A couple of days later on Christmas Eve, Ivan stared down at the ring he’d purchased for her. Yes, it was an engagement ring but considering how fast their feelings had changed for one another, he knew it was the right thing.

He’d dropped Delaney off at home last night and gone to the most exclusive boutique to find the perfect ring.

He wanted people to see the ring and to know Delaney belonged to him.

Now, sitting in his car, ready to go and see her, he had to wonder what the hell he was doing.

Marriage was a huge step.

Their bosses didn’t care about their relationship. In fact, after their little escape at the party, their bosses had been waiting to congratulate them. They expected good things from the two of them.

To Ivan, he wanted to share the promotion with her.

No, not just the promotion.

He wanted to share everything with her and that included his life.

Staring up at her apartment building, he couldn’t believe he was still sitting outside in the street when he could be inside, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa.

Delaney didn’t know he intended to visit her today.

He tried to clear the fog that seemed to be filling his head of late.

“What the hell are you doing, Ivan? You hated each other a couple of weeks ago. Not a lot has changed.”

Only, it had.

In his thoughts, he recalled how she’d smiled at him. The way she reached out to touch him. The kisses, the caresses. There was more to Delaney than he first thought.

“You’re not doing anything here. Get your ass out of the car.”

He opened the door, climbing out into the cold air of the morning. Closing and locking it behind him, he headed into her building. Someone was coming out, so he didn’t need to alert her to the fact he was heading on up.

Taking the steps two at a time, he rushed up to her floor, and then he paused once again.

Why was he so fucking nervous?

This made no sense to him and if anything, it pissed him off.

Lifting his hand, he knocked.

He’d need to get his head examined if he let this continue. It was driving him insane.

Delaney didn’t keep him waiting, opening the door immediately.

She threw herself into his arms, and he lifted her up, breathing her in.

“You came. I didn’t know if you’d come or not and then I realized we didn’t exactly make plans today. I’m so pleased you’re here.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and her lips brushed across his pulse.

He carried her over the threshold, loving her giggle as he did so.

“Am I too heavy?”

“No. You’re perfect.”

She let him go and dropped down to the floor. She tilted her head back, smiling up at him. “Are you okay?”

“I am.” He looked past her shoulder. “You got a tree?”

“Yes.” She tucked some hair behind her ear. “I started decorating it. Want to help?” She held up some tinsel. “I don’t have any plans and I bought a small turkey. Would you like to stay?”

“You’re inviting me for Christmas?”

“Yes. If you’d like to. I imagine with your parents you’ve got lots of plans.”

“I’ve got no plans other than spending the day with you. You’re not getting rid of me now, you know that.”

She laughed. “You’re sticking around?”

“Yes. I’ll be here.” He wrapped his arms around her, sucking on her neck, flicking his tongue against her pulse. “You know, I think this will work a lot better if you’re naked.”

“You’re bad, Ivan. I’m not getting naked to decorate the tree. I’ll fall in and have pine needles everywhere.”

He laughed. “You’re right.”

“So, come on, let’s get this looking all festive.”

She held out some baubles and they worked together to get the tree decorated. It was a small one, suited to her apartment.

His parents always had a large tree for the hallway. In fact, they had several trees all around the house.

Delaney played some carols and the whole time, he was very much aware of the ring burning a hole in his pocket. When it came time to put the angel on top, Delaney gave it to him to do the honors.

Once he slid the angel on the tree, he stepped back and stared up at their work.

“Let me grab the mulled wine. Two seconds.”

Delaney stepped away from him and he watched her go.

Staring up at that angel, he felt this overwhelming sense of home. The scent of pine filled the air, and carols played in the background. Delaney came back with two glasses filled with warm mulled wine.

“Merry Christmas, Ivan.” She clinked her glass with his.

She stared at the tree while he looked at her.

Ask her.

Don’t leave it another moment.

He opened his mouth, about to tell her.

“Let’s turn the lights on,” Delaney said.

He pressed his lips together and waited as she flicked the switch and white lights brightened the tree.

Delaney stepped back again.

He placed a hand on her shoulder.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said. “I’m so pleased you’re here.”

“Delaney, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

She turned toward him. “That sounds serious.” She sipped at her mulled wine. “Is everything okay? You look a little worried.”

Ivan took another sip.

“It is serious.”

“Oh. Let me turn off the music. You don’t want to have to fight to be heard.”

Ivan waited as she turned the music off.

She pushed some hair off her face and smiled at him.

He opened his mouth and the doorbell rang.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll get that. Hold your thought.” She handed him her glass and he stared down at the cups.

Minutes later she returned, holding a basket.

“It’s from the office. You know they like to send a gift basket as thanks. Where were we?”

“Delaney, I know this is really fast and that we’ve been mostly enemies but”—he handed her the glass and reached into his pocket—“I want you to marry me.” He held the box out for her to see. With a glass in his other hand, he couldn’t open the lid.

“Ivan?”

“Please, Delaney. I’m not joking around. This is serious. I want you to be my wife because I’m in love with you.”