Alix closed her eyes again. “Zac and I will guard the presents.”

Christy’s day had begun with excitement and bulging stockings and quickly moved on to snowmen and snowballs. Zac and Alix had joined them for breakfast, and together they’d opened the rest of the presents that Christy had stacked carefully under the tree.

They’d eaten a delicious lunch, and now they were sprawled together, chatting, enjoying each other’s company.

Christy noticed Zac’s hand resting on Alix’s shoulder. It was a gesture of affection and intimacy. They were comfortable together, she realized. When had she ever seen Alix this comfortable?

Never.

She was desperate to know more, but there was no chance of a private conversation with everyone snuggled together.

She could wait, of course, but she didn’t want to wait.

Grinning to herself, she tugged out her phone and sent Alix a message.

So? How was the romantic trip? Did you see stars? Sex? How was it?

She pressed Send, heard the noise as it arrived on Alix’s phone and saw her check it and smile.

Her fingers moved swiftly, and her reply landed on Christy’s phone seconds later.

No idea what you’re talking about.

Christy was about to reply when she saw Zac glance briefly at Alix’s phone and then again, this time with closer attention.

He reached down and removed the phone from Alix’s hand.

Christy shrank down on the sofa. Oh crappity crap. Alix was going to kill her.

Zac typed a reply.

Christy hardly dared look at her phone.

Sex was great. Thank you for asking.

Alix snatched it back. “You shouldn’t be reading my messages.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re personal. Read your own messages.”

“But your messages are more interesting than my messages.”

“That’s not my problem.” Alix stuffed the phone back in her pocket. “I deserve the occasional private moment with my friend.”

“Our friend.” His fingers toyed with her hair. “We were together on this mission to give Holly a memorable Christmas.”

“That was my responsibility. You were only ever the backup.”

And they were off, playing verbal tennis, and listening to them made Christy smile because it was Alix at her most relaxed and entertaining, and she’d never seen her like that with a man before.

Alix nudged her with her foot. “Why are you smiling?”

“I’m smiling because I’m happy.” For you, Christy thought. I’m happy for you.

Their banter was only interrupted when Erik and Robyn arrived with Suka.

The next ten minutes were a flurry of activity, dressing in warm clothing and finding the best slope for their snowy adventure.

Christy slid her arm into Alix’s.

“I’ve never seen you this happy.”

Alix smiled. “I love Lapland.”

“Are you sure it’s just Lapland that you love? Sorry!” Laughing, Christy let go of Alix’s arm and raised her hands in apology. “I vowed that no matter what happened I wasn’t going to interfere in your love life.”

“I interfered with yours.”

“We’ll probably carry on interfering. We can’t help it.”