Capítulo 36: Chapter 36

Dusk was falling, there was barely snow on the ground, and the lighted windows from the house shone brightly. It was picture-perfect and inviting, and when the front door opened to reveal the silhouette of a man, I knew I couldn’t sit there staring at it any longer. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. I had several bags in the back with gifts, and I was rounding the back of the vehicle when I came face-to-face with Nick. Though he was a year younger than Joe, Nick was the tallest and broadest of all the Mastriano boys, and he often wore a scowl to match his bad boy persona. I knew he had a huge heart though, and that’s why he was out here in a sweater, helping me carry in the gifts.

The gifts were a ruse. He was there to walk me in the front door because he knew I wasn’t comfortable doing it myself.

“Merry Christmas,” I greeted him and bumped my shoulder against his. He leaned a little into it, an almost hug.