing inside an elevator. Maybe I should try this with freckles, but not here. Maybe in the future, if there is a future with her.

“Which room is she in?” I ask as we step outside the elevator.

“310.” She answers. “By the way, thank you for coming along.”

“Don’t worry, freckles. Later tonight, you will be the one coming.”

I grin, seeing her cheeks flame with embarrassment.

“Will you stop that!” She complains, looking around to make sure no one heard me. “We’re about to see my grandmother. I don’t want to think about your dirty thoughts.”

As we stand before Charlotte’s door, I place myself behind her to bend down on her level and whisper. “You love my dirty mouth. Stop pretending. “

I don’t know why, but I love teasing that woman.

I smirk, maybe because she’s too easy to tease.

Katherine elbows me on the ribs, but not enough to hurt to warn me not to keep going.

I smile as I knock on the door before she has the chance to do it.

When Charlotte opens the door and lays eyes on us, her face instantly lights up with a wide, ear-to-ear smile. “Katy, Derek, how wonderful to see you both.”

“Hello, Nana.” Kate wraps her arms around her grandmother, being happy to see her as well.

“My child, it’s so good to see you.” She kisses her on the cheek.

“Hello, Nana.” I greet her as well with a hug.

“My boy,” Charlotte says in the midst of reciprocating my hug. “So tell me. When are you going to make my beautiful grandchild your girlfriend?” She taps me lightly on the cheek.

Kate chuckles beside me.

“Don’t pretend you don’t have Katy’s picture in your wallet that your mother gave you.”

I frown. How did she know this?

“Who do you think gave her that picture, mmhmm?” She adds.

Looking at Kate, I see the confusion written on her face.

Shit! She doesn’t know about the picture.

I know she wants an answer, but she doesn’t reply. Instead, she says. “Nana, you’ll be happy to know we are indeed a couple.

Charlotte’s eyes light brighter than the sun, hearing her words. “Really?”

I nod my head to confirm it.

“It was damn time you pulled your head out of the sand and saw the truth. I knew that despicable woman you wanted to marry wasn’t meant to be with you.”

I take a deep breath. I haven’t thought of her since I spent the night with Kate.

Looking at freckles. I knew she wasn’t happy that her grandmother brought Amanda up.

“Come on, Nana. We came to kidnap you for Christmas Eve.” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

While Charlotte goes back inside her room to grab her coat, I reach out to Kate, kissing her forehead. I sighed with relief as she didn’t push me away.

We only began, and I’m not ready for this to end.