“One thing you definitely have to do is to call me after you talk to them, and let me know how it goes.”

He beams at me again and puts his arm around my shoulder before pulling out a key card and sliding it into a slot near the door.

Entering the warmth of the club feels like a million bucks, and I realize I had suddenly forgotten how cold I was outside. We bypass the dance floor and make a beeline for the booth, with me holding Liam’s hand the whole way. Now I only have to help Drew. But with what? I need to pump Henry for more info.

“Where have you two been? We looked for you on the dance floor, but guess what? You weren’t out there.” Jeff looks at us with eyes that say he has many questions. It’s kind of cool to be so in tune with someone.

“Wouldn’t you like to know? Sorry, it’s our little secret. Right, Liam?” He looks at me, and yes, I feel so much joy as he gives me the most stunning smile. I know Liam will be just fine.

“Okay, spill it,” Jeff spits out as soon as he closes the door to my room.

“Spill what?” I ask innocently.

“The two of you go missing for a few? And?”

“Okay, Mr. I Need to Know Everything, we were talking about him coming out to his family over the holidays.”

He looks at me with worry in his eyes. “Wow, that’s really deep. Are you sure they’re going to be accepting?”

“I think someone has a crush.”

“Maybe, but I’m concerned. It’s a big step.” Jeff takes off his coat and sits on the edge of the bed to pull off his boots.

“Henry is always right, and I think—no, I know everything will be fine for Liam.” I kiss the top of Jeff’s head and enter my closet, stripping down as I go.

Tonight was different. Dora was different. How long do I have to wait until she notices how much I want her in my life? What will I do if she doesn’t want me? Do I wait longer? Will it make a difference? Oh, what the hell? I have to be patient. Yeah, patient. I can’t lose her.

Christmas is easily one of my favorite times of the year, especially when my mom tells me she has threatened the senior women to behave again. Way to go, Mom! Jeff and I have all of our presents wrapped and placed in huge bags that I found for a buck each at a nearby dollar store.

“Jeff, go tell Drew we’re ready to head out. You’re going to drive my car, right?” He nods as he opens the door.

“Hey, Drew, you ready?” he yells.

“No need to yell. I’m right here,” I hear Drew’s deep voice answer.

“Wow, what’s all this?” Jeff asks, causing me to turn and watch Drew walk into the room with several bags.

“Presents. It is Christmas, right? The time for giving.” He laughs after looking at both Jeff and me. We’re stunned. The bags are barely able hold the plethora of brightly wrapped items.

“Yes, but you didn’t have to buy anything,” I say. “My family invited you to dinner. They don’t expect presents.”

“Well, I guess that’s too bad, because here they are.” He shrugs his wide shoulders and takes a seat on the bed.

“I don’t know how we’ll fit everything in my car.” I shake my head at the idea of trying to.

“No worries. We’ll take the sedan. It’ll all fit in the trunk. I love big trunks.” He beams before leaving the room, and returns seconds later with his coat in one hand and a Santa hat in the other. “Have I mentioned to you two that I love Christmas? Well, if I haven’t, I do. Hurry, get your coats on so we can get on the road.”

Drew takes his bags, and we grab ours before following him to the elevator. I’m rush to catch up with Jeff and Drew after making sure the door is locked. Drew holds the elevator open for me with a grin on his face, and I just can’t help but grin back at him. He looks so adorable in his Santa hat.

Jeff helps Drew put the bags in the trunk, and I scramble into backseat, loving the feel of the soft leather. My car has more than a hundred thousand miles and crappy cloth seats. I’m not into cars, but I know luxury when I feel it. The few times I’ve ridden in Drew’s car, I failed to notice how decadent it is, and I immediately have a vision of Drew and some girl utilizing the backseat. The girl is blocked by Drew’s head and I feel a little jealous of whoever she is.

Damn, where the hell did the word “jealous” come from? I’m sure this backseat and his bedroom have seen some action. The tabloids have field days with his love life, or should I say sex life? A different woman every night. Okay, so maybe it’s more like once a week.

Nope, not jealous. In fact, I pity them, falling for someone they can’t hold on to. I feel that Colin would be different. According to all the info I’ve found on him, he likes long-term relationships, and isn’t into one-night stands.

Dora, wake up. You don’t need any more drama in your life, so forget about Colin and never in a million years think about Drew in this way again … even though he bought presents for your whole family and can be so sweet when he wants to.

“Are you asleep?” Jeff asks, and I open my eyes to see him and Drew looking at me.

“Nope, just enjoying the fact I have this awesome, leathery backseat all to myself. Drew, drive on. God forbid we’re late. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Both guys turn back around, and I hear the engine purr to life before we roll smoothly out of our garage.

“Dora, we’re here.”

Jeff opens my door, startling me. I can’t believe I fell asleep. Did I snore? I feel my face. At least I didn’t drool. Drew is hidden by the trunk as I let Jeff help me out of the car.

“It snowed.” I look around in wonder at the light layer of white stuff covering everything.

“You were out cold. I thought your snoring would shake the car, but thank goodness it has good shocks.”

“I didn’t snore,” I stammer. “Did I?” I smack Jeff’s shoulder as he gives me a wicked grin.

“Ow. You’re so gullible.”

“What did I miss?” Drew chimes in, his hands full of bags. I relieve Drew of a couple of the bags while sending him a smile, but then turn back to glare at Jeff.

“Nothing. Here, Jeff, you get the rest.” I start up the driveway, careful to avoid the black ice, with Drew following closely behind. Before I can knock, the door swings open and my dad’s beaming face greets us.

“Merry Christmas, all. Drew, I love your hat.” My dad points to his own identical Santa hat.

“Seems we have good taste, sir.” Drew attempts to shake hands with my dad, but it’s awkward with his hands full.

“What did I tell you about calling me sir? It’s Alex, and here, let me help you with those.” He grabs some of the bags and moves out of the way so we can move inside. Behind us we hear a “whoa,” and Jeff slides on the slick driveway, somehow managing to stay on his feet.

“Wow, that was smooth, Jeff.” Bridget peeks her head around us and gives him a thumbs up. Is it bad that I’m secretly happy his grin is a little wobbly?

“Hey, Bridget, it’s good to see you again,” Drew says.

She blushes bright red as he leans down to give her a hug. “Yeah, you too. Have to go and help Mom,” she mumbles, and I see her grab her phone from her pocket. I’d bet a million dollars that she’s conference calling her posse as she runs into the house.