You’ll feel him right beside you, whispering every word, every Christmas wish, every soft confession with a voice that lingers on your skin.

His cinnamon kisses. His breath warming the cold. His laugh in your ear.

This Christmas, fall in love with the hockey team captain your dad warned you about.

He challenged you to a skating race (you won, obviously). He bought you way too much mulled wine. You roasted his questionable taste in Christmas ornaments.

It was supposed to be casual. Fun. Nothing serious.

Just another first date you’d forget about. 

But now you’re in his apartment…

String lights tangled around your wrists. 

His fingers brushing yours like he’s pretending it’s an accident - even though you both know it isn’t. 

Now he’s inches from you… close enough to feel… but not quite touching.

You didn’t plan on wanting him. And yet… here you are.