“What? Oh, last week. I already called. They’ll be here the day after Christmas to replace it.” Lisa rolled her eyes when she saw Bennett’s face. “You seriously need to take a chill pill. It’s like daylight out here with all the lighting you had installed. One being out is no big deal.”

“It is to me.”

“You worry too much.”

“And you don’t worry enough.”

“That’s because I have you to worry for me.” Lisa flashed a quick grin before lightly kissing Bennett on the cheek. “Thank you for my present,” she said in a breath. “And Merry Christmas.”

Bennett stood stock-still, wanting so much to return the chaste affection yet adamant about never doing so. Instead, she imprinted in her memory the scent of Lisa’s perfume, her closeness, and the feel of lips softer than Bennett could have ever imagined.

“Um…are you okay?”

“What?” Bennett said with a jerk. “Oh, yeah…yeah, I’m fine, but you need to get going, or you’ll miss the service tomorrow, and God won’t be happy.”

“Neither will my parents,” Lisa said, pushing the remote to unlock her car.

“Have a safe trip, and I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve.”

“That you will,” Lisa said, opening the car door. “Hey, about New Year’s, do you want to go together? I heard Max invited Gus and Cathleen, too, so that leaves you without a driver unless you’re bumming a ride with them.”

“Oh…um…actually, I’m taking Ruby.”

Lisa’s mouth fell open. “You’re taking Ruby to Max’s? Does he know you’re bringing a mortal into his home?”

“Yes, he does, and she won’t be the only mortal there.”

“That’s because the rest of us are guardians, and we take your secrets to our graves. Who says she’ll do the same?”

“She’s given me no reason to believe she won’t.”

Lisa huffed out a breath and climbed into her car. “Well, good luck with that.”

Bennett put her hand on the top of the open door. “You know, we could always go together. I’m sure Ruby wouldn’t mind.”

The look Lisa shot Bennett carried with it a wooden stake. “Um…I think I’ll pass,” Lisa said, starting the car. “Three’s company, and I wouldn’t want to get between the two lovebirds.”

“Lisa, it’s not like that. I told you—”

“It’s fine, Bennett. You have a date. No biggie. Now, if it’s okay with you, I really need to get going. Enjoy your holiday, and make sure you wipe my lipstick off your cheek before your girlfriend sees it. We wouldn’t want her to get jealous.”